Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 19 of 23 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Power Train. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electronic Stability Control (esc). Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Structure. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
THE PAINT IS CHIPPING ON THE BOTTOM SIDE, OF THE BACK REAR DOORS NEXT TO THE FENDER. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. AS TALKED IN THE FORUMS IN EDMUNDS.COM I HAVE A 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION, WITH 3,500 MILES ON IT AND THE PAINT IS COMING OFF THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW, AND MITSUBISHI WONT DO ANYTHING I NEVER DROVE MY CAR IN GRAVEL…
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THE PAINT IS CHIPPING ON THE BOTTOM SIDE, OF THE BACK REAR DOORS NEXT TO THE FENDER. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. AS TALKED IN THE FORUMS IN EDMUNDS.COM I HAVE A 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION, WITH 3,500 MILES ON IT AND THE PAINT IS COMING OFF THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW, AND MITSUBISHI WONT DO ANYTHING I NEVER DROVE MY CAR IN GRAVEL, I THINK THE DESIGN FLAW HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE AERODYNAMICS OF THE CAR, AND POOR PAINT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10265978
Mileage unknown · Dec 2, 2008
Structure
PAINT CHIPPING PREMATURELY ON A NEW CAR. THE VEHICLE STARTED GETTING CHIPS ON THE FINISH JUST AFTER A FEW HUNDRED MILES. THIS HAPPENS ON THE LOWER PASSENGER DOOR AREAS. THE CAR IS NOT DRIVEN OFF ROAD. I BELIEVE THIS IS COMING FROM THE TIRES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10250468
450 miles · Sep 14, 2008
Structure
LESS THAN A WEEK AFTER PURCHASING MY NEW 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION GSR I NOTICED ROCK CHIPS IN THE LOWER REAR CORNERS OF THE REAR DOORS, JUST AHEAD OF THE CLEAR PROTECTIVE FILM ALREADY INSTALLED BY THE MANUFACTURER TO PREVENT PAINT CHIPPING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10242116
1,200 miles · Aug 23, 2008
Structure
THE CAR WILL KICK UP ANY SMALL ROCKS AND CHIP THE REAR DOORS AND SIDE SKIRTS. I HAVE INSTALLED MUD GUARDS, BUT DOES NOT HELP EITHER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10239442
Official recalls
0
No recalls in this snapshot.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year