2008 Mitsubishi Lancer recalls and problems
The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer has 5 safety recalls and 91 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mitsubishi dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer recalls
Recall 20V-279: Structure, Suspension
Problem: 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.
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.
Recall 18V-071: Visibility
Problem: 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.
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.
Recall 14V-562: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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.
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.
Recall 09V-435: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
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.
Recall 09V-077: Service Brakes, Air
Problem: 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.
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.
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 23 | |
| Engine | 13 | |
| Steering | 12 | |
| Power Train | 11 | |
| Structure | 10 | |
| Air Bags | 8 | |
| Electrical System | 7 | |
| Tires | 6 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 4 | |
| Wheels | 3 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 3 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 7
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
- Service Brakes, Air › Supply › Check Valve — 2
- Suspension › Front — 1
- Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys — 1
- Tires › Tread/Belt — 1
- Power Train › Driveline — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 33,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Mitsubishi Lancer years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer: 20V-279 (structure, suspension), 18V-071 (visibility), 14V-562 (engine and engine cooling), 09V-435 (air bags), 09V-077 (service brakes, air). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Owners report suspension problems most often (23 reports), followed by engine (13). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 33,000 miles.
Are Mitsubishi recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mitsubishi dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.