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2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 91 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer, most often about the suspension (25% of complaints, typically around 116,500 miles). It is 4th of 17 Lancer model years by number of complaints and has 5 recalls.
Most common 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer problems
Suspension
23 complaints · 25%Half of these problems showed up before 116,500 miles. Parts named most often: front.
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 stated no air bags…
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 later received notification of NHTSA…
Engine
16 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 110,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system.
I received a recall notice for the drive belt, however, the dealer stated that the parts are on back order. I explained that the car is making a noise and I am concerned about the safety of driving the car. Their response is that I should bring the car in to get looked at. This now involves me having to take time off…
The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that the service engine warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 14v562000 (engine and engine cooling) and stated that the part was not available for several months. The dealer did not give a specific date…
Steering
12 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 38,000 miles.
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…
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 straight. I look under the vehicle to find…
Transmission
11 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 89,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline, manual transmission.
While coming of the off-ramp, the vehicle lost pressure in the clutch pedal. Upon further investigation, there was fluid leaking from the clutch master cylinder. It has been noted that clutch master cylinder in 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer es (base model) is the same as one being recalled in 2008-2013 Mitsubishi Lancer…
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 the safety features. Upon further…
Body and structure
10 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 64,000 miles. Parts named most often: body.
Tl 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…
The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the cross member and k frame fractured. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was placed on a lift, inspected the vehicle, and diagnosed that there was extensive rust and corrosion. The dealer indicated that the parts needed to…
Wheels and tires
9 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 7,500 miles. Parts named most often: tread/belt, pressure monitoring and regulating systems.
Tl 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…
Car constantly pulls to left, even after repeat alignments by dealer. Has been services 3 times within 9 months. No improvement has been made. Front tires are now going bald after 10,000 miles.
Brakes
9 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 17,500 miles. Parts named most often: supply, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.
I have had several problems of which I have had my car in to the Mitsubishi dealer to check out to find out that they could find out nothing. The brakes gave out once and I had to use my emergency brake to stop. Thank god I did not hit anyone. They seemed to work afterwards. The car would not start and this would…
I took my car to veracom Mitsubishi san mateo c.a. Where I purchased my 2008 Mitsubishi gts for the recall id # 09v077000 - service brakes, air:supply:check valve - , they denied the recalled and services on my vehicle and check there computer systems and showed me there was no recalled for this car and problems. I…
Electrical
7 complaints · 8%My son was attempting to stop at a red light when the brakes started to pulse uncontrollably, and the brake pedal when down to the floor. Also the ABS light lit up. Unfortunately he could not stop in time and he hit the car in front of him. Three weeks later after the car was repaired, I went to go start the car and…
Blower motor has failed three times. Blower motors on later manufactured vehicles were recalled several years ago because the blower motor may fail. This vehicle exhibits the same symptoms described as that recall but is outside the scope.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer recalls
Body and structure: frame and members
Risk: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Visibility and wipers: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Engine: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: sensor/control module-inactive
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Brakes: check valve
Risk: This may temporarily increase the stopping distance of the vehicle and therefore increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: suspension (23 complaints, typically around 116,500 miles); engine (16 complaints, typically around 110,000 miles); steering (12 complaints, typically around 38,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer have?
- 5 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from May 18, 2020 (body and structure). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2008 a bad year for the Mitsubishi Lancer?
- It is 4th of 17 Lancer model years by number of complaints, with 91 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.