Is the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer?

The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

◆ Worse than typical

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:44:43.728Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 91
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Suspension

Complaints per year

2008: 91 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1996	1
2000	1
2002	148
2003	199
2004	80
2005	24
2006	37
2007	2
2008	91
2009	98
2010	51
2011	34
2012	19
2013	5
2014	16
2015	23
2016	30
2017	6

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Suspension

25% · 23 reports

Most commonly citing front.

CRASHINJURY

Engine

14% · 13 reports

Steering

13% · 12 reports

Power train

12% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that after a while the system would erase any safety information used to track mileage and only show the GPS feature on the digital screen with information from 2004.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-08-28

Also filed under Electrical system

Structure

11% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing body.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

My SRS light just started coming on a few years ago before we were in an accident.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-10-09

Also filed under Electrical system and seat belts

We had car at a car dealer and the manufacturer declined doing the recall on the car for corrison on the front crossmember, telling us due to car has a total loss record on Carfax.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-18

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2008Complaint volume 91 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2009-05-04Service brakes, air09V077000 Mitsubishi is recalling 39,711 my 2008-2009 Outlander and lacer vehicles. Incorrect material composition of the brake booster check valve may cause the check valve to stick closed when the engine…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake booster check valve free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during April 2009. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2009-11-27Air bags09V435000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-10-15Engine and engine cooling14V562000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-02-27Visibility18V071000 Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Outlander, 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Evolution, and 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles equipped with sunroofs.

Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-003.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-08-07Structure, suspension20V279000 Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Suspension: 23 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 13 reports on file for this year.
Steering: 12 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 09V077000 · Service brakes, air
Recall 09V435000 · Air bags
Recall 14V562000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 18V071000 · Visibility
Recall 20V279000 · Structure, suspension

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer?: The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer have?: 5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.