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Cross-comparison · Comparison spans different vehicle types

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution vs 2008 Toyota Sequoia

Reliability comparison based on NHTSA recall and complaint records.

Synced 2026-05-03 Source: NHTSA public records Reviewed by ASE-certified contributors
Quick verdict
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and 2008 Toyota Sequoia run close on the data

Reliability scores are close enough (4.0 versus 4.0) that the choice between these two probably comes down to specific use case rather than overall reliability scoring.

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

4.0/5
Reliability score
59 complaints
0 recalls (0 critical)
$5,900 repair exposure
vs

2008 Toyota Sequoia

4.0/5
Reliability score
65 complaints
0 recalls (0 critical)
$10,550 repair exposure

Stories from the shop

Reliability scores run close (4.0 versus 4.0). The pick comes down to specific use case more than overall reliability scoring.

If you lean 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, know what you're getting into on powertrain and fuel system. Those categories have noticeably more complaints than the 2008 Toyota Sequoia sees, and they're not cheap items when they go.

Going with the 2008 Toyota Sequoia? Watch the body and engine. The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has fewer reports in those categories, so you'd be trading one set of weak spots for another.

On the dollars-and-cents side, total repair exposure across the top problem areas runs 1.8x higher on the 2008 Toyota Sequoia. That's the number to keep in mind when you're pricing the deal — a $2,000 difference in purchase price disappears the first time you're staring at a transmission rebuild.

Bottom line: pick based on use case more than the spec sheet. If you tow heavy and don't want to think about it, that's one calculation. If you're a daily driver and want the cheapest path forward, that's another. Both of these will get you down the road. We're just telling you where each one is most likely to break.

— ProblemsByVin editorial team, drawing on the NHTSA data and shop experience.

Side-by-side by problem area

Category
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
2008 Toyota Sequoia
powertrain
36 reports
moderate · ~$2,500
7 reports
severe · ~$2,500
body
5 reports
moderate · ~$1,500
12 reports
moderate · ~$1,500
engine
No reports
7 reports
moderate · ~$3,100
cruise control
No reports
6 reports
moderate · ~$600
suspension
No reports
5 reports
severe · ~$900
fuel system
4 reports
moderate · ~$1,200
No reports
brakes
No reports
4 reports
moderate · ~$450
electrical
No reports
4 reports
moderate · ~$850
seatbelts
No reports
4 reports
moderate · ~$500
steering
3 reports
moderate · ~$700
No reports

Common questions

Which is more reliable, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution or the 2008 Toyota Sequoia?

It's close to a tie. Both vehicles score within 0.2 points on our reliability index (4.0 vs 4.0). At this margin, either choice is defensible — base your decision on the specific failure modes that matter to you.

What goes wrong more often on the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?

Compared to the 2008 Toyota Sequoia, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution sees more reported issues in powertrain and fuel system. That doesn't mean it's a bad truck — it means those are the categories worth budgeting for if you go that direction.

What goes wrong more often on the 2008 Toyota Sequoia?

Compared to the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, the 2008 Toyota Sequoia has more complaints in body and engine. Whether that's a deal-breaker depends on the cost and severity — see the comparison table above for repair cost ranges.

Which has more recalls?

Both vehicles have 0 active recalls. Total recall count alone isn't a great signal — what matters is severity. See the recall counts by severity in the comparison table.

Is an extended warranty worth it on either of these?

Both vehicles are out of factory bumper-to-bumper coverage at this point. Combined repair exposure across the top problem categories runs around $10,550 on the higher-risk vehicle. A quality service contract typically costs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years, so a single major failure usually pays for the contract. The math favors warranty coverage on whichever vehicle you choose, especially if you plan to keep it past 100,000 miles.

Related comparisons

Reliability scores, complaint counts, and severity ratings derived from the NHTSA public records database. "Repair exposure" is the sum of average independent-shop repair costs across each vehicle's tracked problem categories and is intended as a relative comparison, not an exact prediction. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. Some links on this page are affiliate links.
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