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2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
36
Latest Oct 25, 2018
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
9
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Fuel system35.4%
  • Other / unspecified23.6%
  • Body & structure11.8%
  • Tires & wheels11.8%
  • Engine11.8%
  • Interior & seats11.8%
  • Suspension11.8%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AYC PUMP FAILURE AT 44 THOUSAND MILES.

NHTSA ID 10851019 · filed Mar 22, 2016

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 SEARCHING ONLINE FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS, I FOUND OUT IT SEEMED TO BE MOSTLY EVERY OWNERS PROBLEM. IS THIS SUPPOSE TO BE COVERED BY MANUFACTURER? SEEM LIKE POOR MATERIAL BUILD. *TR

NHTSA ID 10664740 · filed Dec 17, 2014
All 26 reports naming powertrain (other)

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

20
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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. *TR

NHTSA ID 10662884 · filed Dec 8, 2014

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 STRANDED ON THE ROAD SIDE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I CAME TO KNOW THAT THE ACD PUMP FAILED AND HENCE IT THREW AN AWD ERROR. ITS COSTING ABOUT 2200 DOLLARS TO FIX THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10659722 · filed Nov 20, 2014
All 20 reports naming driver assistance

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THERE IS A STRONG FUEL SMELL IN THE CABIN WHEN I AM ON THE HIGHWAY DOING 70MPH, I HAVE TRIED TO CHECK IT OUT BUT THERE ARE NO APPARENT FUEL LEAKS, MY MECHANIC SUSPECTS THE EVAPORATOR SYSTEM. *TR

NHTSA ID 10454451 · filed Apr 8, 2012

2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION MR CABIN FUEL FUMES / STRONG SMELL. WHEN AIR TEMPERATURES RISE ABOVE 100* THE CAR HAS A STRONG FUEL SMELL, TO THE POINT OF NOT BEING ABLE TO SAFELY DRIVE THE CAR DUE TO THE FUEL SMELL INSIDE THE PASSENGER CABIN. *TR

NHTSA ID 10418324 · filed Aug 10, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN STARTING MY 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION GSR, I RECEIVED A WARNING MESSAGE ON THE CLUSTER DISPLAY SHOWING A YELLOW-ORANGE SYMBOL THAT SHOWS 4 WHEELS CONNECTED BY AXLES AND THE MIDDLE-SHAFT, WHERE THE FRONT TWO WHEELS ARE FACING AT AN ANGLE TO THE SIDE. THE ERROR CODE READ AS C161E: DTC C161E: ELECTRIC PUMP RELAY CIRCUIT SYSTEM (STUCK). THIS HAS BECOME A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THE 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION. SO COMMON THAT WHEN YOU SEARCH FOR THE CODE C161E, YOU CAN FIND COUNTLESS FORUM DISCUSSIONS ON MULTIPLE WEBSITES COMMENTING ON THE FREQUENCY OF THIS ISSUE. INCLUDING MYSELF, A SINGLE DISCUSSION IDENTIFIES AT LEAST 48 UNIQUE CARS, 42 OF WHICH ARE THE 2008 MODEL YEAR, WHERE THE ACD PUMP FAILED, ALL OF WHICH HAVING DRIVEN FEWER THAN 75,000 MILES AND NEARLY 60% WITH LESS THAN 50,000 MILES (HTTP://WWW.EVOXFORUMS.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=58221&HIGHLIGHT=C161E&PAGE=1). SEVERAL OF THESE VEHICLES REQUIRED MULTIPLE REPLACEMENTS OF THE SAME PART. THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS THE SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VEHICLE'S ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE SYSTEM, LIKELY INCLUDING THE VEHICLE'S TRACTION CONTROL AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10640971 · filed Oct 2, 2014

ACTIVE YAW CONTROL (AYC) AND ACTIVE CENTER DIFFERENTIAL (ACD) PUMP FAILED. NOT COVERED UNDER POWER TRAIN WARRANTY PUMP WAS CORRODED AND COULD NO LONGER PRODUCE ENOUGH PRESSURE. PUMP IN LOCATED DIRECTLY BEHIND PASSENGER REAR WHEEL EXPOSED TO WATER, SALT, AND OTHER ROAD DEBRIS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10595963 · filed Jun 4, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

PURCHASE MY 2008 MITSUBUSHI EVOLUTION X ABOUT ONE MONTH AGO WITH 2,900MILES. I DON'T DRIVE IT OFTEN SINCE I HAVE A COMPANY CAR. MY CURRENT MILES IS 4,400MILES. I AM BEGINNING TO NOTICE ALOT OF SMALL CHIPS TOWARD THE BACK DOORS BOTTOM CORNER NEAR QUARTER PANEL ON BOTH SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. BEEN ON MANY FORUMS AND ALOT OF EVO X OWNER ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PAINT PROBLEM.THE ROAD CONDITION HERE ARE IN GOOD SHAPE, SO I DON'T SEE WHY THE PAINT IS CHIPPING AWAY. IM AFRAID WHEN I REACH 10,000MILES, THE CAR INTERIOR WOULD STILL BE FAIRLY NEW BUT THE EXTERIOR WOULD HAVE PAINT CHIPPED EVERYWHERE. ANOTHER ISSUE ARE THE RECARO SEAT FABRIC ARE COMING OUT NEAR THE HEAD REST PART. THE FABRIC ARE CONING OUT RIGHT WHERE THE FABRIC TUCK UNDER INTO THE CARBON FIBER LOOKING PLASTIC PIECE NEAR THE HEADREST. YOU ARE ABLE TO SEE THE STAPLES THAT ARE COMING OUT. THIS IS HAPPENING TO BOTH SEATS, DRIVER AND PASSENGER. I HAVE READ SEVERAL FORUMS BUT OWNERS WHO HAVE SPOKE TO MITSUBISHI ABOUT THE PAINT ISSUE WERE TURN DOWN.THOSE OWNER SAID MITSUBISHI ARE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10286586 · filed Oct 6, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION EQUIPPED WITH DUNLOP DIREZZA SPORT ZI TIRES, TIRE SIZE 255/35R18. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WHEN A LOUD FLAPPING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED DRIVING AT A REDUCED SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT TIRE CENTER WHERE THEY INFORMED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE EXHIBITED SEVERE TREAD SEPARATION AND THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID 10396948 · filed Apr 20, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

