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2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 27.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

61 reports with mileage · 30 unknown

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.

  • Suspension. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports2 fire reports5 injury reports

What owners actually said

91 reports
4,300 miles · May 24, 2008
SteeringTires

THE CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT VERY STRONGLY, AND HAVE HAD THE CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP 3-4 TIMES TO HAVE THEM TRY AND FIX IT WITH NO AVAIL. THEY ALIGNED IT AND ROTATED THE TIRES, BUT THIS FIXED NOTHING. I STRESSED MY CONCERN WITH THIS THAT THE TIRES WOULD WEAR OUT FAST SINCE IT ISN'T ALIGNED RIGHT, AND NOW, AT 4300 MILES, ALL FOUR TIR…

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THE CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT VERY STRONGLY, AND HAVE HAD THE CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP 3-4 TIMES TO HAVE THEM TRY AND FIX IT WITH NO AVAIL. THEY ALIGNED IT AND ROTATED THE TIRES, BUT THIS FIXED NOTHING. I STRESSED MY CONCERN WITH THIS THAT THE TIRES WOULD WEAR OUT FAST SINCE IT ISN'T ALIGNED RIGHT, AND NOW, AT 4300 MILES, ALL FOUR TIRES ARE WORN OUT BAD, FEATHERED ON THE OUTSIDE, AND INSIDE IS ALMOST DOWN TO 2/32NDS, AND THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I FILED A CLAIM WITH MITUSBISHI THEMSELVES, AND AFTER REVIEWING THE CASE, SAID THE CAR IS FINE, AND ALL FOUR TIRES HAVE EVEN WEAR AND THEY CLOSED THE CASE, EVEN THOUGH ALL THE TIRES ARE WORN OUT DIFFERENT, SOME WORSE THAN OTHERS, AND THE CAR STILL PULLS TO THE LEFT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10228820

7,500 miles · May 16, 2008
StructureTires

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER. IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT NOTICED WATER ENTERING THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE DRIVER SIDE CABIN. ALSO, THE TIRES HAVE PREMATURE TREAD WEAR. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND A TECHNICIAN REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES AND PERFORMED A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER, …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER. IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT NOTICED WATER ENTERING THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE DRIVER SIDE CABIN. ALSO, THE TIRES HAVE PREMATURE TREAD WEAR. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND A TECHNICIAN REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES AND PERFORMED A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER, THE TIRE TREAD DISPLAYED ABNORMAL WEAR AGAIN. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO REALIGN THE TIRES AND REPLACE ALL FOUR AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED BECAUSE THE DEALER CANNOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,500 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 19,000.

NHTSA ODI #10227982

Mileage unknown · May 9, 2008
Power Train

THERE IS A OIL LEAK COMING OUT OF THE CRANK PULLEY, DID QUICK RESEARCH FOUND OUT I WASN'T THE ONLY ONE. THERE WAS A OIL RING AROUND THE PULLEY WHERE IT GOES INTO THE ENGINE AND IT NEEDS TO BE A FREE FIX OR RECALL I DON'T CARE BUT WHY WOULD I WANT TO KEEP A CAR THAT HAS THIS PROBLEM. I ALSO BOUGHT A NEW PULLEY FOR THE CAR AND CHE…

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THERE IS A OIL LEAK COMING OUT OF THE CRANK PULLEY, DID QUICK RESEARCH FOUND OUT I WASN'T THE ONLY ONE. THERE WAS A OIL RING AROUND THE PULLEY WHERE IT GOES INTO THE ENGINE AND IT NEEDS TO BE A FREE FIX OR RECALL I DON'T CARE BUT WHY WOULD I WANT TO KEEP A CAR THAT HAS THIS PROBLEM. I ALSO BOUGHT A NEW PULLEY FOR THE CAR AND CHECKED ON IT 6 MONTHS LATER AND THE RING WAS THERE ALSO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10227161

