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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
11about this part
Share
12%of 91 total for the year
Median mileage
89,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer, 12% of the 91 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,000 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.

“Have done transmission oil change ask requested in manual, however if its a hot day and you do 65 the transmission begins to grind, then it slow you down. It actually tells you to slow down, we usually have to stop for 5 minutes before we can get going again. I am giving today's date but it begin last year may of 2016”

NHTSA complaint #10971880, filed 2017-04, 220,000 miles

“I recently purchased a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer there is a problem with the CVT transmission overheating the light stating slow down appears on dashboard I have to pull off the road turn off engine and wait between 10 to 20 mins before im able to drive again there are many complaints regarding the transmission overheating on the 2008 ,2009 and 2016 from my understanding its the transmissions that were used on on those years of vehicles now weather or not its mechanical or poor designed transmissions the manufacturer should have put a recall on these vehicles the manufacturer should have a…”

NHTSA complaint #11376734, filed 2020-11, 30 miles

“While coming of the off-ramp, the vehicle lost pressure in the clutch pedal. Upon further investigation, there was fluid leaking from the clutch master cylinder. It has been noted that clutch master cylinder in 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer es (base model) is the same as one being recalled in 2008-2013 Mitsubishi Lancer evolution x. This is a second time the clutch master cylinder has failed and needs to be replaced. I would like for Mitsubishi corp. To look into the recalling base models for this issue as they have in the following sr-13-009. …”

NHTSA complaint #10587568, filed 2014-05, 80,000 miles

“There is a oil leak coming out of the crank pulley, did quick research found out I wasn't the only one. There was a oil ring around the pulley where it goes into the engine and it needs to be a free fix or recall I don't care but why would I want to keep a car that has this problem. I also bought a new pulley for the car and checked on it 6 months later and the ring was there also.”

NHTSA complaint #10227161, filed 2008-05

“I received 3 letters in the mail regarding a important safety recall concerning my drive belt system I called the local Mitsubishi dealer ship as well as their corporate headquarters. They informed me that the part that needs to be fixed is on back order. I do not feel safe in my car and its been since oct 2014 its over 6 months and I've not heard from either the dealer ship or the corporate headquarters. Every time you call and ask for an update they say they don't have a confirmed time when the part will be in stock and they continue to give me the run around. …”

NHTSA complaint #10712865, filed 2015-04

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2017233%
20162170%
2015522%
2014638%
2013240%
2012632%
2011618%
201048%
20091414%
20081112%
200613%
200514%
200479%
20035126%
20022215%

Other parts of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

Suspension
23 complaints
Engine
13 complaints
Steering
12 complaints
Body and structure
10 complaints
Brakes
9 complaints
Air bags
7 complaints
Electrical system
7 complaints
Tires
6 complaints
Fuel system
5 complaints
Engine cooling
4 complaints
Other or unknown
3 complaints
Wheels
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