2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mitsubishi › Lancer Evo › 2008
These records cover every 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
23 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Power train · Steering
All mitsubishi lancer evolution x from years 2008 through the cars final gear in 2015 suffer from a design flaw to the s-awc system. The active yaw control / active center differential system relies on a pump in order to operate . The location IS unprotected from the elements and thousands of them…
All mitsubishi lancer evolution x from years 2008 through the cars final gear in 2015 suffer from a design flaw to the s-awc system. The active yaw control / active center differential system relies on a pump in order to operate . The location IS unprotected from the elements and thousands of them have failed to date. . Mine failed which rendered my car to no longer drive in a predictable or safe manner. The all wheel drive and stability control system was compromised and traction control no longer functions as expected. Instead of this becoming a recall mitsubishi extended a warranty to replace this exact component rather than admitting fault for an obvious design flaw. They refused to warranty mine as this exception was only made after my warranty had already expired even though my pump failed before I hit 100K miles. The acd / ayc pump IS critical component to the safety and stability of the lancer evolution 10 . Extending the warranty to only cover a small portion of failures IS unacceptable and dishonest. The design IS unsafe and the repair and replacement of this and other affected components IS extremely costly. This should be a recall. All pumps will eventually fail as the seals eventually fail and corrosion of the pump or electric motor . This effects all evolution 10S regardless of climate. here are others facing the same https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/evo-x-engine-turbo-drivetrain/660431-acd-ayc-pump-failure-reports-11.html here IS one company selling a kit to relocate the pump to the trunk of the car as this helps to protect the pump from the elements and ultimately premature failure https://www.driven-fabrication.com/products/evo-x-acd-ayc-relocation-kit-pre-order there are also aftermarket companies offering upgraded o rings and rebuild kits since mitsubishi only replaces pumps with new ones and hasn't actually fixed the design
- Service brakes
Mitsubishi recall 09v077000 in the past few days, I noticed that while in motion my breaks were not reacting with their typical speed. When I took my car into a mechanic, they said it was an issue with my car's brake booster check valve and that there was a safety recall regarding this back in…
Mitsubishi recall 09v077000 in the past few days, I noticed that while in motion my breaks were not reacting with their typical speed. When I took my car into a mechanic, they said it was an issue with my car's brake booster check valve and that there was a safety recall regarding this back in 2009. I was concerned as I have taken my car in for, frankly, more recalls than I can even remember, so I called my dealership to schedule the maintenance. After a lot of back and forth with both the dealership and mitstubishi's customer service, it turns out that my car was not considered as it was made "six months before." this IS really odd as, from all the descriptions of the recall, no timelines were specified, just the model years affected. if my car was truly not in the need of the recall, that's completely fine, but the answers I received regarding this really didn't make sense to me, and I'D rather report it in case more people are affected than just take it at face value.
- Power train
I brought my car into the dealership in 2016 for a flashing taramic light and they told there wasn't anything wrong. Which I later found out that they negleted to look into the issue. I had no idea what this issue was until 6 months later and I just had reached 100,500 miles on the car. I found on…
I brought my car into the dealership in 2016 for a flashing taramic light and they told there wasn't anything wrong. Which I later found out that they negleted to look into the issue. I had no idea what this issue was until 6 months later and I just had reached 100,500 miles on the car. I found on a form it could be the a fluid issue, so I went to mitsubishi to get fluid and the service manager informed me of the 100,000 mile warranty. I eventually took mitsubishi to court for negligence and lack of care and the case was thrown out. I'm sick of dealing with this issue.
- Power train
Ayc pump failed code c161e. I searched online and found out that the pump was failing due to salt corrosion. This should of been a recall since nurmerous of other cars are having the same issue.
- Power train
Acd/acy recall. I purchased my 2008 evo with 95000 miles on it. Shortly after I bought the vehicle I was having issues with it running lean and my ayc service light appeared on the dash. I then took the vehicle to the dealership with 96000 miles on the car in hopes for them to help me fix these…
Acd/acy recall. I purchased my 2008 evo with 95000 miles on it. Shortly after I bought the vehicle I was having issues with it running lean and my ayc service light appeared on the dash. I then took the vehicle to the dealership with 96000 miles on the car in hopes for them to help me fix these issues with my car and yet there was no help at all. So then I went on my way and I had another dealership fix my problems and I was good for about 4200 miles my car then had 100,200 miles on it and I had to go to the dealership to get a rear diff fluid change in the transmission oil change and the dealership then told me that there was a extended warranty for these ayc pumps and and never told me about this issue when I was in six months prior to this I contacted mitsubishi themselves and they said that they would do absolutely nothing for me even though the dealership told them that I was there before hand with the same issue and they didn't do anything about it. I feel like I was scammed and it's horrible to have to fight with mitsubishi about a pump they can risk my safety and the others in my car . I was screwed out of warranty that I was never told about .
