Before you buy
This 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has 59 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION 2008 has 59 NHTSA complaints, with 40 related to transmission/drivetrain and 23 to electronic stability control. It also has 4 recalls. Buyers should inspect these systems carefully. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Mitsubishi
- Model
- Lancer Evolution
- Model year
- 2008
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 59
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Minor Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 19
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 22
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
Structural Problems
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Electronic Stability Control (Esc), Structural Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
The 2008 Lancer Evolution has significant transmission and stability control complaints, making it a high-risk purchase. Only consider if you are prepared for potential repairs and have a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Transmission and drivetrain failures can be costly, and ESC issues affect safety. These patterns indicate common problem areas that may require immediate attention.
May Suit
Enthusiasts willing to invest in maintenance and repairs, or those buying a well-documented, low-mileage example with a clean service history.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a reliable daily driver or those on a tight budget who cannot afford unexpected transmission or ESC repairs.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission for slipping, hard shifting, or unusual noises.
- Check electronic stability control system for warning lights or malfunctions.
- Examine structural integrity for rust or damage, especially around suspension mounts.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and drivetrain thoroughly.
- Verify all 4 recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, ESC, and fuel system repairs.
- Test drive to check for transmission slippage and ESC warning lights.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution shows a high number of transmission/drivetrain complaints (40) and electronic stability control issues (23). With 4 recalls and no crash-related complaints, buyers should prioritize inspecting these systems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Only one model year (2008) is analyzed, so no comparison to other years is available.
Recall context: With 4 recalls, verify all are completed before purchase and check for any outstanding safety issues.
- Transmission/drivetrain accounts for 40 of 59 total complaints.
- Electronic stability control has 23 complaints, the second most.
- No crash-related complaints were reported.
- Transmission / Drivetrain failures are the most reported issue.
- Electronic Stability Control malfunctions are common.
- Structural problems (5 complaints) and fuel system issues (4 complaints) are also noted.
Full breakdown
All 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 40 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 23 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 . THE LOCATION IS UNPROTECTED FROM THE ELEMENTS AND…
AYE/ HYDRALIC PUMP WAS NEVER CHANGED OUT WAS TOLD WHEN I WENT TO DO A MANUFACTURING RECAL THAT IT WORKED FINE WHEN IT DIDNT AND AFTER WARDS HIT PAST THE 100,000 MILES AND WAS AUTOMATICALLY UNABLE TO GET THE REPLACEMENT.
MITSUBISHI RECALL 09V077000 IN THE PAST FEW DAYS, I NOTICED THAT WHILE IN MOTION MY BREAKS WERE NOT REACTING WITH THEIR TYPICAL SPEED. WHEN I TOOK MY CAR INTO A MECHANIC, THEY SAID IT WAS AN ISSUE WITH MY CAR'S BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE AND THAT THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL REGAR…
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. I HAD NO IDEA WHAT THIS ISSUE WAS UNTIL 6 MONTHS LATER AND I JUST HAD REACHED 100,500 MILES ON T…
AYC PUMP FAILED CODE C161E. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THAT THE PUMP WAS FAILING DUE TO SALT CORROSION. THIS SHOULD OF BEEN A RECALL SINCE NURMEROUS OF OTHER CARS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE.
ACD/ACY RECALL. I PURCHASED MY 2008 EVO WITH 95000 MILES ON IT. SHORTLY AFTER I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE I WAS HAVING ISSUES WITH IT RUNNING LEAN AND MY AYC SERVICE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASH. I THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH 96000 MILES ON THE CAR IN HOPES FOR THEM TO H…
AYC PUMP FAILURE AT 44 THOUSAND MILES.
FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION CENTER DIFFERENTIAL PINS IN MANUAL 2008 MODELS. I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN THE CAR POPPED OUT OF GEAR TO NEUTRAL, THEN I SHIFTED TO 4TH AND POPPED OUT AGAIN TO NEUTRAL, I HAD TO QUICKLY SWERVE TO THE SHOULDER AND THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION LO…
RECALL FOR DEFECT, NOTICE OCTOBER 2014. *TR
ACD/ AYC PUMP FAILURE, ONE TIME I WAS DOING FLUID INSPECTION ON MY CAR WHEN I NOTICE THE CARS ATF FLUID RESERVOIR IN THE TRUNK IS LOSING OIL. LOOKED AT THE FLOOR FOUND SOME RED OIL DRIPPING. IT MAY HAVE SEEM THAT PUMP MAY HAVE BEEN FAILING TO HOLD PRESSURE AND LOSE OIL. POSSIBLE …
VEHICLE WAS IN COLD WEATHER, AYC SYSTEM LIGHT TURNED ON. I CHECKED THE FORUMS AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE THAT INDICATES THE PUMP IS BAD. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
IT WAS A COLD WINTER DAY, I STARTED DRIVING MY EVO TO A NEARBY GROCERY STORE. ENROUTE, THE AWD SYSTEM WOULD THROW A WARNING AND A DASHBOARD LIGHT LIT UP. I WAS CONCERNED, STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND NO LEAKS OR NO WEIRD NOISES. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO SNOW/TARMAC/G…
WHEN STARTING MY 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION GSR, I RECEIVED A WARNING MESSAGE ON THE CLUSTER DISPLAY SHOWING A YELLOW-ORANGE SYMBOL THAT SHOWS 4 WHEELS CONNECTED BY AXLES AND THE MIDDLE-SHAFT, WHERE THE FRONT TWO WHEELS ARE FACING AT AN ANGLE TO THE SIDE. THE ERROR CODE REA…
LOSS OF ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL. AYC/ACD PUMP FAILURE DUE TO POOR ENGINEERING. CAR HAS NO STABILITY CONTROL AND DRIVER IS MORE LIKELY TO LOSE CONTROL IN SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS. *TR
I HAVE BEEN THE ONLY OWNER OF THIS CAR AND AM LEARNING MUCH NOW THAT MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. I TOOK MY CAR TO BE DIAGNOSED AT FITZGERALD MITSUBISHI IN ANNAPOLIS MD, AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS AN 800 OR 3100 DOLLAR FIX, DEPENDING ON WHICH JOB NEEDED TO BE DONE. THE BIG FIX IS THE…
ACTIVE YAW CONTROL (AYC) AND ACTIVE CENTER DIFFERENTIAL (ACD) PUMP FAILED. NOT COVERED UNDER POWER TRAIN WARRANTY PUMP WAS CORRODED AND COULD NO LONGER PRODUCE ENOUGH PRESSURE. PUMP IN LOCATED DIRECTLY BEHIND PASSENGER REAR WHEEL EXPOSED TO WATER, SALT, AND OTHER ROAD DEBRIS. …
WENT TO DEALER FOR TRANSMISSION CHECK AND AFTER A MILE AWC LIGHT CAME ON THEY SAID IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH COMPUTER UPDATE THEY DID.MIND YOU MY TRANNY WAS GOING BAD AND DEALER DID NOT WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH IT EVEN UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL / S-AWC (TARMAC/GRAVEL/SNOW) INOPERABLE. TERRAIN SELECTION CAN BE PERFORMED AT 0MPH HOWEVER WHEN THE CAR IS PLACED IN MOTION: FORWARD / REVERSE, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATES THERE IS SERVICE REQUIRED IN THE AWD TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM. THIS IS APP…
ACD (ACTIVE CENTER DIFFERENTIAL) PUMP HAS FAILED AND WITHOUT THIS PUMP PROVIDING PRESSURE TO THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM, THE VEHICLE GETS STUCK ON DRIVEWAYS AT A STOP WHERE THE TIRE AND WHEEL PACKAGES ARE ON DIFFERENT ELEVATED SURFACES. THE REASON THE PUMP HAS FAILED IS DUE TO …
ACD (ACTIVE CENTER DIFFERENTIAL) PUMP FAILURE AT 43000 MILES. WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY BUT FAILED AGAIN 2 MONTHS AGO (LESS THAN 60000 MILES) JANUARY 2014. SO THE NEW PUMP INSTALLED DID NOT LAST FOR MORE THAN 15000 MILES. THIS IS A COMMON AND KNOWN ISSUE FOR ALL MITSUBISHI…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.
Safety recalls
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. With 4 recalls, verify all are completed before purchase and check for any outstanding safety issues. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution reliable?▾
Minor Issues. NHTSA currently shows 59 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2008 Lancer Evolution has significant transmission and stability control complaints, making it a high-risk purchase. Only consider if you are prepared for potential repairs and have a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (40 complaints). #2: Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (23 complaints). #3: Structural Problems (5 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 59 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. A major recall area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS. With 4 recalls, verify all are completed before purchase and check for any outstanding safety issues. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?▾
The 2008 Lancer Evolution has significant transmission and stability control complaints, making it a high-risk purchase. Only consider if you are prepared for potential repairs and have a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Transmission and drivetrain failures can be costly, and ESC issues affect safety. These patterns indicate common problem areas that may require immediate attention. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.