Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Eclipse vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Chevrolet Silverado compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mitsubishi Eclipse vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Eclipse averaged 52.3 complaints per year over 10 years, with 267 brake complaints, while the Silverado averaged 822.7 per year, led by 2,521 engine complaints. The Silverado also had 101 recalls versus 24 for the Eclipse. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Eclipse
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a sporty coupe that, in used form, shows a clear pattern of brake-related problems. Over ten years it averaged about 52 complaints per year, with service brakes alone accounting for 267 of the 523 total complaints. Owners frequently describe ABS recall delays and brake pedal issues, suggesting that living with an Eclipse means staying on top of safety recalls and brake maintenance. The relatively low annual complaint rate is encouraging, but the concentration of serious brake and airbag concerns means a thorough inspection is essential.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume—about 823 per year over ten years, totaling 8,227. The dominant themes are engine and power train failures, often reported on very new trucks with low mileage, including sudden engine shutdowns and transmission problems. Electrical system complaints also rank high, with owners describing braking loss and screen blackouts. While the Silverado is a capable work vehicle, the data shows a pattern of early-life reliability issues that buyers should weigh carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Eclipse | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 523 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 70 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 52.3 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 47 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 Better | 3 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Mitsubishi Eclipse
- 01SERVICE BRAKES267
- 02STRUCTURE64
- 03AIR BAGS57
- 04HYDRAULIC44
- 05POWER TRAIN36
Owners report ABS control module failures and recall repairs that take months to become available. Some describe the brake pedal going to the floor while driving, which is a serious safety concern that needs immediate attention.
Complaints include loud metal cracking sounds from the body and even small fires near the front lighting area. These suggest potential frame or electrical faults that could worsen over time and are costly to repair.
Owners report passenger-side airbags popping out or failing to deploy in a crash. This indicates possible inflator or sensor defects that may not be fixed unless a recall is performed.
Hydraulic brake system issues, often tied to the same ABS recall, include delayed parts availability and brake pedal sinking. Buyers should confirm all related recalls have been completed.
“MY 2008 ECLIPSE HAD AN OPEN RECALL ON ISSUES WITH ABS FOR OVER A YEAR. AFTER A YEAR I WAS FINALLY NOTIFIED THAT THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE TO FIX THE ISSUE. AFTER MUCH HASSLE DEALING WITH THE LOCAL DEAL I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR REPAIR. THE SERVICE CENTER CLAIMED TO…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V337000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) IN JULY OF 2015. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GOLDSTEIN MITSUBISHI (613 NEW LOUDON RD, LATHAM, NY 12110, (518) 69…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' appearing. Diesel models also show repeated excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter, requiring dealer service.
Complaints include sudden shifts into neutral and loss of power even at very low mileage. These failures can leave a driver stranded and point to transmission or control module problems.
Owners describe severe loss of braking effectiveness and screens going blank while driving. These electrical glitches can affect critical safety systems and are hard to diagnose.
Brake complaints often overlap with electrical issues, with reports of the brake pedal remaining firm but braking power dropping. This suggests integrated electronic brake control faults that need expert inspection.
