1997 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE

12 recalls — 185 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
06E064000 Jul 17, 2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Defect Description
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED 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 ASSOCIATED ... 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
TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
4,029 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: TRADESONIC
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.
06E044000 May 22, 2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Defect Description
CERTAIN J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES COMBINATION HEADLAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASS... Read more
Consequence
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy
J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE HEADLAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES AT 310-327-4981.
1,215 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES
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
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
97V081001 May 12, 1997
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
Defect Description
THE HEADREST GUIDE BRACKET WAS IMPROPERLY WELDED TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BACK ASSEMBLIES ONLY.
Consequence
THE HEADREST SUPPORT BRACKET CAN BREAK, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SEAT BACK ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ASSEMBLY.
119 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA

Complaint Statistics

185 total complaints 30 crashes 7 fires 21 injuries 1 deaths

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE17
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE15
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL12
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT6
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION6
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS6
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5
SUSPENSION5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM4
SUSPENSION Mar 3, 2017
Incident date: Dec 14, 2016
THIS VEHICLE HAS A RECALL FOR THE LOWER BALL JOINT. AFTER CALLING TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO FIX THIS ISSUE THE VEHICLE SHOWS UP AS ALREADY SERVICED, WHICH MAY HAVE ONLY BEEN AS LITTLE AS AN INSPECTION THAT WAS DONE. THE BALL JOINT IN THIS VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY FAILING AND IS EXTREMELY NOTICEABLE WH... Read more
SUSPENSION Nov 28, 2016
Incident date: Nov 26, 2016
I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL ALERT FROM THE DEALER. RIGHT NOW THE DEALER WAS SOLD TO A NEW OWNER. I WENT TO THE DEALER TO BUY A FENDER AND MY VIN NUMBER DOES NOT APPEAR IN THE MITSUBISHI COMPUTER SYSTEM HERE IN PUERTO RICO EITHER IN USA. SO I WOULD LIKE AN ADVISE. WHAT I HAVE TO DO. I HAVE ALL THE PURC... Read more
SUSPENSION Jan 26, 2016
Incident date: Jan 20, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND VEERED TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL IN 2010, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED AGAIN. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE ... Read more
AIR BAGS Jan 21, 2010
Incident date: May 28, 2009
SON DRIVING A ECLIPSE RAN OFF THE ROAD AND HIT A TREE GOING 55 MPH AND THE AIR BAGS NEVER CAME OUT RESULTING IN THE DEATH OF ONLY CHILD. *TR
Crash 1 deaths
POWER TRAIN Dec 24, 2008
Incident date: Jun 1, 1997
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 1997 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN 1997, THE VEHICLE'S SPEED HAS NOT EXCEEDED 35MPH. ON THREE OCCASIONS, A MECHANIC ADJUSTED THE TRANSMISSION TIMING; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT IT WAS BEST TO CRASH THE VEHICLE ... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Aug 20, 2008
Incident date: Aug 18, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT 30 MPH, THE TURN SIGNAL BECAME STUCK. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, BUT THE TURN SIGNAL WAS STILL STUCK. THE DEALER STATED THAT A NEW TURN SIGNAL SWITCH NEEDED TO BE PURCHASED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE... Read more
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY Oct 25, 2007
Incident date: Oct 25, 2007
UNABLE TO FIND A SUITABLE BOOSTER SEAT FOR MY 5Y/O SON WEIGHING 45LBS THAT WILL REST IN THE DEEP SEATED CONTOURS OF THE REAR BUCKET SEATS FOR 1997 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE . *JB
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM Jun 20, 2007
Incident date: Dec 31, 2001
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO THE CURB. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE FOGGY AND DAMP. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. APPROXIMATELY THREE YEARS LATER, THE VEHICLE JERKED TO THE RIGHT AND ... Read more
Crash
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY Jun 20, 2007
Incident date: Dec 31, 2001
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO THE CURB. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE FOGGY AND DAMP. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. APPROXIMATELY THREE YEARS LATER, THE VEHICLE JERKED TO THE RIGHT AND ... Read more
Crash
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT Mar 22, 2007
Incident date: Apr 6, 2006
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE GSX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BALL JOINTS WERE DETACHING FROM THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL # 00V421001 FOR SUSPENSION: LOWER BALL JOINTS. THE VEHICLE CONTAINED THE SAME BALL JOINTS FROM THE LAST RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED TH... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Jun 23, 2006
Incident date: Jun 23, 2006
SQUEALING BELTS AT STARTUP, INCONSISTENT SMALL LEAKS OF COOLANT, HESITATION AT 2K RPM WERE ONLY PRE-CURSORS. OUT OF NOWHERE, WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, I LOOKED AT GAUGES FOR NO PARTICULAR REASON....NOTICED THE TEMPERATURE WAS RISING, EVENTUALLY GOING AS FAR AS IT COULD ABOVE H. SO I LOOK FOR SMOKE... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Jun 7, 2006
Incident date: Apr 15, 2006
1997 ECLIPSE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TS *JB
Fire
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION Dec 30, 2005
Incident date: Dec 22, 2005
CONSTANT OVER HEATING AND FLUID COMING OUT OF THE RADIATOR CAP, ALSO SEVERE SHAKING IN THE STERRING WHEEL AND 4TH GEAR. WHAT IS THAT ALL ABOUT?
SUSPENSION Dec 30, 2005
Incident date: Dec 22, 2005
CONSTANT OVER HEATING AND FLUID COMING OUT OF THE RADIATOR CAP, ALSO SEVERE SHAKING IN THE STERRING WHEEL AND 4TH GEAR. WHAT IS THAT ALL ABOUT?
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM Dec 30, 2005
Incident date: Dec 22, 2005
CONSTANT OVER HEATING AND FLUID COMING OUT OF THE RADIATOR CAP, ALSO SEVERE SHAKING IN THE STERRING WHEEL AND 4TH GEAR. WHAT IS THAT ALL ABOUT?
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR Nov 7, 2005
Incident date: Nov 7, 2005
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR AT MORNING 9:00 AM ON 11/7/2005, ALL SUDDEN MY DRIVER SIDE WINDOW GLASS BROKEN INTO PIECES. I HAVE STOPPED MY CAR AND CHECKED. THERE IS NO ONE AROUND ALSO. BUT ALL OF A SUDDEN IT IS BROKEN INTO PIECES COMPLETELY. *JB
1 injured
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE) Jul 21, 2005
Incident date: Jul 1, 1999
I OWN A 1997 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE GSX ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE. I HAVE A LEAK IN THE TRANSFER CASE, WHICH PREMATURELY CAUSES WEAR ON THE CASE HOUSING AND CAN LEAD TO A PART FAILURE RESULTING IN WHEEL LOCKAGE WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD AND THE DEALERSHIP IN MY AREA HAS IGNORED MY CONCERNS AND C... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR Jan 20, 2005
Incident date: Jan 1, 2004
FUEL RELAY SWITCH ON MY MITSUIBISHI ECLIPSE 1997 GS HAS FAILED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. IN ORDER TO GET MY CAR TO START, I HAVE TO GO UNDER THE HOOD, "WIGGLE" THE RELAY SWITCH AND LIGHTLY TAP ON THE TOP OF IT. THIS FUEL RELAY HAS BEEN REPLACED BY DEALER AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO OCCUR, EVEN CAUSIN... Read more
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION Jan 20, 2005
Incident date: Jan 1, 2004
FUEL RELAY SWITCH ON MY MITSUIBISHI ECLIPSE 1997 GS HAS FAILED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. IN ORDER TO GET MY CAR TO START, I HAVE TO GO UNDER THE HOOD, "WIGGLE" THE RELAY SWITCH AND LIGHTLY TAP ON THE TOP OF IT. THIS FUEL RELAY HAS BEEN REPLACED BY DEALER AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO OCCUR, EVEN CAUSIN... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY Jan 20, 2005
Incident date: Jan 1, 2004
FUEL RELAY SWITCH ON MY MITSUIBISHI ECLIPSE 1997 GS HAS FAILED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. IN ORDER TO GET MY CAR TO START, I HAVE TO GO UNDER THE HOOD, "WIGGLE" THE RELAY SWITCH AND LIGHTLY TAP ON THE TOP OF IT. THIS FUEL RELAY HAS BEEN REPLACED BY DEALER AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO OCCUR, EVEN CAUSIN... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY Jan 20, 2005
Incident date: Jan 1, 2004
FUEL RELAY SWITCH ON MY MITSUIBISHI ECLIPSE 1997 GS HAS FAILED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. IN ORDER TO GET MY CAR TO START, I HAVE TO GO UNDER THE HOOD, "WIGGLE" THE RELAY SWITCH AND LIGHTLY TAP ON THE TOP OF IT. THIS FUEL RELAY HAS BEEN REPLACED BY DEALER AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO OCCUR, EVEN CAUSIN... Read more
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY Jan 20, 2005
Incident date: Jan 1, 2004
FUEL RELAY SWITCH ON MY MITSUIBISHI ECLIPSE 1997 GS HAS FAILED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. IN ORDER TO GET MY CAR TO START, I HAVE TO GO UNDER THE HOOD, "WIGGLE" THE RELAY SWITCH AND LIGHTLY TAP ON THE TOP OF IT. THIS FUEL RELAY HAS BEEN REPLACED BY DEALER AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO OCCUR, EVEN CAUSIN... Read more
WHEELS:RIM Nov 5, 2004
Incident date: Aug 1, 2003
RIMS BEND TO EASILY. ALL FOUR RIMS BENT. ALL FOUR TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUBBING, BECAUSE WHEELS COULDN'T BE BALANCED DUE TO THE BENDING OF THE RIMS.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Sep 10, 2004
Incident date: Jul 7, 2003
CONSUMER NOTICED OIL IN THE DRIVEWAY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC TO DETECT WHERE THE OIL WAS LEAKING FROM. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE HEAD GASKET BLEW OUT. HEAD GASKET HAS WAS REVISED TWICE BY THE MANUFACTURER BEFORE THEY HAD ONE THAT WORKED. DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED WITH THE REV... Read more
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS Sep 7, 2004
Incident date: Aug 30, 2004
I HAVE OWNED MY CARE FOR 3 YEARS. IN THAT TIME I HAVE HAD A LEAKING SUNROOF, BROKEN PASSENGER REAR VIEW MIRROR, BROKEN PASSENGER WINDOW "WONT ROLL UP", NUMEROUS TIRE CHANGES, BAD VIBRATION, HORRIBLE NOISES WHEN TURNING WHEEL, HAVE REPLACED 2 TRANSMISSIONS, BOTH TIE ROD ENDS, 1 LOWER BALL JOINT AND C... Read more
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT Sep 7, 2004
Incident date: Aug 30, 2004
I HAVE OWNED MY CARE FOR 3 YEARS. IN THAT TIME I HAVE HAD A LEAKING SUNROOF, BROKEN PASSENGER REAR VIEW MIRROR, BROKEN PASSENGER WINDOW "WONT ROLL UP", NUMEROUS TIRE CHANGES, BAD VIBRATION, HORRIBLE NOISES WHEN TURNING WHEEL, HAVE REPLACED 2 TRANSMISSIONS, BOTH TIE ROD ENDS, 1 LOWER BALL JOINT AND C... Read more
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY Sep 7, 2004
Incident date: Aug 30, 2004
I HAVE OWNED MY CARE FOR 3 YEARS. IN THAT TIME I HAVE HAD A LEAKING SUNROOF, BROKEN PASSENGER REAR VIEW MIRROR, BROKEN PASSENGER WINDOW "WONT ROLL UP", NUMEROUS TIRE CHANGES, BAD VIBRATION, HORRIBLE NOISES WHEN TURNING WHEEL, HAVE REPLACED 2 TRANSMISSIONS, BOTH TIE ROD ENDS, 1 LOWER BALL JOINT AND C... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS Sep 7, 2004
Incident date: Aug 30, 2004
I HAVE OWNED MY CARE FOR 3 YEARS. IN THAT TIME I HAVE HAD A LEAKING SUNROOF, BROKEN PASSENGER REAR VIEW MIRROR, BROKEN PASSENGER WINDOW "WONT ROLL UP", NUMEROUS TIRE CHANGES, BAD VIBRATION, HORRIBLE NOISES WHEN TURNING WHEEL, HAVE REPLACED 2 TRANSMISSIONS, BOTH TIE ROD ENDS, 1 LOWER BALL JOINT AND C... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS Sep 7, 2004
Incident date: Aug 30, 2004
I HAVE OWNED MY CARE FOR 3 YEARS. IN THAT TIME I HAVE HAD A LEAKING SUNROOF, BROKEN PASSENGER REAR VIEW MIRROR, BROKEN PASSENGER WINDOW "WONT ROLL UP", NUMEROUS TIRE CHANGES, BAD VIBRATION, HORRIBLE NOISES WHEN TURNING WHEEL, HAVE REPLACED 2 TRANSMISSIONS, BOTH TIE ROD ENDS, 1 LOWER BALL JOINT AND C... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Sep 7, 2004
Incident date: Aug 30, 2004
I HAVE OWNED MY CARE FOR 3 YEARS. IN THAT TIME I HAVE HAD A LEAKING SUNROOF, BROKEN PASSENGER REAR VIEW MIRROR, BROKEN PASSENGER WINDOW "WONT ROLL UP", NUMEROUS TIRE CHANGES, BAD VIBRATION, HORRIBLE NOISES WHEN TURNING WHEEL, HAVE REPLACED 2 TRANSMISSIONS, BOTH TIE ROD ENDS, 1 LOWER BALL JOINT AND C... Read more
SUSPENSION Sep 7, 2004
Incident date: Aug 30, 2004
I HAVE OWNED MY CARE FOR 3 YEARS. IN THAT TIME I HAVE HAD A LEAKING SUNROOF, BROKEN PASSENGER REAR VIEW MIRROR, BROKEN PASSENGER WINDOW "WONT ROLL UP", NUMEROUS TIRE CHANGES, BAD VIBRATION, HORRIBLE NOISES WHEN TURNING WHEEL, HAVE REPLACED 2 TRANSMISSIONS, BOTH TIE ROD ENDS, 1 LOWER BALL JOINT AND C... Read more
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY Sep 7, 2004
Incident date: Aug 30, 2004
I HAVE OWNED MY CARE FOR 3 YEARS. IN THAT TIME I HAVE HAD A LEAKING SUNROOF, BROKEN PASSENGER REAR VIEW MIRROR, BROKEN PASSENGER WINDOW "WONT ROLL UP", NUMEROUS TIRE CHANGES, BAD VIBRATION, HORRIBLE NOISES WHEN TURNING WHEEL, HAVE REPLACED 2 TRANSMISSIONS, BOTH TIE ROD ENDS, 1 LOWER BALL JOINT AND C... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR Sep 7, 2004
Incident date: Aug 30, 2004
I HAVE OWNED MY CARE FOR 3 YEARS. IN THAT TIME I HAVE HAD A LEAKING SUNROOF, BROKEN PASSENGER REAR VIEW MIRROR, BROKEN PASSENGER WINDOW "WONT ROLL UP", NUMEROUS TIRE CHANGES, BAD VIBRATION, HORRIBLE NOISES WHEN TURNING WHEEL, HAVE REPLACED 2 TRANSMISSIONS, BOTH TIE ROD ENDS, 1 LOWER BALL JOINT AND C... Read more
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES Sep 7, 2004
Incident date: Aug 30, 2004
I HAVE OWNED MY CARE FOR 3 YEARS. IN THAT TIME I HAVE HAD A LEAKING SUNROOF, BROKEN PASSENGER REAR VIEW MIRROR, BROKEN PASSENGER WINDOW "WONT ROLL UP", NUMEROUS TIRE CHANGES, BAD VIBRATION, HORRIBLE NOISES WHEN TURNING WHEEL, HAVE REPLACED 2 TRANSMISSIONS, BOTH TIE ROD ENDS, 1 LOWER BALL JOINT AND C... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Sep 7, 2004
Incident date: Aug 30, 2004
I HAVE OWNED MY CARE FOR 3 YEARS. IN THAT TIME I HAVE HAD A LEAKING SUNROOF, BROKEN PASSENGER REAR VIEW MIRROR, BROKEN PASSENGER WINDOW "WONT ROLL UP", NUMEROUS TIRE CHANGES, BAD VIBRATION, HORRIBLE NOISES WHEN TURNING WHEEL, HAVE REPLACED 2 TRANSMISSIONS, BOTH TIE ROD ENDS, 1 LOWER BALL JOINT AND C... Read more
WHEELS:RIM Sep 3, 2004
Incident date: May 26, 2002
THE 17" MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE WHEELS BEND UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS I HAVE EXPERIENCED SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THESE WHEELS. THESE PROBLEMS HAVE ALSO CAUSED ME TO BUY NEW TIRES WHEN IT MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN NEEDED.*AK
WHEELS Sep 3, 2004
Incident date: May 26, 2002
THE 17" MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE WHEELS BEND UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS I HAVE EXPERIENCED SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THESE WHEELS. THESE PROBLEMS HAVE ALSO CAUSED ME TO BUY NEW TIRES WHEN IT MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN NEEDED.*AK
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS Aug 9, 2004
Incident date: Aug 8, 2004
LUG:NUTS PUT ON TO SPECIFICATION WHEN TIRES REPLACED. WITHIN 1 MONTH FRONT DRIVER TIRE ALMOST CAME OFF DUE TO LOOSE NUTS. MECHANIC TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. ITH 1 MONTH BOTH FRONT TIRES ALMOST FELL OFF ON FREEWAY DUE TO LOOSE NUTS.*AK CALLED MITSUBSHI MOTORS. THEY SUGGESTED I HAVE THEM REPLACED ... Read more
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT May 21, 2004
PREMATURE WEAR OF THE LOWER LATERAL ARM AND BALL JOINTS. *MR THE VEHICLE MADE NOISES AND THE STEERING WAS OFF. THE LOCAL REPAIR SHOP FOUND THAT THE TROUBLED AREA WAS ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE. (THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE EXCESSIVE WEAR OF THE BALL JOINTS) THE PROBLEM OCCURRED ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE May 19, 2004
Incident date: Mar 14, 2004
OCTOBER 20, 2003 I PURCHASED A 1997 ECLIPSE GST FROM CITY LIMIT AUTO IN JOHNSTON, RI. MARCH 14, 2004 I WAS DRIVING HOME WHEN A SMALL CLICK FORMED IN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR AFTER REACHING 3,500 RPMS. WITH-IN MINUTES THE CLICK DEVELOPED INTO WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A SMALL HOLE IN THE EXHAUST, PROBABLY THE CAT. N... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Apr 22, 2004
Incident date: Aug 15, 2003
ON AUGUST 8, 2003, MY SON PURCHASED A 1997 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE, 97037 MILES, FROM [XXX]-OWNER, SOUTH BAY AUTO-[XXX]. WE PURCHASED THE CAR FOR $8,849.21. ON AUGUST 11, 2003, THE ENGINE BLOW BECAUSE THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE CAR, AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CAR HAD BEEN SERVICED AND IT WAS IN GOOD MEC... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Apr 16, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND VEHICLE MOVED IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CAUSE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *AK
STEERING Mar 25, 2004
Incident date: Mar 14, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE VEHICLE'S STEERING MALFUNCTION. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL WITHOUT WARNING. THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. NO REPORT OF IMPACT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT Mar 8, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A BALL JOINT PROBLEM. THE WHEELS CAN BE HEARD WHEN MAKING A SHARP TURN. CONSUMER CAN HEAR THE RATTLING FROM WITHIN. *AK *JB
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT Mar 8, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A BALL JOINT PROBLEM. THE WHEELS CAN BE HEARD WHEN MAKING A SHARP TURN. CONSUMER CAN HEAR THE RATTLING FROM WITHIN. *AK *JB
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Feb 23, 2004
Incident date: Jan 12, 2004
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY TRANSMISSION WENT OUT OF GEAR I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF PASSING A LONG LINE OF TRUCKS AND HAD TO PULL OFF INTO THE LEFT SIDE BREAKDOWN LANE AND WAS NEARLY HIT BY NUMEROUS CARS DUE TO SENSORS IN THE CAR SHUTTING THE TRANSMISSION OFF DUE TO TRANSMISSIO... Read more
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM Aug 27, 2003
Incident date: Aug 27, 2003
FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARMS BALL JOINT. LOUD KNOCKING SOUND EVIDENT ON DRIVERS SIDE. WHEEL BASE ON DRIVERS SIDE IS 1998" WHILE PASSENGER SIDE IS STILL AT 1999" PREVIOUS RECALL CONCERNS DID NOT STATE WHICH LOWER CONTROL ARM TO BE REPLACED. DEALER REPLACED THE SMALLER STRAIGHT ARM AND NOT T... Read more
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT Aug 27, 2003
Incident date: Aug 27, 2003
FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARMS BALL JOINT. LOUD KNOCKING SOUND EVIDENT ON DRIVERS SIDE. WHEEL BASE ON DRIVERS SIDE IS 1998" WHILE PASSENGER SIDE IS STILL AT 1999" PREVIOUS RECALL CONCERNS DID NOT STATE WHICH LOWER CONTROL ARM TO BE REPLACED. DEALER REPLACED THE SMALLER STRAIGHT ARM AND NOT T... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES Aug 19, 2003
Incident date: Aug 19, 2003
TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO VISIBLE WARNINGS AT THIS TIME. *AK
STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING Aug 13, 2003
Incident date: Aug 1, 2003
STEERING ROD BROKE WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING RIGHT FRONT WHEEL TO "POP" OUT, RESULTING IN A COLLISION.*AK
Crash

Showing 50 of 185 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy — 1997 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 18.0 28.0 22.0 Regular $2,700
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 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 30.0 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: 404.0 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 (current) 12 185
1996 11 220 View
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