2008 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO
Only 23 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 23 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 2 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2006 | 10 |
| 2008 | 23 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 23 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
14 of 23 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
I BROUGHT MY CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP IN 2016 FOR A FLASHING TARAMIC LIGHT AND THEY TOLD THERE WASN'T ANYTHING WRONG. WHICH I LATER FOUND OUT THAT THEY NEGLETED TO LOOK INTO THE ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180203
AT 72,000 MILES I WAS EXPERIENCING ISSUES THAT HAD TO DO WITH THE IDLING OF MY CAR. AT STOPLIGHTS IT WOULD DIE UNEXPECTEDLY AND/OR JUST IDLE EXTREMELY ROUGH AS THE RPM'S WOULD LOWER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120709
THE GEAR SHIFTS ARE EXTREMELY NOTCHY AND CAUSE FREQUENT GRINDING WHEN SHIFTING TO GEARS 2 AND 3. IT DOES NOT MATTER IF I AM UPSHIFTING OR DOWNSHIFTING. THE PROBLEM IS PRONOUNCED DURING COLD ENGINE CONDITIONS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080813
4 of 23 total reports mention: electronic stability control (esc).
Show complaint excerpts
ALL MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION X FROM YEARS 2008 THROUGH THE CARS FINAL GEAR IN 2015 SUFFER FROM A DESIGN FLAW TO THE S-AWC SYSTEM. THE ACTIVE YAW CONTROL / ACTIVE CENTER DIFFERENTIAL SYSTEM RELIES ON A PUMP IN ORDER TO OPERATE .
NHTSA ODI report, 20190404
DURING COLD WEATHER (APPROXIMATELY 40 DEGREES OR LESS) DURING THE EVENING, MY SUPER ALL-WHEEL-CONTROL SERVICING LIGHT WAS TRIGGERED DURING A LOW SPEED TURN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130513
4 of 23 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
LESS THAN A WEEK AFTER PURCHASING MY NEW 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION GSR I NOTICED ROCK CHIPS IN THE LOWER REAR CORNERS OF THE REAR DOORS, JUST AHEAD OF THE CLEAR PROTECTIVE FILM ALREADY INSTALLED BY THE MANUFACTURER TO PREVENT PAINT CHIPPING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080914
THE CAR WILL KICK UP ANY SMALL ROCKS AND CHIP THE REAR DOORS AND SIDE SKIRTS. I HAVE INSTALLED MUD GUARDS, BUT DOES NOT HELP EITHER. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20080823
3 of 23 total reports mention: steering.
1 of 23 total reports mentions: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
MITSUBISHI RECALL 09V077000 IN THE PAST FEW DAYS, I NOTICED THAT WHILE IN MOTION MY BREAKS WERE NOT REACTING WITH THEIR TYPICAL SPEED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180213
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electronic stability control (esc) issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (4 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 61% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.