“I purchased the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado with a 6.2L motor "new" from the dealer with 5700 miles on XXX. Roughly a month and 2500 miles later, my family and I were in the vehicle, 750 miles from home, returning from a vacation to [XXX] from the [XXX]/[XXX] ar…”
“My 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with the 6.6L Duramax diesel has experienced three separate P2463 Diesel Particulate Filter excessive soot accumulation events at approximately 4,300, 5,500, and 10,280 miles. Each event required a Chevrolet dealer to perform…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Mitsubishi Eclipse — 24 recalls
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2000-2005 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 5, 1999, to December 17, 2004, 2001-2005 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured January 19, 2000, to March 18, 2005, 2001-2005 Chrysler Sebring vehicles manufactured April 17, 20…
The risk: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
The fix: MMNA will notify their owners, and Chrysler will notify the Chrysler and Dodge owners. Dealers will install a tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact MMNA custom…
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 20, 2005, to February 13, 2009, and 2007-2009 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured December 23, 2005, to February 13, 2009. Due to corrosion inside the antil-lock brake system…
The risk: A sudden reduction of braking performance may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, flush and clean the ABS hydraulic unit using high grade brake fluid, free of charge. If the inspection shows that the valves may seize, the ABS unit will be replaced. The recall began on J…
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 20, 2005, to February 13, 2009, and 2007-2009 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured December 23, 2005, to February 13, 2009. Due to corrosion inside the antil-lock brake system…
The risk: A sudden reduction of braking performance may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, flush and clean the ABS hydraulic unit using high grade brake fluid, free of charge. If the inspection shows that the valves may seize, the ABS unit will be replaced. The recall began on J…
The defect: MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 45,988 MY 2005-2007 ENDEAVOR, GALANT, ECLIPSE COUPE, AND MY 2007 ECLIPSE SPYDER VEHICLES. THE BRACKET THAT IS THE ATTACHMENT POINT FOR THE LEFT REAR FUEL TANK MOUNTING STRAP MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY FORMED DURING A METAL STAMPING PROCESS. THE PROCESS MAY HAVE CAUSED THE META…
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE IF THE LEFT REAR FUEL TANK STRAP MOUNTING BRACKET HAS SPLITTING BEYOND A SPECIFIC LIMIT. VEHICLES WITH MODERATE TO SEVERE SPLITTING WILL BE REPAIRED USING A REINFORCEMENT CAP, A SPECIAL STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE, AND…
Chevrolet Silverado — 101 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles may not have received an owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, “Child Re…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will provide the owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252532020. Vehicle Identifi…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500 vehicles with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks (RPOs L8T and N2N). The rear fuel pump may not transfer adequate fuel to the front tank, causing an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The vehicle's engine control module (ECM) will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782…
The defect: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Cou…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-970…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with the enhanced towing option and 20-inch accessory tire/wheel package. The tire information label may state the incorrect rear tire pressure, resulting in underinflated tires an…
The risk: Driving with underinflated tires can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, update the engine control module (ECM) software, apply a tire label overlay, inflate tires to the correct pressure, and perform a tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) re-learn process as necessary, free of charge. Owne…
Buyer analysis
Mitsubishi Eclipse or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse has far fewer complaints per year (about 52 versus 823 for the Silverado), but its issues are concentrated in brakes and airbags—areas that directly affect safety. The Silverado's much higher volume includes many engine and transmission failures on low-mileage trucks, meaning a used Silverado may demand more frequent and costly repairs. In practice, the Eclipse is the lower-risk choice by complaint volume, but both require careful pre-purchase checks.
Key differences
- The Eclipse averages about 52 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages about 823—a 15-fold difference in reported problem frequency.
- Eclipse complaints center on service brakes (267 of 523), with owners reporting ABS recall delays and pedal-to-floor incidents; Silverado complaints center on engine (2,521) and power train (2,347), often involving sudden shutdowns.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls versus 24 for the Eclipse, covering fuel pumps, tire pressure monitors, and forward collision warnings, which means more potential safety campaigns to track.
- Eclipse owners describe structural cracking and airbag deployment failures, while Silverado owners report electrical braking loss and screen blackouts—both serious but in different systems.
- Check for open recalls on the ABS hydraulic control unit and confirm the repair was completed; owners report long waits for parts and unresolved brake pedal issues.
- Inspect the passenger-side airbag and dashboard for rattles or previous replacement; complaints mention airbags popping out and failing to deploy.
- Test-drive for sudden engine shutdowns or transmission slipping, especially on 2026 models with low mileage; owners report these failures within the first few thousand miles.
- Verify that all electrical system and brake-related recalls are done, and watch for warning messages like 'Return to Neutral' or unexplained screen blackouts during the test drive.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full NHTSA recall history for the specific vehicle identification number and confirm all safety recalls are closed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system, including ABS module function and pedal feel, on either vehicle.
- For the Eclipse, check for structural cracks around the frame and front lighting area, and test the airbag system.
- For the Silverado, scan for stored engine and transmission codes, and test-drive at various speeds to detect sudden shutdowns or shifting issues.
- Review owner complaint patterns for the exact model year and engine option, as problems vary widely across Silverado configurations.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Mitsubishi Eclipse or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Eclipse vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mitsubishi Eclipse total complaints
- 523
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mitsubishi Eclipse total recalls
- 24
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mitsubishi Eclipse avg complaints/year
- 52.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Eclipse
- Mitsubishi Eclipse top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE