2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 14%of 91 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 119,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer, 14% of the 91 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 119,000 miles.
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 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 from work so that I can take it there which is about 40 minutes from my home. If it is the drive belt, there is nothing they can do anyway. …”
NHTSA complaint #10651068, filed 2014-10, 110,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the engine warning indicator illuminated. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. However, the part needed to do the repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 133,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10679098, filed 2015-01, 133,000 miles“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 when the parts would become available. The dealer informed that the part was on back order with no confirmation as to when the vehicle would be repaired. The failure mileage was 119,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10668348, filed 2014-12, 119,000 miles“Tl-the contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v562000 (engine and engine cooling) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Djr”
NHTSA complaint #10670761, filed 2015-01“2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. Consumer writes in regards to throttle body problems and other failure issues with vehicle. The consumer stated the vehicle broke down and had to be towed to the dealer. They dealer cleaned the map sensor and throttle body and charged the consumer. The consumer stated the vehicle was still under warranty, and he shouldn't have been charged. Mitsubishi stated the consumer would not have to pay for the cleaning, but he would have to pay for the towing charges. The consumer then learned from the dealer, the map sensor problem was a manufacturing defect. …”
NHTSA complaint #10502996, filed 2013-03Related service bulletins
- 10177373Jun 5, 2020This Advanced Technical Information Notice was sent to dealers informing them of the upcoming recall being released for the inside and outside surfaces of the front cross members…
- 10159648Apr 25, 2019This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. The bulletin instructs dealers to confirm a list of specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) if vehicle experiences the…
- 10091466Nov 21, 2016This is a technical service bulletin (tsb) that was sent to dealers. This tsb provides instructions for inspection of oil leakage from the front oil seal on the crankshaft, and…
- 10054444Nov 1, 2013Mitsubishi: some vehicles may display an illuminated mil stating to service the engine soon with dtcs stored in the ecm memory and/or reduced engine performance. Water may…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 3 | 10% |
| 2015 | 4 | 17% |
| 2014 | 1 | 6% |
| 2013 | 2 | 40% |
| 2012 | 5 | 26% |
| 2011 | 8 | 24% |
| 2010 | 13 | 25% |
| 2009 | 22 | 22% |
| 2008 | 13 | 14% |
| 2005 | 1 | 4% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
23 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsAir bags
7 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 28, 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