2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 98 |
| 2004 | 0 |
| 2005 | 14 |
| 2006 | 24 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 36 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2010 | 28 |
| 2011 | 11 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
72% of complaints: power train — 26 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
SATURDAY MORNING I WARMED UP MY CAR FOR 5 MINUTES. STARTED TO DRIVE MY CAR FOR ABOUT 15 SECONDS, AWD SERVICE REQUIRED POPPED UP ON MY DISPLAY. I STOPPED THE CAR AND BROUGHT IT BACK HOME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130422
53% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 19 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
SATURDAY MORNING I WARMED UP MY CAR FOR 5 MINUTES. STARTED TO DRIVE MY CAR FOR ABOUT 15 SECONDS, AWD SERVICE REQUIRED POPPED UP ON MY DISPLAY. I STOPPED THE CAR AND BROUGHT IT BACK HOME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130422
MITSUBISHI MOTORS OF AMERICA HAS A AWD ECU SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR VEHICLES SPECIFICALLY DRIVEN IN COLD CONDITIONS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20091012
8% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 3 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
THERE IS A STRONG FUEL SMELL IN THE CABIN WHEN I AM ON THE HIGHWAY DOING 70MPH, I HAVE TRIED TO CHECK IT OUT BUT THERE ARE NO APPARENT FUEL LEAKS, MY MECHANIC SUSPECTS THE EVAPORATOR SYSTEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120408
6% of complaints: equipment adaptive/mobility — 2 distinct reports on file.
3% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 1 distinct report on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 LANCER EVOLUTION, RALLIART, AND SPORTBACK RALLIART VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TURBOCHARGED ENGINES. THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FUEL RETURN PIPE IS ATTACHED TO TH
Remedy: THE FUEL RETURN PIPE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW PART AND TWO ADDITIONAL ATTACHMENT BRACKETS WILL BE INSTALLED TO BETTER CONTROL FUEL PIPE VIBRATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. TH
Campaign 09V349000 — check if this car was fixed
MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 LANCER AND LANCER EVOLUTION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY,
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FRONT AIRBAG SENSORS THAT HAVE IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANCE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTAC
Campaign 09V435000 — check if this car was fixed
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured from December 12, 2007, through March 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the clutch master cylinder can fail.
Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected clutch master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on November 12, 2013. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820.
Campaign 13V446000 — check if this car was fixed
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Outlander; 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Rilliart, and Lancer Sportback Ralliart; and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles.
Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2014.
Campaign 14V562000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electronic stability control (esc) issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09V349000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V435000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V446000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V562000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 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 Evolution?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 72% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.