Worst 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Suspension Failures
Engine Problems
Steering Defects
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension Failures | 22 | 2 | — | 88,587 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 13 | — | — | 119,200 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 12 | — | — | 75,068 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 7 | 2 | — | 81,500 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 7 | — | — | 111,338 mi | |
| Body Structure | 7 | 1 | — | 64,156 mi | |
| Airbags | 6 | 4 | — | 65,944 mi | |
| Tire Defects | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Brakes | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Engine & Cooling | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Automatic Transmission | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Air:Supply:Check Valve | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Side/Window | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline:Belts And Associated Pulleys | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Driveline | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~363,764 vehicles.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
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. The sunroof glass may detach from the sunroof assembly, becoming a road hazard to other vehicles.
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. The affected vehicles, manufactured with 4B1 engines, have an engine pulley and belt arrangement for turning the alternator, the cooling fan and the power steering pump (if equipped). These pulleys may experience unusual wear and allow for belt detachment.
Other Mitsubishi Lancer Years
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?
What are common problems with the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer?
How safe is the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Does the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Mitsubishi Lancer reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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