- Power train
Failure of transmission center differential pins in manual 2008 models. I was driving my car at highway speeds when the car popped out of gear to neutral, then I shifted to 4TH and popped out again to neutral, I had to quickly swerve to the shoulder and the entire transmission locked up causing the…
Failure of transmission center differential pins in manual 2008 models. I was driving my car at highway speeds when the car popped out of gear to neutral, then I shifted to 4TH and popped out again to neutral, I had to quickly swerve to the shoulder and the entire transmission locked up causing the car to skid. Upon towing it to the dealer they said the center differential pins have backed out they said "it happens but not that common." I was in disbelief the pins had caused a crack in the transmission casing and all the oil in the transmission had leaked out causing the the gears to cease up nearly causing an accident. See pictures, upon research I have seen many similar situations on the evo forums and in fact 2 major companies jacks transmission and sheptrans offer "upgrades" to prevent this! Upgrades? To cause a transmission from completely failing. Apparently mitsubishi recognized this and upgraded the pins heat coating in 2010 to prevent this but I am stuck with a 5000 dollar repair bill and I am out of warranty. I tried to remedy this with mitsu USA and it happened a year ago but I am still upset no recall has been issued and I still drive this car to this day. I would like this to be reviewed it IS very dangerous. 2008 lancer evo gsr models
- Steering
Recall for defect, notice october 2014. *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc)
I have been the only owner of this car and am learning much now that my warranty has expired. I took my car to be diagnosed at fitzgerald mitsubishi in annapolis md, and was told that it was an 800 or 3100 dollar fix, depending on which job needed to be done. the big fix IS the ayc/adc hydraulic…
I have been the only owner of this car and am learning much now that my warranty has expired. I took my car to be diagnosed at fitzgerald mitsubishi in annapolis md, and was told that it was an 800 or 3100 dollar fix, depending on which job needed to be done. the big fix IS the ayc/adc hydraulic unit that pressurizes the clutches in the differential. what causes the failure IS corrosion. this unit IS placed behind the rh rear tire and has very little protection from the elements. this unit needs to be relocated or better shielding needs to be attached. reading the evolutionm.net forums, I have found that this corrosion IS very popular and the repairs are extremely pricey. *tr
- Engine · Fuel system, gasoline
Acd pump went out on my car. No real reason other than the lie of it being cold.... 20 degrees isn't to cold to me. Either way, without the acd pump the cars AWD doesn't work to standard. What AWD car isn't made for cold. Ridiculous. Happens to alot of evos. Needs recognized and recalled. Also my…
Acd pump went out on my car. No real reason other than the lie of it being cold.... 20 degrees isn't to cold to me. Either way, without the acd pump the cars AWD doesn't work to standard. What AWD car isn't made for cold. Ridiculous. Happens to alot of evos. Needs recognized and recalled. Also my timing chain went at 36K. No timing chain should go out that early no matter what. They told me its because I didn't change the oil till they dropped the oil pan and saw that they were wrong. The chain isn't meant to handle the torque of the car. That's a manufacture mess up. Another one that should be a recall with the amount of people that have/had the issue. And one more, the p.o.s. Fuel relay that dies on you and could possibly blow your motor. The fuel pump and timing chain have both been updated yet not recalled. Why? Doesn't make sense that they notice the problem, make a new part for the problem, but don't fix it under their mistake. *tr
- Power train
Due to cold weather here in mn, my sawc pump has failed(all wheel drive control unit, hydraulic pump fails due to cold weather). I've researched and many people with the same make and model have had issues of the same. Bought the car in feb 2013, used with 38kmiles. Im afraid the dealer wont cover the expenses of getting this replace. It IS a known issue as I've researched with many people complaining. *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Power train
Was driving vehicle and warning light "service required" and a symbol indicating the all-wheel drive suspension appeared. had code read and my vehicle suffered a acd pump failure. it IS a crucial feature to the sophisticated AWD stability control system that makes an evo "special". this IS a…
Was driving vehicle and warning light "service required" and a symbol indicating the all-wheel drive suspension appeared. had code read and my vehicle suffered a acd pump failure. it IS a crucial feature to the sophisticated AWD stability control system that makes an evo "special". this IS a part of the drive train that IS not covered in the drive train warranty. they all fail and they are expensive and they become corroded due to location, design, and lack of proper protection from the elements and road splatter. this should be a recalled item from the manufacturer. this IS not caused by anything other than poor design allowing for a corrosion problem that leads to pump failure. *tr
- Power train
My 08 evo IS getting the "service required" light indicating the s-awc pump has failed. I have done some research and a lot of the evo's are getting this. Its b/c the pump located behind the passenger side rear tire IS exposed the elements and get corroded, also the liquid gets too thick in the…
