Technical Information Notice sent to dealerships to advise ofrevision changes to TSB "SR-20-003REV_2"
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Mitsubishi Lancer steering problems
moderate 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
When does it fail?
Of the 12 steering complaints filed for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Mitsubishi Lancer we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 12.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Revision to previous TSB SR-20-003 for the Crossmember recall. Added Warranty information for instances where subframe may fail and cause additional damage to unrelated parts. This bulletin provides directions for inspection and repair of affected vehicles' Crossmembers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a Technical Service Bulletin that was sent to dealers. The bulletin updates the Steering section of the affected Service Manuals to update the lubricant, sealant, special tools, and procedures used in replacement of the Tie Rod End Ball Joint Dust Cover, which are now serviceable parts, for vehicles with hydraulic power steering.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2008 Lancer has two major steering-related failure modes that keep appearing in this complaint cluster.
First is severe front subframe and crossmember corrosion. Owners report the subframe rusting so badly it disintegrates and separates from control arm mounting points, causing wheels to rotate off-axis and vehicles to pull sharply while turning. In one case the wheel was no longer attached to the subframe; in another it was breaking in two parts. This is critical because the subframe holds the wheels and engine in place. Mitsubishi excluded the 2008 Lancer from its 2002–2007 recall, yet Canada's Transport Canada recall (#2016317) covers 2003–2013 models. Owners confirm part numbers are identical to earlier recalled years and the Outlander (also recalled). Repair costs run into thousands; one owner faced a $2,000 bill. Mitsubishi refused coverage citing the model year exclusion.
Second is a persistent left-pull condition present from ownership or shortly after. Multiple alignment attempts fail to correct it—some cars pull left again days after being aligned. The result is accelerated, uneven tire wear on the outside edges. Owners report this as widespread on Lancer forums. Dealerships perform alignments and tire rotations without resolution. Mitsubishi closed warranty claims claiming even tire wear despite owner documentation of feathered, severely worn tires.
Failure modes owners describe
Subframe and crossmember corrosion
Severe rusting and rot of the front subframe/crossmember structure, causing the frame to disintegrate and detach from control arm mounting points. In one case the wheel was no longer attached at the bottom of the subframe; in another the crossmember was breaking in two parts. Owners note the 2008 Lancer is excluded from the recall covering 2002–2007 models, despite identical part numbers to recalled years and Canada's recall covering 2003–2013.
When: 123k miles; one case at 50 km/h turning; one case reported clunking before discovery
Symptoms owners cite: dramatic pulling to one side while driving; vehicle not turning when steering input applied; wheel rotating off-axis and touching car body; clunking noise from front end; visible rot/rust at subframe-to-control-arm connection
Repairs/costs cited: One owner cited $2000 repair cost for subframe replacement; mechanic stated entire frame replacement needed in another case; Canadian Tire technician noted part is identical to Outlander part (which is covered under recall)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mitsubishi declined recall coverage citing 2008 model year exclusion from 2002–2007 recall; Canada issued Transport Canada Recall #2016317 (2003–2013 Lancer and Outlander); Mitsubishi Customer Relations refused to cover repair on recalled 2008 model; related Dodge Caliber has extended warranty for same corrosion issue (2008–2012)
Persistent left-pull steering condition
Multiple owners report the vehicle pulling to the left from new, persisting through multiple alignment attempts. Owners state this is a widespread documented issue on Lancer enthusiast forums. One owner reported the pull shifts to the right after alignment. Tire wear becomes uneven and accelerated as a result. Dealerships perform alignments and tire rotations without resolving the problem; Mitsubishi closed complaint cases claiming even tire wear despite documented uneven feathering.
When: From first week of ownership; one case at 4,300 miles; happens during acceleration, braking, or coasting
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle pulling to left at 60–65 mph (sometimes right after alignment adjustment); pull worsens or reappears within days of alignment; uneven tire wear on outside edges and feathering; tires worn to tread wear indicators prematurely; aggressive pull more noticeable at higher speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple alignment attempts (5–6 times per owner) without lasting correction; tire rotation performed; one dealership blamed low tire pressure initially
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mitsubishi closed warranty claim stating vehicle is fine and tires have even wear despite customer documentation of feathered and uneven wear; dealerships report hearing nothing of this problem despite owner documentation of widespread forum discussion
Control arm corrosion and component failure
Front lower control arm bushings and outer tie rod end boots torn or deteriorating. In one case, the control arm was corroded, spring rusted through, and broke. Owner states parts should have been covered under recall but Mitsubishi refused reimbursement citing timing outside warranty period.
When: Repaired March 2019
Symptoms owners cite: torn bushings on lower control arms; torn boots on outer tie rod ends; rusted spring breakage
Repairs/costs cited: Repair completed in March 2019; owner submitted invoice and receipt to Mitsubishi
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mitsubishi refused to refund repair costs citing timing outside recall service period
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
I heard a clunking noise. Parked and found rotten parts on tire. Mechanic said it cannot be fixed. Everything rotted. Needs whole new frame. We could have been killed.thank god I was close to home. Now I have nothing but an existing car loan for it.
Had steering trouble with your 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 12 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 125,055 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Mitsubishi/Lancer.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.