VERY COLD DAY OUT, ABOUT -15 F, WARMED UP MY VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES PLUS. ONCE I BEGAN DRIVING, ABOUT 10 MPH MY SERVICE REQUIRED LIGHT CAME ON FOR MY AYC PUMP. DEALER SAID THAT IS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MITSUBISHI HAS KNOWN THAT IS A COMMON ISSUE IN COLD CLIMATES THAT USE SALT ON THE ROADS. THE SALT CORRODES THE PUMP AND MAKES IT FAULTY/MALFUNCTION. THIS IS A SAFETY ITEM THAT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED DUE TO THE KNOWLEDGE THAT AN EVO DRIVER HANDLES THEIR CAR [THAT THEY PURCHASED AS SUCH] AND LOOSES THAT RIGHT WITH A FAULTY AYC PUMP. *TR

NHTSA ID 10562067 · filed Jan 29, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

PURCHASE MY 2008 MITSUBUSHI EVOLUTION X ABOUT ONE MONTH AGO WITH 2,900MILES. I DON'T DRIVE IT OFTEN SINCE I HAVE A COMPANY CAR. MY CURRENT MILES IS 4,400MILES. I AM BEGINNING TO NOTICE ALOT OF SMALL CHIPS TOWARD THE BACK DOORS BOTTOM CORNER NEAR QUARTER PANEL ON BOTH SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. BEEN ON MANY FORUMS AND ALOT OF EVO X OWNER ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PAINT PROBLEM.THE ROAD CONDITION HERE ARE IN GOOD SHAPE, SO I DON'T SEE WHY THE PAINT IS CHIPPING AWAY. IM AFRAID WHEN I REACH 10,000MILES, THE CAR INTERIOR WOULD STILL BE FAIRLY NEW BUT THE EXTERIOR WOULD HAVE PAINT CHIPPED EVERYWHERE. ANOTHER ISSUE ARE THE RECARO SEAT FABRIC ARE COMING OUT NEAR THE HEAD REST PART. THE FABRIC ARE CONING OUT RIGHT WHERE THE FABRIC TUCK UNDER INTO THE CARBON FIBER LOOKING PLASTIC PIECE NEAR THE HEADREST. YOU ARE ABLE TO SEE THE STAPLES THAT ARE COMING OUT. THIS IS HAPPENING TO BOTH SEATS, DRIVER AND PASSENGER. I HAVE READ SEVERAL FORUMS BUT OWNERS WHO HAVE SPOKE TO MITSUBISHI ABOUT THE PAINT ISSUE WERE TURN DOWN.THOSE OWNER SAID MITSUBISHI ARE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10286586 · filed Oct 6, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

ON MONDAY 2013 APRIL 22 I [XXX] (OWNER OF VEHICLE) WAS GETTING OFF MY SHIFT AT APPROXIMATELY 0700 HOURS FROM BETHEL TWP PD; WHERE I WORK AS A PATROLMAN. THE TEMPERATURE WAS FAIRLY MILD 60-65F, I STARTED MY 2008 MITSUBISHI EVOLUTION 10 TO LET IT WARM UP LIKE I ALWAYS HAVE FOR APPROXIMATELY TEN MINUTES. I PUT MY EVO IN GEAR AND ON THE CENTER L.E.D. SCREEN I RECEIVED THE C161 MESSAGE WHICH INDICATES S-AWC FAILURE OR SUPER ALL WHEEL CONTROL. THIS EFFECTS EVERYTHING WITH THE CARS' SUSPENSION STABILITY, YAW CONTROL, AND THE "SMART BREAKING" FEATURE. FOR AN UN-EXPERIENCED DRIVER THIS COULD BE CATASTROPHIC. KNOWING THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS I WAS FORCED TO BRING THE CAR TO SPRINGFIELD MITSUBISHI IN SPRINGFIELD, PA. 1(484)574-8434. NOW I'M STUCK WITH A $2132.00 BILL AND THE CAR IS STILL IN THE LOT BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE THE $2132.00 TO "SHELL" OUT. I WENT TO TWO SEPARATE FORUMS WWW.EVOXFORUMS.COM AND WWW.EVOLUTIONM.NET, AND I DON'T KNOW WHATS SCARIER THE THOUSANDS THAT HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND ARE TOLD BY THEIR LOCAL DEALER ITS SAFE TO OPERATE IN THAT CONDITION OR THE FACT THAT NO BODY IS DOING ANYTHING TO ASSIST OR FIX THE PROBLEM. PLEASE BE THE ONES WHO MAKE THE DIFFERENCE HERE..... THANK YOU [XXX] PS I APOLOGIZE I AM WRITING YOU AGAIN, I NEVER RECEIVED ANY RESPONSE THE FIRST TIME....... INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 10511216 · filed May 9, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .