2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 8%of 91 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the air bags of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer, 8% of the 91 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I lost control of my vehicle due to snow and slush off a tractor trailer hitting the back end of my car. The tractor trailer was going about 80mph past me as I was going only 60mph, due to my car being front wheel drive it caused me to spin out and lose control of the car. I crossed into the left lane of traffic (not hitting anyone) and then back into the right lane where I then proceeded to go off the road down an embankment. I bashed my head against the driver side window as I lost control, I then hit my head again against the window as the rear end of my car hit a tree stomp. …”
NHTSA complaint #10561626, filed 2014-01, 95,887 miles“The airbags light came on after I bought the car and I am afraid of I get in an accident they will not deploy my mechanic said I would have to go to a car dealership about it... The brakes also fail if I try to stop abruptly they go to the floor and do not stop the vehicle... The brakes are the worst when I am driving slowly and try to come to a stop. I have taken my car to the dealership and was told that my brakes are in good condition and the mechanic didn't understand why the car was having issues stopping.”
NHTSA complaint #11449426, filed 2022-01“Involved in a car accident in which I was traveling approximately 25 MPH and hit someone broad side with the left side front of my vehicle. None of my airbags deployed on a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer.”
NHTSA complaint #10312768, filed 2010-02“The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact crashed into a drainage ditch. The vehicle was severely damaged and none of the air bags deployed. One of the occupants was moderately injured. There were no warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer could not determine the cause of the failure. Based on the location of the air bag sensors, the contact would have to drive 70 MPH in order for the air bags to deploy. The failure and current mileages were unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #10259189, filed 2009-02Related recalls
- 09V435000Nov 5, 2009Mitsubishi is recalling model year 2008-2009 lancer and lancer evolution vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut…Covers: Mitsubishi Lancer 2008–2009, Lancer Evolution 2008–2009
Related service bulletins
- 10170853Jan 8, 2013Caution statements regarding the disposal of certain SRS components have been incorrect in the service manuals of affected vehicles. This TSB provides updated caution statements.
- 10170086Nov 1, 2012This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 3 | 50% |
| 2016 | 1 | 3% |
| 2015 | 5 | 22% |
| 2014 | 5 | 31% |
| 2013 | 1 | 20% |
| 2012 | 1 | 5% |
| 2011 | 2 | 6% |
| 2010 | 2 | 4% |
| 2009 | 8 | 8% |
| 2008 | 7 | 8% |
| 2006 | 16 | 43% |
| 2005 | 10 | 42% |
| 2004 | 19 | 24% |
| 2003 | 8 | 4% |
| 2002 | 23 | 16% |
Other parts of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
23 complaintsEngine
13 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsTires
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology