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Mitsubishi Eclipse Problems

The Mitsubishi Eclipse was a popular sport compact that accumulated 5,568 complaints throughout its production history. Powertrain issues are the most common concern, followed by wheel and engine problems. The mid-1990s and early 2000s model years show the highest complaint volumes, reflecting the generations with the most reported issues.

5,568
Total Complaints
10
Total Recalls
24
Model Years
26
Reported Deaths
!

Years to Avoid

These years have significantly more complaints than average.

2000 1995
✓

Best Years

These years have the fewest reported problems.

1989 1993 1994

Common Problem Categories

Power Train 662
Wheels 556
Engine And Engine Cooling 526
Structure 434
Service Brakes 432

Complaints by Model Year

All Model Years

Year ↓ Complaints Recalls Crashes Fires Rating
2012 22 0 2 0 Good
2011 2 0 0 0 Good
2010 2 0 0 0 Good
2009 88 1 20 0 Good
2008 164 1 26 0 Average
2007 244 1 42 2 Average
2006 236 1 28 0 Average
2005 16 1 0 8 Good
2004 40 1 18 6 Good
2003 316 1 36 16 Average
2002 168 1 12 8 Average
2001 574 1 66 20 Below Average
2000 760 1 36 26 Avoid
1999 300 0 20 6 Average
1998 348 0 46 12 Average
1997 370 0 60 14 Below Average
1996 440 0 62 10 Below Average
1995 880 0 128 26 Avoid
1994 106 0 16 4 Good
1993 88 0 4 2 Good
1992 130 0 16 2 Average
1991 130 0 10 4 Average
1990 118 0 8 0 Average
1989 26 0 0 0 Good

Mitsubishi Eclipse Years to Avoid

1995, 2000, 2001, 1996, 1997

Best Mitsubishi Eclipse Years

2010, 2011, 2005, 2012, 1989

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common problems with the Mitsubishi Eclipse?

Powertrain failures lead with 662 complaints, followed by wheel issues (556), engine and cooling problems (526), structural concerns (434), and brake problems (432). Transmission issues are particularly notable in certain years.

Which Mitsubishi Eclipse years should I avoid?

The 1995 model year has the most complaints at 880. The 2000-2001 model years also show elevated complaint volumes. The 1996-1998 period rounds out the most problematic years.

Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable?

Reliability varies by generation. Later fourth-generation models (2006-2012) generally show fewer complaints than earlier generations. The turbocharged variants tend to require more maintenance and attention.

What should I check before buying a used Mitsubishi Eclipse?

Inspect the transmission and clutch (manual models), check for wheel bearing issues, assess the cooling system, and examine the structure for rust. Turbocharged models need additional scrutiny of boost-related components.