2008 Mitsubishi Lancer: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer: 5 recalls, 91 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (air) Vehicle recall #09V077000 · 2009 · 39,711 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This May temporarily increase the stopping distance of the vehicle and therefore increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the brake booster check valve free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during April 2009.
Airbags Vehicle recall #09V435000 · 2009 · 29,353 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #14V562000 · 2014 · 165,923 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: If the drive belt detaches, the battery May discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #18V071000 · 2018 · 56,641 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mmna will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2018.
Body & structure, Suspension Vehicle recall #20V279000 · 2020 · 141,200 vehicles
What's wrong: 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,…
Why it matters: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Suspension (23): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (10), steering problems (6).
- Engine (13): the most common themes are noise or vibration (3), warning light on (2).
- Steering (12): the most common themes are steering problems (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (11): the most common themes are leaks (4), noise or vibration (3).
The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer has 91 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 18 Lancer model years for complaints (1.9× the average Lancer year). Complaints peaked in 2008 (21 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 33,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (2 complaints, 2 recalls), 2009 (98 complaints, 8 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer problems?
Owners have filed 91 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are suspension (23), engine (13), steering (12).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.