8,678 miles · Apr 16, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

SEAL FOR CRANKSHAFT PULLEY WEARS A RING THE THE PULLEY CAUSING THE PULLEY TO BECOME LOOSE AND LEAK OIL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10224766

100 miles · Feb 11, 2008
SteeringSuspension

MY 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER PULLS TO THE LEFT. THIS HAPPENS WHEN ACCELERATING, BRAKING OR COASTING ON BOTH CROWNED AND UNCROWNED ROADS. IT IS A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM ON INTERNET WEB FORUMS FOR LANCER ENTHUSIASTS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10217765

7,000 miles · Oct 24, 2007
Power Train

IN RELATION TO THE MITSUBISHI LANSER 2008, WITH SLAT OF PUERTO RICO GZN-191 AND ACQUIRED IN THE MOTIVE DEALER BERRIOS CORP. DE HUMACAO, IN MAY, 2007. THIS VEHICLE A NOISE PRESENTS IN THE TRANSMISSION FOR WHAT WAS LED TO GUARANTEE, TODAY ON OCTOBER 24, 2007 TO THE DEALER BEFORE MENTIONED, HERE IT WAS INSPECTED BY THE ING. MR.. FI…

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IN RELATION TO THE MITSUBISHI LANSER 2008, WITH SLAT OF PUERTO RICO GZN-191 AND ACQUIRED IN THE MOTIVE DEALER BERRIOS CORP. DE HUMACAO, IN MAY, 2007. THIS VEHICLE A NOISE PRESENTS IN THE TRANSMISSION FOR WHAT WAS LED TO GUARANTEE, TODAY ON OCTOBER 24, 2007 TO THE DEALER BEFORE MENTIONED, HERE IT WAS INSPECTED BY THE ING. MR.. FILOMENO RAMOS LOPEZ LIC. * 2224. WHO DETERMINES THAT HAS TO STOOP THE TRANSMISSION OF THE VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED. FOR WHAT IN THIS LETTER I AM EXPRESSING MY OPINION, WHILE TO THAT WE DO NOT AGREE IN THE DECISION THOUGHT BY THE ING., IN HER(IT) OF REPAIRING THE TRANSMISSION OF THE VEHICLE. SINCE OF OUR PART ONE WAS DONE SACRIFICE TO OBTAIN A NEW VEHICLE, IN WHERE NO TYPE WAS HAD OF MECHANICAL DIFFICULTIES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10206762

Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 2007
Electrical System

I HAD PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER IN APRIL 2007. AFTER HAVING THE CAR ONLY 2 WEEKS, IT WOULD NOT START. I BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS TESTED AND EXAMINED. ALL TESTS CAME BACK PERFECT. FROM THEN ON MY CAR WOULD INTERMITTENTLY NOT START. EVERY TIME I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. IT WAS IN THE SHOP…

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I HAD PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER IN APRIL 2007. AFTER HAVING THE CAR ONLY 2 WEEKS, IT WOULD NOT START. I BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS TESTED AND EXAMINED. ALL TESTS CAME BACK PERFECT. FROM THEN ON MY CAR WOULD INTERMITTENTLY NOT START. EVERY TIME I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. IT WAS IN THE SHOP 6 TIME FOR A TOTAL OF ABOUT 3 1/2 WEEKS! NOTHING COULD BE DETECTED THEREFORE NOTHING WAS EVER FIXED!! I FILED A CLAIM WITH MITSUBISHI AND MY CAR WAS FINALLY DEEMED A LEMON. I HAD RECEIVED ANOTHER BRAND NEW 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER IN OCTOBER 2007. NOW IT BEING ABOUT 2 WEEKS SINCE HAVING THE CAR, I AM EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM!!!! THE CAR JUST WON'T START. THERE HAS TO BE SOMEONE ELSE THAT OWNS ONE OF THESE CARS THAT IS HAVING THE SAME ISSUES??!! I CANNOT BE THE ONLY PERSON THAT PURCHASED TWO BRAND NEW CARS THAT TURNED OUT TO BE LEMONS!!!!!!!!!!!!! *JB

NHTSA ODI #10205785

Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 2007
Electrical System

I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER IN APRIL 2007. AFTER ONLY OWNING THE CAR FOR 2 WEEKS IT WOULDN'T START. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WHERE IT WAS TESTED AND EXAMINED. ALL TEST CAME BACK PERFECT. FROM THEN ON THE CAR WOULD INTERMITTENTLY NOT START. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP EVERY TIME THIS OCCURRE…

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I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER IN APRIL 2007. AFTER ONLY OWNING THE CAR FOR 2 WEEKS IT WOULDN'T START. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WHERE IT WAS TESTED AND EXAMINED. ALL TEST CAME BACK PERFECT. FROM THEN ON THE CAR WOULD INTERMITTENTLY NOT START. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP EVERY TIME THIS OCCURRED. IT WAS IN THE SHOP 6 TIMES AND FOR A TOTAL OF ABOUT 3 1/2 WEEKS. THE PROBLEM COULD NEVER BE DETECTED AND THERE FOR NEVER FIXED. I FILED A CLAIM WITH MITSUBISHI AND THE CAR WAS FINALLY DEEMED A LEMON. I RECEIVED ANOTHER BRAND NEW 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER IN OCTOBER 2007. NOW AFTER HAVING THIS CAR FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS, THE PROBLEM IS RE-OCCURRING!! IT JUST WON'T START. THERE HAS TO BE MORE 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER OWNERS OUT THERE THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME PROBLEM. WHAT ARE THE ODDS THAT I HAVE PURCHASED THE ONLY TWO BRAND NEW CARS THAT ARE LEMONS!!!! *JB

NHTSA ODI #10205780

1,000 miles · Oct 12, 2007
Wheels

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL WOBBLED. APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURES ON BOTH OCCASIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,000. *UPDATED 12/12/07 *BF

NHTSA ODI #10205501

Mileage unknown · Sep 26, 2007
Exterior Lighting

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL. HE NOTICED THAT THE MANUAL PROVIDED INCOMPLETE AND INACCURATE INFORMATION ON HOW TO REPLACE THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY. HE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT HE NEEDED TO TAKE HIS VE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL. HE NOTICED THAT THE MANUAL PROVIDED INCOMPLETE AND INACCURATE INFORMATION ON HOW TO REPLACE THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY. HE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT HE NEEDED TO TAKE HIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE BULB REPLACED. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 287.

NHTSA ODI #10204190

Official recalls

5

20V279000 · Structure:frame And Members; Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

May 18, 2020

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Structure:frame And Members

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.

Consequence: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

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.

Consequence: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.

18V071000 · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly

Jan 26, 2018

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

14V562000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys

Sep 12, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-009.

09V435000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

Nov 5, 2009

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, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN AREAS WHERE HEAVY ROAD SALT IS USED IN THE WINTER, A LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO A MIXTURE OF MELTED SNOW WITH SALT THROWN UP BY THE OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD MAY CAUSE A WATER-SALT MIXTURE TO ADHERE TO THE FRONT IMPACT SENSORS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COATING OVER TIME MAY CAUSE CORROSION OF THE SENSOR. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH OF THE TYPE THAT WOULD DEPLOY THE AIRBAGS THIS TYPE OF SHORT-CIRCUIT MAY CAUSE A DELAY IN THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS WHICH COULD RESULT IN DRIVER OR PASSENGER INJURY.

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 CONTACT MITSUBISHI CUSTOMER RELATIONS DEPARTMENT AT 1-888-648-7820.

09V077000 · Service Brakes, Air:supply:check Valve

Mar 10, 2009

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 IS SHUT OFF. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RE-STARTED AND PUT INTO MOTION, UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS (VERY SLOW VEHICLE MANEUVERS), THERE MAY BE INSUFFICIENT INITIAL BRAKING ASSIST.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS MAY TEMPORARILY INCREASE THE STOPPING DISTANCE OF THE VEHICLE AND THEREFORE INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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.

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.