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

- 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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD De/Es/Se | 179.9 in | 69.3 in | 58.7 in | 103.9 in | 60.2 / 59.8 in | 2,921 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD Gts | 179.9 in | 69.3 in | 58.7 in | 103.9 in | 60.2 / 59.8 in | 3,031 lb | 61/39 |
| Evo X 4dr Sedan AWD Gsr/Mr | 179.1 in | 71.3 in | 58.3 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 60.2 in | 3,389 lb |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancer | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 24 | +10% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Lancer | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +10% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Lancer Evolution | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | -13% | $4,350 | 468 |
| Lancer Evolution | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -18% | $4,550 | 494 |
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
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2008 Toyota Corolla | 31 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2008 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Toyota Camry | 34 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
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.
Not every 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Suspension — 17 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Power Train — 12 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Steering — 8 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 120,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Lancer | 30 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2016 Lancer | 30 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 30 |
| 2015 Lancer | 29 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 26 |
| 2014 Lancer | 28 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 21 |
| 2013 Lancer | 28 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 11 |
| 2012 Lancer | 28 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 19 |
| 2011 Lancer | 28 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 28 |
| 2010 Lancer | 26 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 7 | 41 |
| 2009 Lancer | 25 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 7 | 64 |
| 2007 Lancer | 26 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 2 |
| 2006 Lancer | 26 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 4 | 35 |
| 2005 Lancer | 26 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 17 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mitsubishi. How we calculate this →