My 08 evo IS getting the "service required" light indicating the s-awc pump has failed. I have done some research and a lot of the evo's are getting this. Its b/c the pump located behind the passenger side rear tire IS exposed the elements and get corroded, also the liquid gets too thick in the winter and the fluid cannot flow properly and the pump fails. Mine failed 2 months outside of the drive train warranty in mind june in nebraska so it was mid 70'S at least, called the dealer and they want $120 just to look at it then $2000+ to replace the pump. Faulty parts like this need to be covered under warranty. My car IS also 100% stock. *tr
- Electrical system · Power train
This IS a very common problem on the mitsubishi evo x if you live in a cold area and roads are salted for snow. The location of the awc pump IS not enclosed enough so the salt, road crap gets to the pump and it fails. Mitsubishi said it would cost $2 grand to replace the pump. Yes $2 grand for a…
This IS a very common problem on the mitsubishi evo x if you live in a cold area and roads are salted for snow. The location of the awc pump IS not enclosed enough so the salt, road crap gets to the pump and it fails. Mitsubishi said it would cost $2 grand to replace the pump. Yes $2 grand for a pump!!! Mitsubishi needs to step up and do something about this. I know many people that have had this happen and read about thousands of others. Please help! *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Power train · Steering
During cold weather (approximately 40 degrees or less) during the evening, my super all-wheel-control servicing light was triggered during a low speed turn. This indicates a faulty or failing awc/ayc pump, a mechanical component which provides ayc fluid to the front and rear differential of the…
During cold weather (approximately 40 degrees or less) during the evening, my super all-wheel-control servicing light was triggered during a low speed turn. This indicates a faulty or failing awc/ayc pump, a mechanical component which provides ayc fluid to the front and rear differential of the vehicle, aiding in stability control. When the pump IS inoperable, decreased (or no) pressure/fluid IS sent to the differentials of the vehicle, which can cause serious drivetrain damage and failure-- thus the ayc pump IS recognized by mitsubishi as a critical component of the drive train. However, it IS not covered under mitsubishi's 5 year/60,000 mile drivetrain warranty, which I feel IS disingenuous. This IS a a serious safety concern as a faulty or failed pump effectively disables the AWD component of the vehicle and makes the drive train more likely tosuffer catastrophic damage during use, which can result in crashes and injury. Mitsubishi IS aware of this issue and that these pumps are poorly-designed for providing the ayc fluid to the differentials during cold weather; the fluid becomes extremely viscous at low temperatures and the pump IS either unable to continue to flow the fluid to necessary components or the pump completely fails in the attempt, requiring expensive replacement at the owner's expense. *tr
- Power train
At 72,000 miles I was experiencing issues that had to do with the idling of my car. At stoplights it would die unexpectedly and/or just idle extremely rough as the rpm's would lower. I took it in to get it repaired and it was diagnosed (by mitsubishi) as a timing belt that was stretched. I looked…
At 72,000 miles I was experiencing issues that had to do with the idling of my car. At stoplights it would die unexpectedly and/or just idle extremely rough as the rpm's would lower. I took it in to get it repaired and it was diagnosed (by mitsubishi) as a timing belt that was stretched. I looked online an found scores of 2008 evo's who have experienced similar issues right around the same timeframe (around 70K miles). Clearly this IS a common issue, yet out of warranty by 10K. I also looked online to see if they had yet to modify the replacement timing chain and mitsubishi had manufactured a new timing chain that doesn't have the certain defects as of january 2012. Should this not be a recall item considering that so many of us are experiencing the same issue? Especially considering that a replacement chain had been made to correct these things? *tr
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
TL* the contact owns a 2008 mitsubishi lancer evolution. The contact stated the air bag light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated the air bag sensors were corroded. The dealer advised him that there was a recall for the air bag sensor, but the vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 mitsubishi lancer evolution. The contact stated the air bag light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated the air bag sensors were corroded. The dealer advised him that there was a recall for the air bag sensor, but the vehicle was not included. The contact spoke with the manufacturer who confirmed the vehicle was not included in nhtsa recall campaign number (09v435000) air bag: frontal: sensor control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 37,000 and the current mileage was 39,986. updated 04/26/12 *bf updated 05/10/12
- Structure › Body
The paint IS chipping on the bottom side, of the back rear doors next to the fender. This IS a common problem. As talked in the forums in edmunds.com I have a 2008 mitsubishi lancer evolution, with 3,500 miles on it and the paint IS coming off this IS a design flaw, and mitsubishi wont do anything…
The paint IS chipping on the bottom side, of the back rear doors next to the fender. This IS a common problem. As talked in the forums in edmunds.com I have a 2008 mitsubishi lancer evolution, with 3,500 miles on it and the paint IS coming off this IS a design flaw, and mitsubishi wont do anything I never drove my car in gravel, I think the design flaw has something to do with the aerodynamics of the car, and poor paint. *Tr
- Power train › Manual transmission
I took in my mitsubishi lancer evo to local dealer for transmission problem. This car currently has 3,300 miles and I'm having problems in shifting from second gear to third.at times I need to take clutch pedal out two to three times in order for it to engage. Some times transmission will not go…
I took in my mitsubishi lancer evo to local dealer for transmission problem. This car currently has 3,300 miles and I'm having problems in shifting from second gear to third.at times I need to take clutch pedal out two to three times in order for it to engage. Some times transmission will not go into reverse also. Dealer had car for a couple of hours and indicated on their work order that the car had no problems while test driving? *Tr
- Power train › Manual transmission
Clutch disk dragging during disengagement, causing hard shifting and prematurely wearing the transmission synchronizers. Multiple complaints brought to mitusibishi, and no fox offered. *Tr
- Structure › Body
Paint chipping prematurely on a new car. The vehicle started getting chips on the finish just after a few hundred miles. This happens on the lower passenger door areas. The car IS not driven off road. I believe this IS coming from the tires. *Tr
- Structure
Less than a week after purchasing my new 2008 mitsubishi lancer evolution gsr I noticed rock chips in the lower rear corners of the rear doors, just ahead of the clear protective film already installed by the manufacturer to prevent paint chipping. *Tr
- Structure
The car will kick up any small rocks and chip the rear doors and side skirts. I have installed mud guards, but does not help either. *Tr
- Power train › Manual transmission
The gear shifts are extremely notchy and cause frequent grinding when shifting to gears 2 and 3. It does not matter if I am upshifting or downshifting. The problem IS pronounced during cold engine conditions. Grinding continues to happen even in warm conditions. There have been many times when the car lost power and slowed down in the middle of a road because I could not shift in time due to the grinding. *tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10240443This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
- 10235609This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.
- 10235608This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more than 1.5 percent of the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or 100 lbs.
- 10235606This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
- 10211530This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a defective/broken part.
- 10170852This Technical Service Bulletin updates the door adjustment procedure in the Body Section of the applicable service manuals.
- 10170107This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170106This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170104This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170103This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170102This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170101This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170100This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170099This is an index of Tech Talk newsletter articles released in 2012.
- 10170097This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170096This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170087This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170086This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170074This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170071This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170070This TSB contains troubleshooting steps for diagnosis of various customer complaints relating to the audio system speakers in Mitsubishi vehicles equipped with original equipment audio components.
- 10169006This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10163703This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin supersedes TSB-18-00-003, issued April, 2018, to add updated information for Carrying Capacity Reduced Label.
- 10130469This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10130468This is a message sent to dealers, to inform them that an update for MEDIC will be available.
- 10117839This is a letter sent to dealers, to inform them that the temporary investigation of Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Front Impact Sensors investigation has concluded.
- 10030264Mitsubishi: would hear a rattle from one of the doors. The rattle could be caused by door glass retaining bolts coming loose due to low soor glass retaining bolt torque spec limits. While door IS the most likely to rattle, its possible other doors to exhibit the condition as well. Models lancer, lancer ralliart, lancer evolution.
- 10029256Mitsubishi service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Some affected vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, corrosion on the inside of the hood lock release cable can make it difficult to release the hood latch using the latch handle. Models evolution and ralliart only.
- 10024887Engine control module reprogramming for slight hesitation above 5,000 rpm.
Every Mitsubishi Lancer Evo model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.