2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

Mitsubishi Lancer
Pictured: 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer SE sedan -- 02-04-2012 2. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan FWD De/Es/Se, 4dr Sedan FWD Gts, Evo X 4dr Sedan AWD Gsr/Mr
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
24 combined · 22 city / 29 hwy
Length
179.1–179.9 in
Curb weight
2,921–3,389 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 180 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,921 lb (4dr Sedan FWD De/Es/Se).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (22 city / 29 highway), 10% better than the 2008 compact car average of 21.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 50 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the suspension.

What changed for 2008

  • Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
  • All-wheel or four-wheel drive now available
  • Best combined MPG down from 26 to 24

Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Lancer →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan FWD De/Es/Se179.9 in69.3 in58.7 in103.9 in60.2 / 59.8 in2,921 lb61/39
4dr Sedan FWD Gts179.9 in69.3 in58.7 in103.9 in60.2 / 59.8 in3,031 lb61/39
Evo X 4dr Sedan AWD Gsr/Mr179.1 in71.3 in58.3 in104.3 in60.6 / 60.2 in3,389 lb

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Lancer2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 24+10%$2,800370
Lancer2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24+10%$2,800370
Lancer Evolution2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 19-13%$4,350468
Lancer Evolution2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-18%$4,550494
Spend $2,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.9 MPG2008 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2008 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer (this car)24 MPGNot rated4
2008 Toyota Corolla31 MPGNot rated7
2008 Honda Civic42 MPGNot rated6
2008 Toyota Camry34 MPGNot rated6
2008 Toyota Prius46 MPGNot rated3
2008 Mazda 327 MPGNot rated0
2008 Volkswagen Golf/GTI25 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (4)

Structure › Frame And Members · May 18, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V279000 · 141,200 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · Jan 26, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V071000 · 56,641 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-003.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts And Associated Pulleys · Sep 12, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V562000 · 165,923 vehicles

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.
Risk
If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 · Sep 19, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V446000 · 10,474 vehicles

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.
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.
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

50Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
3Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
120,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Suspension17
Power Train12
Steering8
Engine6
Structure › Body6
Electrical System4
Unknown Or Other4
Service Brakes3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
18/04: 118/07: 118/08: 118/10: 218/12: 119/01: 119/04: 219/06: 320/02: 120/04: 120/08: 220/09: 120/10: 220/11: 220/12: 121/02: 121/03: 121/07: 122/01: 122/04: 122/10: 123/05: 123/12: 124/08: 118/0418/1019/0420/0420/1021/0222/0123/05max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Suspension — 17 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
  3. Power Train — 12 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Steering — 8 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 120,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Lancer years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2017 Lancer30181.9 inNot rated06
2016 Lancer30181.9 inNot rated230
2015 Lancer29180.7 inNot rated226
2014 Lancer28180.7 inNot rated221
2013 Lancer28179.9 inNot rated111
2012 Lancer28179.9 inNot rated219
2011 Lancer28179.9 inNot rated428
2010 Lancer26179.9 inNot rated741
2009 Lancer25179.9 inNot rated764
2007 Lancer26179.9 inNot rated22
2006 Lancer26180.7 inNot rated435
2005 Lancer26180.7 inNot rated317

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mitsubishi. How we calculate this →