2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution recalls and problems

4 recalls and 36 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

4
recalls
36
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine, gasoline, belts and associated pulleys

NHTSA campaign 14V562000 · reported September 12, 2014 · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. · 165,923 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
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. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-009.

Power train: manual transmission

NHTSA campaign 13V446000 · reported September 19, 2013 · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. · 10,474 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured from December 12, 2007, through March 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the clutch master cylinder can fail.
The risk
Failure of the clutch master cylinder reduces the ability to shift the vehicle into or out of gear, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected clutch master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on November 12, 2013. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's campaign number for this recall is SR-13-009.

Air bags: frontal, sensor/control module-inactive

NHTSA campaign 09V435000 · reported November 5, 2009 · MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 29,353 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
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. Owners may contact mitsubishi customer relations department at 1-888-648-7820.

Fuel system, other: delivery

NHTSA campaign 09V349000 · reported September 8, 2009 · MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 6,903 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Mitsubishi is recalling model year 2008-2009 lancer evolution, ralliart, and sportback ralliart vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines. The manner in which the fuel return pipe is attached to the engine, in combination with frequent vehicle operation at certain engine revolutions, may result in a resonance that, if continued over time, may cause a stress crack to develop at the fixed portion of the fuel pipe.
The risk
If this stress crack develops, fuel leakage may occur. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The fix
The fuel return pipe will be replaced with a new part and two additional attachment brackets will be installed to better control fuel pipe vibration. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on september 29, 2009. Owners may contact mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 25, 2018 · Unknown or other

AYE/ HYDRALIC PUMP WAS NEVER CHANGED OUT WAS TOLD WHEN I WENT TO DO A MANUFACTURING RECAL THAT IT WORKED FINE WHEN IT DIDNT AND AFTER WARDS HIT PAST THE 100,000 MILES AND WAS AUTOMATICALLY UNABLE TO GET THE REPLACEMENT.

Mar 22, 2016 · Power train · 44,000 miles

AYC PUMP FAILURE AT 44 THOUSAND MILES.

Dec 17, 2014 · Power train

ACD/ AYC PUMP FAILURE, ONE TIME I WAS DOING FLUID INSPECTION ON MY CAR WHEN I NOTICE THE CARS ATF FLUID RESERVOIR IN THE TRUNK IS LOSING OIL. LOOKED AT THE FLOOR FOUND SOME RED OIL DRIPPING. IT MAY HAVE SEEM THAT PUMP MAY HAVE BEEN FAILING TO HOLD PRESSURE AND LOSE OIL. POSSIBLE GASKET FAILURE OR PUMP CRACK. BEEN…

Dec 8, 2014 · Electronic stability control (ESC) · 29,768 miles

VEHICLE WAS IN COLD WEATHER, AYC SYSTEM LIGHT TURNED ON. I CHECKED THE FORUMS AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE THAT INDICATES THE PUMP IS BAD. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM.

Nov 20, 2014 · Power train · 66,000 miles

IT WAS A COLD WINTER DAY, I STARTED DRIVING MY EVO TO A NEARBY GROCERY STORE. ENROUTE, THE AWD SYSTEM WOULD THROW A WARNING AND A DASHBOARD LIGHT LIT UP. I WAS CONCERNED, STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND NO LEAKS OR NO WEIRD NOISES. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO SNOW/TARMAC/GRAVEL MODE. FORTUNATELY I WAS NOT…

Lancer Evolution model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2005 21420
2006 22400
2007 1000
2008 43600
2009 5200
2010 52801
2011 31100

Across all years, the 2003 Lancer Evolution has the most complaints (98). All Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution years →

Questions

Does the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, the most recent reported on September 12, 2014 (Engine and engine cooling: engine, gasoline, belts and associated pulleys). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
Owners have filed 36 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (26 complaints), followed by electronic stability control (esc) (19).
How many 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 36 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 25, 2018.