1996 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE

11 recalls — 220 complaints

09E025000 May 11, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Defect Description
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES... Read more
Consequence
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
42,540 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: DOPE, INC.
09E012000 Apr 7, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Defect Description
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES... Read more
Consequence
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
16,270 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
07E055000 Jul 26, 2007
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Defect Description
CERTAIN AIRTEX FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLIES, P/N E7081H, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WALL OF THE FLARED FITTING OF THE FUEL PUMP IS NOT THICK ENOUGH TO PREVENT THE MATING THREADED FITTINGS FROM BOTTOMING OUT BEFORE AN ADEQUATE SEAL IS ACHIEVED. THIS COND... Read more
Consequence
IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AIRTEX AUTOMOTIVE AT 800-880-3056.
222 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: AIRTEX PRODUCTS
06E060000 Jun 29, 2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Defect Description
CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIA... Read more
Consequence
LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
Remedy
AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
87,745 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: AAI MOTORSPORTS USA, LLC
06E049000 May 24, 2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Defect Description
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. ... Read more
Consequence
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy
CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
27,176 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: CK MOTORSPORT, INC.
06E026000 Mar 23, 2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Defect Description
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE D... Read more
Consequence
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
61,944 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
06E023000 Mar 13, 2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Defect Description
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPME... Read more
Consequence
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
292,000 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: ANZO USA, INC.
00V421001 Dec 18, 2000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE RUBBER BOOTS ON THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, DIRT AND WATER CAN INTRUDE. ALSO, MMC HAS ADDED THE POTENTIAL OF LEAKING MOISTURE, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE BALL STUD TO CORRODE.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. THIS CAMPAIGN SUPERCEDES MMC'S PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN, SEE 99V-066.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT FOR WEAR. BALL JOINTS THAT EXHIBIT WEAR BEYOND THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEWLY DESIGNED LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS. BALL JOINTS THAT ARE WITHIN THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE CLEANED AND A SPECIAL SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED T... Read more
567,432 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
99V066001 Apr 5, 1999
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE RUBBER BOOTS ON THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, DIRT AND WATER CAN INTRUDE.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE RUBBER BOOTS, AND IF THE BOOT IS DAMAGED, THEY WILL REPLACE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM AND BALL JOINT ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
307,000 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
98V069001 Mar 26, 1998
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR ADEQUACY OF THE TRANSFER CASE OIL VOLUME, TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AND OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION OF THE TRANSFER CASE MECHANISM. IF OIL VOLUME IS INSUFFICIENT, THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF OIL WILL BE ADDED. IF THERE IS TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AFFECTED COMPONE... Read more
24,275 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
96V158001 Aug 27, 1996
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Defect Description
THE FUEL TANK GASKETS FOR THE FUEL PUMP AND/OR GAUGE UNIT GASKET COULD HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY INSTALLED ALLOWING FUEL OR FUMES TO ESCAPE.
Consequence
IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, THE FUEL LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK AND IF THE GASKETS ARE FOUND TO BE LEAKING, REPLACE THE FUEL TANK, CAPS AND GASKETS.
5,731 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA

Complaint Statistics

220 total complaints 31 crashes 5 fires 12 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL16
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT15
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE14
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR11
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE8
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION6
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP6
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS5
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS5
POWER TRAIN May 4, 2017
Incident date: May 2, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE REAR WHEELS SEIZED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MAN... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Sep 12, 2011
Incident date: Apr 6, 2011
ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODUAL WHILE DRIVING ALL POWER TO CAR JUST LOST. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Sep 12, 2011
Incident date: Apr 6, 2011
ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODUAL WHILE DRIVING ALL POWER TO CAR JUST LOST. *TR
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) Sep 12, 2011
Incident date: Apr 6, 2011
ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODUAL WHILE DRIVING ALL POWER TO CAR JUST LOST. *TR
POWER TRAIN Dec 27, 2010
Incident date: Dec 21, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE TRANSFER CASE SUDDENLY STALLED AND LOCKED ALL FOUR WHEELS; HE WAS UNABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE NEEDED TO REPLACE TRA... Read more
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION Jun 1, 2010
Incident date: Apr 20, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL VIBRATION AND IT MADE AN UNUSUAL NOISE. THE CONTACT DROVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, FOUND THAT THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT HAD FRACTURED FROM THE TRANSF... Read more
EQUIPMENT Mar 6, 2008
Incident date: Dec 8, 2007
10/26/01 L FRONT LWR CONTROL ARM BROKE, THE CAR BOUNCED DOWN THE ROAD WHEN SUSP CAME APART. GVILLE MITZ REPLACED THE PARTS AT THE COST OF THE MANF. THE VEHICLE HAD 104000 MI AT THAT TIME. ITEMS LISTED ON REPAIR INVOICE: ARM ASSY (FR SUSP), SHAFT ASSY (FR AXL), SHIELD KIT SPLASH, AIR DAM SIDE FR LH... Read more
Crash 1 injured
SUSPENSION:FRONT Mar 6, 2008
Incident date: Dec 8, 2007
10/26/01 L FRONT LWR CONTROL ARM BROKE, THE CAR BOUNCED DOWN THE ROAD WHEN SUSP CAME APART. GVILLE MITZ REPLACED THE PARTS AT THE COST OF THE MANF. THE VEHICLE HAD 104000 MI AT THAT TIME. ITEMS LISTED ON REPAIR INVOICE: ARM ASSY (FR SUSP), SHAFT ASSY (FR AXL), SHIELD KIT SPLASH, AIR DAM SIDE FR LH... Read more
Crash 1 injured
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE Dec 22, 2007
Incident date: Dec 4, 2007
I WAS GOING ABOUT 65 MILES PER HOUR ON THE FREEWAY, WHEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD REVVING NOISE AND BEGAN TO DOWN SHIFT AT AN ACCELERATED RATE. THE ECLIPSE NOW HAS A SHIFTING PROBLEM TO WHERE THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE THE DRIVE TO MOVE FORWARDS NOR BACKWARDS. I WAS TOLD BY A TRANSMISSION ... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Dec 22, 2007
Incident date: Dec 4, 2007
I WAS GOING ABOUT 65 MILES PER HOUR ON THE FREEWAY, WHEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD REVVING NOISE AND BEGAN TO DOWN SHIFT AT AN ACCELERATED RATE. THE ECLIPSE NOW HAS A SHIFTING PROBLEM TO WHERE THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE THE DRIVE TO MOVE FORWARDS NOR BACKWARDS. I WAS TOLD BY A TRANSMISSION ... Read more
WHEELS:RIM Dec 8, 2007
Incident date: Dec 7, 2007
DRIVING ON HWY. 80 ON DRY ROAD AT APPROX. 60-65 MPH, IN FAST LANE, CAR STARTED TO SHAKE, AS WE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF FREEWAY, TIRE BLEW OUT...COMPLETE SEPARATION OF BELT FROM SIDEWALLS,BOTH SIDE WALLS STILL ON RIM, BELT (INTACT) ROLLED DOWN FREEWAY. TIRES LESS THAN 1 YEAR OLD, AND LOTS OF TR... Read more
TIRES Dec 8, 2007
Incident date: Dec 7, 2007
DRIVING ON HWY. 80 ON DRY ROAD AT APPROX. 60-65 MPH, IN FAST LANE, CAR STARTED TO SHAKE, AS WE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF FREEWAY, TIRE BLEW OUT...COMPLETE SEPARATION OF BELT FROM SIDEWALLS,BOTH SIDE WALLS STILL ON RIM, BELT (INTACT) ROLLED DOWN FREEWAY. TIRES LESS THAN 1 YEAR OLD, AND LOTS OF TR... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Oct 18, 2006
Incident date: Oct 18, 2006
