Most common 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems
Share of the 36 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution complaints by model year
Best Lancer Evolution years: 2009, 2015, 2014. Years to avoid: 2003, 2008, 2010, 2006. Compare all years →
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution recalls (4)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
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.
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.
Power train › Manual transmission
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured from December 12, 2007, through March 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the clutch master cylinder can fail.
Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected clutch master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on November 12, 2013. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820.
Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive
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…
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.
Fuel system, other › Delivery
Mitsubishi is recalling model year 2008-2009 lancer evolution, ralliart, and sportback ralliart vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines. The manner in which the fuel return pipe is attached to the engine, in combination with frequent vehicle operation at certain engine revolutions, May result in a resonance that, if…
Remedy: The fuel return pipe will be replaced with a new part and two additional attachment brackets will be installed to better control fuel pipe vibration. This service will be performed free of charge.
What 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 26 →
Mitsubishi motors of America has a AWD ECU software update for vehicles specifically driven in cold conditions. Dealerships and Mitsubishi corporate have denied my claim to obtain this software because my car was sold in california and they have said it is not eligible. I take my vehicle every year up in the sierra nevada mountain range where temperature conditions are similar to any of the northern states within the service bulletin. The Mitsubishi service bulletin number is sc-09-002 also available here on google docs to read ( http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0bznigp9lgbk8ntu5otrinjgtztjhmc00mjy0lwi2nmmtowzhzju1nzfkndcz&hl=en) it states that "this reprogramming procedure will modify the all-wheel-control (awc) ECU software to accurately match the operations check of the ayc/acd motor with current ambient conditions. …
On Monday 2013 April 22 I [redacted] (owner of vehicle) was getting off my shift at approximately 0700 hours from bethel twp pd; where I work as a patrolman. The temperature was fairly mild 60-65f, I started my 2008 Mitsubishi Evolution 10 to let it warm up like I always have for approximately ten minutes. I put my evo in gear and on the center l.e.d. Screen I received the c161 message which indicates s-awc failure or super all wheel control. This effects everything with the cars' suspension stability, yaw control, and the "Smart breaking" feature. For an un-experienced driver this could be catastrophic. Knowing the importance of this I was forced to bring the car to springfield Mitsubishi in springfield, pa. [phone]. Now I'm stuck with a $2132.00 bill and the car is still in the lot because I don't have the $2132.00 to "shell" out. …
Stability & traction control
Mitsubishi motors of America has a AWD ECU software update for vehicles specifically driven in cold conditions. Dealerships and Mitsubishi corporate have denied my claim to obtain this software because my car was sold in california and they have said it is not eligible. I take my vehicle every year up in the sierra nevada mountain range where temperature conditions are similar to any of the northern states within the service bulletin. The Mitsubishi service bulletin number is sc-09-002 also available here on google docs to read ( http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0bznigp9lgbk8ntu5otrinjgtztjhmc00mjy0lwi2nmmtowzhzju1nzfkndcz&hl=en) it states that "this reprogramming procedure will modify the all-wheel-control (awc) ECU software to accurately match the operations check of the ayc/acd motor with current ambient conditions. …
On Monday 2013 April 22 I [redacted] (owner of vehicle) was getting off my shift at approximately 0700 hours from bethel twp pd; where I work as a patrolman. The temperature was fairly mild 60-65f, I started my 2008 Mitsubishi Evolution 10 to let it warm up like I always have for approximately ten minutes. I put my evo in gear and on the center l.e.d. Screen I received the c161 message which indicates s-awc failure or super all wheel control. This effects everything with the cars' suspension stability, yaw control, and the "Smart breaking" feature. For an un-experienced driver this could be catastrophic. Knowing the importance of this I was forced to bring the car to springfield Mitsubishi in springfield, pa. [phone]. Now I'm stuck with a $2132.00 bill and the car is still in the lot because I don't have the $2132.00 to "shell" out. …
Fuel & propulsion system
The smell of raw fuel engulfing the inside of the car making it near unbearable to drive without feeling dizzy or sick. This can't be safe. No visible leaks and the dealer cannot figure out why this is happening. This is unsafe and I'm assuming can lead to a fire. It can also incapacitate the driver and passengers due to the fumes which could cause an accident if this happens while the car is in motion.
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution mr cabin fuel fumes / strong smell. When air temperatures rise above 100* the car has a strong fuel smell, to the point of not being able to safely drive the car due to the fuel smell inside the passenger cabin.
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 22 / 19 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution a good car?
Based on 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Lancer Evolution rates avoid: 3.1× as many complaints as a typical year of the Lancer Evolution at the same age. It is one of the Lancer Evolution years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
The transmission & drivetrain — 26 complaints, 72% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the stability & traction control (19) and fuel & propulsion system (3).
How many recalls does the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, the most recent from September 12, 2014 (belts and associated pulleys). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009, 2015 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003, 2008, 2010 and 2006. See the full Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 45,000 miles; 68% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.