2008 Mitsubishi Lancer: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 91 complaints, with Suspension Failures as the top reported area.
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer 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. 4 trims analysed.
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer 4-DR w/SAB (Later release)Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated12.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
12.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer has 91 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Suspension Failures. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Mitsubishi
- Model
- Lancer
- Model year
- 2008
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 91
- Crash-related complaints
- 8
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Suspension Failures
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 24
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 22 / 29
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Most Common 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Suspension Failures
Engine Problems
Steering Defects
Complaint patterns center on Suspension Failures, Engine Problems, Steering Defects. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer?
The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
Inspection Focus
- Inspect suspension components (struts, control arms) for wear or damage.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, steering, and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect suspension components (struts, control arms) for wear or damage.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, steering, and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
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 91 NHTSA complaints for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer, issues appear concentrated in suspension, engine, and steering components. Crash-related complaints number 8, and there are 5 recalls. However, confidence is low due to limited data.
- Suspension failures account for the largest share of complaints (23 out of 91).
- Engine problems are the second most reported issue (17 complaints).
- Steering defects are noted in 12 complaints.
- Suspension failures are the most frequently reported component issue.
- Engine problems are a recurring theme in the complaint data.
- Steering defects appear in a notable number of complaints.
All 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension Failures | 23 | 2 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 17 | — | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 7 | 4 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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. The contact stated he used the digital screen for t…
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. The vehicle total loss record was for a accident that didn't effect that part of the car that's un…
The dealership that is repairing the drive belt recall, is attempting to charge me for the replacement of a damaged pulley.
The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated while her daughter was driving 45 mph, the vehicle began to roll out of the road and she was unable to steer back into the road. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle rolled over into a ditch…
Our car crashed after getting off the highway in NJ. This appears to be related to Safety Recall Report 20V-279. The cross member has completely rusted and the driver side control arm came off, crashing the car and severely damaging the car, with loss of control. I have contacte…
The airbags light came on after I bought the car and I am afraid of I get in an accident they will not deploy my mechanic said I would have to go to a car dealership about it... The brakes also fail if I try to stop abruptly they go to the floor and do not stop the vehicle... The…
Air bag light turn on and off
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING AT 25 MPH, WHEN THE CROSS MEMBER SNAPPED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND JUMPED THE CU…
FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS -TEARING BUSHINGS, TORN BOOTS BOTH OUTER TIE ROD ENDS - TORN BOOTS TIMING COVER SEPARATE
I HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE. PARKED AND FOUND ROTTEN PARTS ON TIRE. MECHANIC SAID IT CANNOT BE FIXED. EVERYTHING ROTTED. NEEDS WHOLE NEW FRAME. WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED.THANK GOD I WAS CLOSE TO HOME. NOW I HAVE NOTHING BUT AN EXISTING CAR LOAN FOR IT.
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING THE LIGHT STATING SLOW DOWN APPEARS ON DASHBOARD I HAVE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD TURN OFF ENGINE AND WAIT BETWEEN 10 TO 20 MINS BEFORE IM ABLE TO DRIVE AGAIN THERE ARE MANY COMPLAIN…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V279000 (STRUCTURE, SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED SUNNYSIDE MITSUBISHI (7630 PEARL RD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OH 4…
MY SRS LIGHT JUST STARTED COMING ON A FEW YEARS AGO BEFORE WE WERE IN AN ACCIDENT. WHEN WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO CHECK IT, THEY SAID IT WAS A COSTLY REPAIR AND IS ONLY TO REMOVE THE LIGHT...BUT THAT THE AIRBAGS WOULD STILL DEPLOY IF WE WERE IN AN ACCIDENT. SINCE THEN, WE'VE …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 20V279000 (STRUCTURE, SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIM…
THE CONTROL ARM WAS CORRODED AND SPRING RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKE. HAD REPAIRED IN MARCH OF 2019. SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER RECALL. SENT INVOICE AND RECEIPT TO MITSUBISHI HOWEVER THEY ARE SAYING IT DID NOT MEET TIME FRAME FOR REPAIR AND ARE REFUSING TO REFUND ANY OF MY REPAIR COSTS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CROSSMEMBER BEAMS WERE RUSTED THROUGH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MAX MATSON MITSUBISHI DEALER LOCATED AT 3990 OGDEN AVE, AURORA, IL 60504, WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE CONTACT …
HAS ACTIVE RECALL I WANT THE SUNROOF REPLACE NOT JUST INSPECTED I WANT IT FIXED TO AVOID FUTURE PROBLEM OF FLYING OFFER LEAKING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY LOOSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL MOVED FROM THE CENTER WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE STRAIGHT. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND HAD TH…
I PURCHASED A USED 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER WITH 163K MILES ON IT FROM A THIRD PARTY. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR TWO OPEN RECALLS. THE DEALER CALLED ME THE NEXT MORNING AND EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THE SUBFRAME IS CORRODED AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. IN FACT THE DEALER ADVISED T…
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR TO WORK THIS MORNING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I FELT A DRASTIC PULL TO THE LEFT. I GET OUT OF THE CAR AND LOOK AT ALL SIDES OF THE VEHICLE AND DON'T NOTICE ANYTHING RIGHT AWAY. THEN I NOTICE MY LEFT FRONT WHEEL IS TURNED SLIGHTLY WHILE THE STEERING WHEEL IS STRAIG…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer.
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 91 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. 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?▾
#1: Suspension Failures (23 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (17 complaints). #3: Steering Defects (12 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer, NHTSA complaints include 8 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 91 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. A major recall area is STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer?▾
The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Suspension Failures 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 VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Mitsubishi Lancer reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
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.