I HAVE A BLACK 1996 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE RS THE CLEAR COAT IS TOTALLY COMING OFF OF THE CAR LEAVING WHITE SPOTS ALL OVER. THE CAR IS SUPPOSE TO BE BLACK BUT IT LOOKS LIKE A DALMATION. *NM
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT Mar 23, 2006
Incident date: Mar 23, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER AND IT WAS DETERMINED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS NEEDED REPLACED. A NHTSA RECALL, #00V421001 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE CONCERNING, THE SUSPENSION HOWEVER,... Read more
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT Aug 30, 2005
Incident date: Mar 1, 2005
RE: DEALERSHIP COMPLAINT: REFUSAL TO HONOR EXISTING NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 00V421001, 99V066001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE, SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER BALL JOINT I RECENTLY TOOK MY 1996 ECLIPSE TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP (ARNOLD MITSUBISHI, ROSEVILLE, MI) TO MA... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Aug 3, 2005
Incident date: Aug 3, 2005
I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS SITE AND DEDUCED THAT MITSUBISHI HAS PRODUCED A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT IN THE 1996 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE RE: DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKET AND WHICH LEADS TO WORN OUT VALVE SEALS . ON JULY 29TH 2005 THE MITSUBISHI CORPORATION SUED ITS PREVIOUS PRESIDENTS AND FORMER EXECUTIVES FOR DEFECT AND ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE Aug 3, 2005
Incident date: Jan 3, 2005
(1) BOUGHT CAR USED, IT HAD A BAD REAR MAIN SEAL. (2) CAR PASSES GEORGIA EMISSION INSPECTION (3) REPLACE REAR MAIN SEAL (4) NOW VEHICLE BLOWS SMOKE WHILE STANDING STILL IN TRAFFIC. (5) REPAIR OF LEAKING VALVE COVER GASKET (6) STILL SMOKING WHILE IN GEAR (7) INFORMED OF VALVE SEALS BEING BAD..... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Aug 3, 2005
Incident date: Jan 3, 2005
(1) BOUGHT CAR USED, IT HAD A BAD REAR MAIN SEAL. (2) CAR PASSES GEORGIA EMISSION INSPECTION (3) REPLACE REAR MAIN SEAL (4) NOW VEHICLE BLOWS SMOKE WHILE STANDING STILL IN TRAFFIC. (5) REPAIR OF LEAKING VALVE COVER GASKET (6) STILL SMOKING WHILE IN GEAR (7) INFORMED OF VALVE SEALS BEING BAD..... Read more
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT Aug 1, 2005
Incident date: Jul 30, 2005
DT: FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINT FAILURE. CONTACT SAID THE WHEEL AND BALL JOINT FELL OFF. CALLER RECEIVED RECALL 04V421001 CONCERNING BALL JOINTS WHEN CALLER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO THE DEALER SAID IT WAS OKAY. THEN ON T JULY 0, 2005 SHE HEARD A POP AND THE VEHICLE DROPPED. ... Read more
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT Aug 1, 2005
Incident date: Jul 30, 2005
DT: FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINT FAILURE. CONTACT SAID THE WHEEL AND BALL JOINT FELL OFF. CALLER RECEIVED RECALL 04V421001 CONCERNING BALL JOINTS WHEN CALLER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO THE DEALER SAID IT WAS OKAY. THEN ON T JULY 0, 2005 SHE HEARD A POP AND THE VEHICLE DROPPED. ... Read more
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE) Jan 27, 2005
Incident date: Jan 27, 2005
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LEAK WITHIN THE TRANSFER CASE. OWNER CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER, AND WAS TOLD THAT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED FOR THE RECALL ONCE ALREADY DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER WILL NOT INSPECT AGAIN THE VEHICLE FOR THIS DEFECT. OWNER WAS TOLD THAT THIS PROBLEM W... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Jul 26, 2004
Incident date: Sep 10, 1998
CAR WAS IDLING AT A VERY LOW RPM. I HAD THE CAR SERVICED AND WAS STILL IDLING VERY LOW. WHEN COMING TO A STOP, THE CAR WANTED TO STALL. MEANING THE RPMS DROPPED TO ZERO AND THEN THE IDLE JUMPED EXTREMELY HIGH FOR A FEW SECONDS. A FEW DAYS LATER THE CAR STARTED TO STALL WHEN STOPPING OR GOING ARO... Read more
STRUCTURE Jul 26, 2004
Incident date: Apr 1, 1997
BOUGHT CAR IN NOV 1996. ABOUT 5 MONTHS OR SO AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR, THE DRIVERS SIDE SUN VISOR CAN DETACHED FROM THE CEILING. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS NOT A COVERED WARRANTY SERVICE. I WAS TOLD THAT THE THREADS NEEDED TO BE REDONE AND THAT THEY WERE STRIPPED. MY CAR ONLY HAD 16,000 MILES ON IT... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE Jul 25, 2004
Incident date: Nov 27, 1999
MAINTAINED REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND WAS NOTIFIED THAT I HAD AN OIL LEAK IN MY ENGINE. I SAVED ENOUGH MONEY TO HAVE THE HEAD GASKET REPLACED TO FIX THE OIL LEAK. THE HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED (NEW) IN MARCH OF 2000. 4 MONTHS LATER MY CAR STARTED TO SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST WHEN STANDING STILL IN TRAFF... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM Jul 25, 2004
Incident date: Nov 27, 1999
MAINTAINED REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND WAS NOTIFIED THAT I HAD AN OIL LEAK IN MY ENGINE. I SAVED ENOUGH MONEY TO HAVE THE HEAD GASKET REPLACED TO FIX THE OIL LEAK. THE HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED (NEW) IN MARCH OF 2000. 4 MONTHS LATER MY CAR STARTED TO SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST WHEN STANDING STILL IN TRAFF... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Jul 25, 2004
Incident date: Nov 27, 1999
MAINTAINED REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND WAS NOTIFIED THAT I HAD AN OIL LEAK IN MY ENGINE. I SAVED ENOUGH MONEY TO HAVE THE HEAD GASKET REPLACED TO FIX THE OIL LEAK. THE HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED (NEW) IN MARCH OF 2000. 4 MONTHS LATER MY CAR STARTED TO SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST WHEN STANDING STILL IN TRAFF... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR Jul 25, 2004
Incident date: Mar 20, 1998
CONSTANT PULSATING OF BRAKES WHEN APPLYING THEM. TOOK CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP THE 1ST TIME AND HAD THE ROTORS REPLACED. MITSUBISHI PAID FOR 1/2 OF THE COST AND I PAID THE REST. THIS WAS IN 1998. THE FIRST TIME THAT I HAVE THE ROTORS REPLACED, THE VIBRATING OF THE BRAKE PEDAL CAME BACK WITHIN 2 WEE... Read more
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT Jul 16, 2004
Incident date: Jun 28, 2004
WHILE AT A STOP FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINT FAILED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM Apr 19, 2004
Incident date: Apr 15, 2004
CONSUMER TOOK VEHCILE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE INSPECTED, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT LOWER CONTROL ARMS WERE WEARING OUT PREMATURELY. *AK
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT Apr 6, 2004
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE THE BALL JOINT SLIPPED OUT. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVERS SIDE TIRE TO FALL OFF AND THE VEHICLE FELL TO THE GROUND ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. *MR
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Apr 6, 2004
Incident date: Apr 6, 2004
WHILE SITTING AT AN INTERSECTION ANOTHER DRIVER ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE STREET RAN A RED LIGHT AND HIT THE VEHICLE HEAD ON. THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. *MR
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Mar 26, 2004
Incident date: Mar 21, 2004
AIR BAG FAILURES- FRONT. *AK
Crash 2 injured
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT Mar 3, 2004
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR BALL JOINTS IN SEPTEMBER 2000. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT DID NOT REPAIR THE BALL JOINTS. DEALER INDICATED BALL JOINTS DID NOT NEED REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR. HOWEVER, IN DECEMBER 2001 THE BALL JOINTS COLLAPSED. IN JANUARY... Read more
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT Mar 3, 2004
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR BALL JOINTS IN SEPTEMBER 2000. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT DID NOT REPAIR THE BALL JOINTS. DEALER INDICATED BALL JOINTS DID NOT NEED REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR. HOWEVER, IN DECEMBER 2001 THE BALL JOINTS COLLAPSED. IN JANUARY... Read more
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT Jan 13, 2004
Incident date: Dec 12, 2003
WHILE TRAVELING DOWN OUR STREET, MY LOWER BALL JOINT ON MY 1996 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE GS FAILED. I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30-35 MPH AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. MY VEHICLE PULLED HARD TO THE RIGHT BEFORE THE FAILURE. I DID NOT REALIZE WHAT WAS HAPPENING AT THE TIME, SO I CORRECTED THE PULL BY TURNI... Read more
Crash
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY Jan 7, 2004
Incident date: Jan 2, 2004
CRANKSHAFT HAS REPOSITIONED ITSELF CAUSING THE CLUTCH TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV) Jan 7, 2004
Incident date: Jan 2, 2004
CRANKSHAFT HAS REPOSITIONED ITSELF CAUSING THE CLUTCH TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. *AK
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM Sep 26, 2003
Incident date: Sep 26, 2003
MY 1996 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE WAS IN FOR SERVICING THE TIMING BELT. THE SERVICE MANAGER CALLED ME TO ASK IF I WOULD APPROVE AN UPGRADE FOR AN IDLER PULLEY FOR THE AC/POWER STEERING BELT. SINCE THE COST WAS ABOUT $190, I SAID "NO." AFTER PICKING THE CAR UP AND DRIVING HOME, THE AC/POWER STEERING BELT... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS Sep 16, 2003
OWNER HAS HARDLY EVER USED THE CONVERTIBLE TOP. THE CONVERTIBLE TOP IS SEPARATING FROM THE FRAME,IT IS BULGING OUT. *AK
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS May 29, 2003
Incident date: May 25, 2003
BOTH DOOR HANDLES BROKE OFF IN MY HAND WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE DOOR.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Apr 25, 2003
1996 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. *****DIMS 11 IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS****770819.*AK *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS Mar 20, 2003
Incident date: Mar 11, 2003
THE VEHICLES LEFT HEADLIGHT HAD A WHITE FILM OVER IT WHICH CAUSED THE LIGHT NOT TO EXTEND THE FULL DISTANCE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *NLM SCC
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT Mar 12, 2003
Incident date: Feb 13, 2003
I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 70 ON THE INTERSTATE, I PULLED OFF ONTO THE ACCESS ROAD. MY CAR FELT VERY UNSTABLE. I WAS COMING DOWN A HILL INTO A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION, AND I WAS EASING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND MY CAR FELL UPON ITS TIRE. THE WHEEL WELL COLLAPSED ONTO THE TIRE, AND I COULD NOT MOVE. T... Read more
Crash
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT Feb 3, 2003
Incident date: Feb 2, 2003
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET TRAVELING 30MPH WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG!!! MY CAR SLAMMED TO A HALT IN THE FRONT YARD OF SOME UNKNOWN HOUSE. ONLY TO SEE THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF MY CAR IS NOW RESTING THE WHEEL WELL ON THE TIRE, THE TIRE ABOUT TO JUST FALL OVER, MY FRAME BY THE DOOR ALL CRUSHED ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jan 18, 2003
Incident date: Jan 18, 2003
I BOUGHT A 1996 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE AND ON THE WAY HOME IT BROKE DOWN COMPLETELY. I RESEARCHED THE CAR AND FOUND EVIDENCE THAT THE ODOMETER HAS EITHER BEEN DISCONNECTED OR ROLLED BACK. THE REASON THAT I SAY THIS IS BECAUSE ON WWW.CARFAX.COM IT REPORTS THAT IN 2001 WHEN THIS PERSON PURCHASED THIS CAR... Read more
TIRES Dec 12, 2002
Incident date: Dec 9, 2002
AFTER COMING FROM A STOP AT A STOP LIGHT, REACHING A SPEED OF AROUND 10 MPH, HEARD LOUD POP (ALMOST LIKE TIRE BLOWING OUT), TRIED TO PULL OFF TO SIDE OF ROAD, WHICH AT THAT POINT ALL I HEARD WAS GRINDING (ALMOST LIKE RIDING ON THE RIM), WENT TO PUT VEHICLE INTO PARK AND AS I REACHED THE PARKING GEAR... Read more
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM Oct 18, 2002
Incident date: Oct 4, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND NO WARNING THE FRONT BALL JOINT ARE WORN AND THE CONSUMER CAN HEAR A LOUD POPPING NOISE. DEALER NOTIFIED. MR
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION Sep 17, 2002
Incident date: May 24, 2002
MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE TRAVELING BETWEEN 60 &65 AT 6:30AM MAY 21, 2002 WHEN I NOTICED A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR, INSTANTANEOUSLY THE FRONT WHEELS LOCKED UP AND THE CAR WENT INTO A SPIN. (THE 5 SPEED TRANSMISSION THROUGH A GEAR OUT THE BOTTOM OF THE HOUSING CAUSING THE FRONT WHEE... Read more
Crash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS Sep 12, 2002
Incident date: Aug 1, 2002
CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Sep 4, 2002
Incident date: Jun 28, 2002
AT 65 MPH CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE, FRONT WHEELS LOCKED UP, AND VEHICLE WENT IN CIRCLES. DEALER DETERMINED THAT TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. TRANSMISSION IS ON BACKORDER AT THIS TIME.*AK

Showing 50 of 220 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy — 1996 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive) 17.0 23.0 19.0 Premium $3,650
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 18.0 27.0 21.0 Regular $2,850
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 18.0 24.0 20.0 Premium $3,450
2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive) 19.0 26.0 21.0 Premium $3,300
2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 19.0 29.0 23.0 Regular $2,600
2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 21.0 29.0 24.0 Premium $2,900

CO2 Emissions: 467.7 g/mile (Subcompact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

NHTSA Safety Investigations — MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE05007 Opened: Feb 10, 2005 — Closed: Jun 8, 2005
PE — Closed — Model Year: 2001
HEADLIGHTS FAILURE
IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT HEADLIGHT CONNECTOR CAN CAUSE INCREASED TERMINAL RESISTANCE AND OVERHEAT THE HEADLIGHT CONNECTOR.THIS PROBLEM CAN AFFECT INDEPENDENTLY EITHER HEADLIGHT BUT DOES NOT CAUSE SIMULTANEOUS FAILURE OF BOTH HEADLIGHTS. THE PROBLEM ALSO DOES NOT AFFECT FRONT P... Read more
PE01044 Opened: Dec 18, 2001 — Closed: May 31, 2002
PE — Closed — Model Year: 2001
ALLOY WHEEL DENTING AND FRACTURING
PE01006 Opened: Mar 1, 2001 — Closed: Nov 6, 2001
PE — Closed — Model Year: 2001
FRONT SHOULDER BELT WEBBING GUIDE
ALLEGED THAT THE ANCHOR BOLT FOR THE FRONT SHOULDER BELT FUIDE IS LOOSE OR MIS-INSTALLED
PE97040 Opened: Sep 4, 1997 — Closed: Jan 30, 1998
PE — Closed — Model Year: 1996
TRANSFER CASE LOCKUP
ALLEGED DRIVETRAIN FAILURE THAT CAN LEAD TO LOCK-UP OF THE REAR OR ALL WHEELS.

MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE — All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE across all model years (1990–2009).

131 Total Recalls
2,788 Total Complaints
4 Investigations
329 Reported Crashes
83 Reported Fires
13 Reported Deaths

MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE — Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2012 0 11 View
2011 0 1 View
2010 0 1 View
2009 1 44 View
2008 1 82 View
2007 4 122 View
2006 4 118 View
2005 4 8 View
2004 5 20 View
2003 5 158 View
2002 4 84 View
2001 10 287 View
2000 12 380 View
1999 11 150 View
1998 13 174 View
1997 12 185 View
1996 (current) 11 220
1995 12 440 View
1994 4 53 View
1993 4 44 View
1992 3 65 View
1991 4 65 View
1990 7 59 View
1989 0 13 View

Other MITSUBISHI Models

Model Recalls Complaints
OUTLANDER 352 1,784 View
OUTLANDER PHEV 157 36 View
OUTLANDER SPORT 91 719 View
LANCER 69 1,136 View
GALANT 65 2,435 View
MIRAGE 53 941 View
MONTERO 47 994 View
ECLIPSE SPYDER 34 285 View