The 2008 Evo X (first year of the 4B11T platform) is a capable AWD turbo machine, but suffers from transmission fragility, timing chain stretch issues, and oiling system weaknesses that can grenade motors if ignored. Not a casual ownership proposition.
Symptoms: Hard shifts, clunking into gear, especially 2nd to 3rd, Transmission overheating warnings on dash, Slipping under load or failure to engage gears, Burnt clutch smell during aggressive driving
Fix: Clutch pack replacement requires trans removal, typically 12-16 hours labor. OEM parts only—aftermarket packs fail quickly. Fluid changes every 15k mi can delay but not prevent. Some shops quote used trans swaps to save cost.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000
Timing Chain Stretch and Lifter Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Cold-start rattle for 3-5 seconds that worsens over time, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (P0011, P0021), Rough idle, hesitation, or misfires, Metallic ticking that doesn't go away when warm
Fix: Requires timing chain kit, guides, tensioner, and often all lifters if noise present. Cylinder head removal common if lifters collapsed. 18-24 hours labor. Mitsubishi updated tensioner design—use latest revision. Oil starvation accelerates this; frequent oil changes (3-4k mi) are mandatory.
Estimated cost: $2,800-5,500
Transfer Case and Rear Differential Fluid Neglect
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Whining or grinding from center or rear during turns, Vibration during acceleration in AWD mode, Binding sensation in tight parking lot maneuvers, Leaking fluid from transfer case or diff seals
Fix: Transfer case rebuild 8-12 hours, rear diff rebuild 6-10 hours. Most owners never change these fluids per Mitsubishi's 'lifetime fill' claim. Fluid change every 30k mi prevents this; once whining starts, damage is done. ACD pump failure (AWD controller) also common, adds $1,200-1,800.
Estimated cost: $2,000-4,000
Turbocharger Compressor Wheel Damage and Boost Leaks
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Loss of boost pressure, sluggish acceleration, Loud whistle or compressor surge under throttle, Oil consumption increase, blue smoke on decel, Check engine light with underboost codes (P0299)
Fix: Turbo replacement or rebuild 6-9 hours. Intake tract and intercooler piping crack from age/heat cycles—inspect all boots and clamps first (common false alarm). OEM turbo is $1,800-2,400; rebuilt units $900-1,400. Catch-can installation recommended to reduce oil vapor buildup.
Estimated cost: $1,500-3,200
Engine Oil Consumption and Piston Ring Wear
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning 1 quart per 1,000-1,500 miles, Blue smoke on cold start or hard acceleration, Fouled spark plugs (oil-soaked), Low oil pressure warning if neglected
Fix: Piston ring replacement requires full engine disassembly, 30-40 hours labor, often done as part of rebuild. Compression and leakdown tests confirm. Many owners just top off oil between changes until rebuild is necessary. Upgraded pistons/rings during rebuild prevent repeat.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
Fuel Pump and High-Pressure Fuel System Issues
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting, long crank before firing, Stumble or hesitation under wide-open throttle, Lean fuel trims, check engine light (P0087 low fuel pressure), Whining noise from rear of car (in-tank pump)
Fix: In-tank pump replacement 2-3 hours, high-pressure pump on engine 4-6 hours. Ethanol-blend fuels degrade seals faster. Mitsubishi had a recall for fuel delivery—check VIN. Aftermarket Walbro pumps common upgrade ($300-500 DIY).
Estimated cost: $800-1,800
Transmission and Engine Mount Failures
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive engine movement during hard shifts or launches, Clunking when engaging reverse or 1st gear, Vibration at idle that smooths at higher RPM, Misalignment causing shifter feel issues (manual trans)
Fix: Mounts are hydraulic and fail from heat/age. All 4-5 mounts typically done together, 4-6 hours labor. Upgraded polyurethane mounts available but add NVH. OEM replacements last 50-70k mi.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Owner tips
Change engine oil every 3,000-4,000 miles with quality 5W-30 synthetic—timing chain life depends on it
Service SST transmission fluid every 15,000 miles; transfer case and diffs every 30,000 miles regardless of manual
Install oil catch can to reduce carbon buildup and oil vapor in intake tract
Compression test and leakdown test before purchase—engine rebuild is $5k-8k, not a surprise you want
Budget $2,000/year for deferred maintenance if buying over 80k miles; these are track-capable cars often driven hard
Buy only with full service records and PPI including compression test—properly maintained examples are thrilling, but neglected ones are financially devastating.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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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.
Consequence: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 · 18V071000
2018-01-26
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.
Consequence: If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 · 14V562000
2014-09-12
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.
Consequence: If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 · 13V446000
2013-09-19
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.
Consequence: Failure of the clutch master cylinder reduces the ability to shift the vehicle into or out of gear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE · 09V435000
2009-11-05
MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 LANCER AND LANCER EVOLUTION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN AREAS WHERE HEAVY ROAD SALT IS USED IN THE WINTER, A LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO A MIXTURE OF MELTED SNOW WITH SALT THROWN UP BY THE OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD MAY CAUSE A WATER-SALT MIXTURE TO ADHERE TO THE FRONT IMPACT SENSORS.
Consequence: THIS COATING OVER TIME MAY CAUSE CORROSION OF THE SENSOR. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH OF THE TYPE THAT WOULD DEPLOY THE AIRBAGS THIS TYPE OF SHORT-CIRCUIT MAY CAUSE A DELAY IN THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS WHICH COULD RESULT IN DRIVER OR PASSENGER INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FRONT AIRBAG SENSORS THAT HAVE IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANCE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI CUSTOMER RELATIONS DEPARTMENT AT 1-888-648-7820.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY · 09V349000
2009-09-08
MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 LANCER EVOLUTION, RALLIART, AND SPORTBACK RALLIART VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TURBOCHARGED ENGINES. THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FUEL RETURN PIPE IS ATTACHED TO THE ENGINE, IN COMBINATION WITH FREQUENT VEHICLE OPERATION AT CERTAIN ENGINE REVOLUTIONS, MAY RESULT IN A RESONANCE THAT, IF CONTINUED OVER TIME, MAY CAUSE A STRESS CRACK TO DEVELOP AT THE FIXED PORTION OF THE FUEL PIPE.
Consequence: IF THIS STRESS CRACK DEVELOPS, FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: THE FUEL RETURN PIPE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW PART AND TWO ADDITIONAL ATTACHMENT BRACKETS WILL BE INSTALLED TO BETTER CONTROL FUEL PIPE VIBRATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-888-648-7820.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE · 09V077000
2009-03-10
MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 39,711 MY 2008-2009 OUTLANDER AND LACER VEHICLES. INCORRECT MATERIAL COMPOSITION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE MAY CAUSE THE CHECK VALVE TO STICK CLOSED WHEN THE ENGINE IS SHUT OFF. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RE-STARTED AND PUT INTO MOTION, UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS (VERY SLOW VEHICLE MANEUVERS), THERE MAY BE INSUFFICIENT INITIAL BRAKING ASSIST.
Consequence: THIS MAY TEMPORARILY INCREASE THE STOPPING DISTANCE OF THE VEHICLE AND THEREFORE INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
Performance
Horsepower
291hp
Torque
300lb-ft
0–60 mph
4.6sec
Quarter mile
13.3sec
Top speed
155mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
17mpg
Highway
22mpg
Combined
19mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
Capability & size
Curb weight
3,549lb
EPA class
Compact Cars
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 2.0L I4 Turbo 4B11T and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.