2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
- Has 5 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the structure:frame and members.
- Scores 10 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer earns a 78.
- The system most likely to surface first: continuously variable transmission (cvt) (critical severity).
Should You Buy the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer?
The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer offers a compelling package for its price, but its long-term reliability is hampered significantly by the continuously variable transmission (CVT) and persistent electrical issues. While the naturally aspirated engine itself is robust, be prepared for potential high-cost repairs if you opt for an automatic, making a manual transmission variant the only confident recommendation.
Biggest Strengths
- Naturally aspirated 4B11 engine durability (manual transmission)
- Simple, robust chassis design
- Affordable purchase price on the used market
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
5 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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.
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
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.
What breaks on the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Mitsubishi Lancer by Year
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Mitsubishi Lancer. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
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Frequently Asked Questions
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