repaired · 2016 Q1
Gasoline: belts and associated pulleys
Risk. If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer EvolutionProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 36 owner complaints about the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, most often about the power train. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-562 the manufacturer reports only 45% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 25, 2018. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has problems
36 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
26Power train
19Electronic stability control (ESC)
3Fuel system, gasoline
2Equipment adaptive/mobility
1Suspension
1Tires
1Vehicle speed control
1Engine and engine cooling
1Seats
11 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 26 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 19 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 3 | 0 |
| Equipment adaptive/mobility | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 |
| 1 other systems | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2015 Q1
Power train: manual transmission
Risk. Failure of the clutch master cylinder reduces the ability to shift the vehicle into or out of gear, increasing the risk of a crash.
no report yet
Frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
Risk. THIS COATING OVER TIME MAY CAUSE CORROSION OF THE SENSOR.
no report yet
Fuel system, other: delivery
Risk. IF THIS STRESS CRACK DEVELOPS, FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mitsubishi.
Mileage at failure
When do power train problems start?
48kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 25 power train complaints. 96% were reported before 100,000 miles.
5under 30k miles24under 100k miles1100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other Lancer Evolution year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Lancer Evolution median. How we score
'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution safety ratings
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 4-DR w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Lancer Evolution owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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 GASKET FAILURE OR…
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/GRAVEL MODE.…
Own a 2008 Lancer Evolution?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.