repaired · 2022 Q2
Structure: frame and members
Risk. A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
2008 Mitsubishi LancerProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 91 owner complaints about the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 18V-071 the manufacturer reports only 26% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 28, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer has problems
91 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
23Suspension3 crash/fire/injury
13Engine
12Steering
11Power train
10Structure2 crash/fire/injury
7Electrical system
7Air bags
6Tires
4Engine and engine cooling
2812 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 23 | 3 |
| Engine | 13 | 0 |
| Steering | 12 | 0 |
| Power train | 11 | 0 |
| Structure | 10 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 7 | 2 |
| Air bags | 7 | 4 |
| Tires | 6 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 1 |
| 12 other systems | 28 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer 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 · 2019 Q2
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
no report yet
Frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
Risk. THIS COATING OVER TIME MAY CAUSE CORROSION OF THE SENSOR.
Show 1 more recall
no report yet
Supply: check valve
Risk. THIS MAY TEMPORARILY INCREASE THE STOPPING DISTANCE OF THE VEHICLE AND THEREFORE INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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 suspension problems start?
116kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 20 suspension complaints. 45% were reported before 100,000 miles.
6under 30k miles9under 100k miles11100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other Lancer 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 median. How we score
'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer safety ratings
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer 4-DR w/SAB (Later release) in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 4 stars (12.1% risk)
- Stability control: Optional
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Lancer owners report
Recent suspension complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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. The contact…
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 contacted Mitsubishi Motors…
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 CURB. THE DRIVER…
Own a 2008 Lancer?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.