Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Eclipse vs FORD F 150
How the Mitsubishi Eclipse and FORD F 150 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 FORD F 150: The Eclipse averaged 52.3 complaints per year with 24 recalls, while the F-150 averaged 1,162.1 complaints and 151 recalls. Both have 1 death reported, but the F-150 has 297 injuries vs. 47 for the Eclipse. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse or FORD F 150 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, based on owner complaints, demands attention to brakes and structural integrity. Over 10 years, it averaged 52.3 complaints per year, with service brakes alone generating 267 complaints. Recalls for ABS control units and air bag inflators suggest parts availability can be a headache. For a first-time buyer, this means budgeting for potential brake repairs and verifying recall work was completed.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume—averaging 1,162.1 per year—largely due to its popularity and widespread use. Power train and electrical issues dominate, with reports of transmission limp mode and lead frame failures. While recalls are numerous (151), many address safety defects. Buyers should expect a robust but potentially troublesome vehicle if maintenance is neglected.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Eclipse | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 523 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 70 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 52.3 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 47 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 1 |
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 brake pedal going to the floor and ABS control unit failures, often tied to recall 15V337000. This can lead to extended stopping distances and is critical to address immediately.
Complaints include fires near front lighting and loud metal cracking sounds from the frame. These suggest potential electrical or structural defects that could compromise safety.
Passenger side air bag inflator issues have caused deployments and failures to deploy in crashes. Recalls exist, but owners report delays in getting parts, leaving them at risk.
Hydraulic brake system problems, such as brake pedal sinking, are frequently linked to ABS module recalls. Unrepaired, this can result in brake failure.
“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…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners describe transmission limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. These issues are recurring and may require costly repairs.
Lead frame and output speed sensor failures trigger limp mode and error codes. Rear window defroster shorts have caused windows to shatter, posing injury risks.
Complaints include rear window explosions due to defroster shorts, which can happen without warning. This is a safety concern that may not be covered by recalls.
While not detailed in samples, 1,224 complaints suggest lighting failures that could affect visibility. Buyers should check all lights function properly.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
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…
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
Mitsubishi Eclipse or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse has far fewer complaints per year (52.3 vs. 1,162.1), but both have serious safety-related issues. In practice, the Eclipse may be easier to manage due to lower volume, but brake and air bag problems are critical. The F-150's higher volume means more reported problems, but also more widespread parts and service availability.
Key differences
- Eclipse complaints center on brakes (267) and structure (64), while F-150 complaints are dominated by power train (3,648) and electrical (2,100).
- Eclipse has 24 recalls over 10 years; F-150 has 151, reflecting more complex systems and higher production.
- Eclipse owners report brake pedal sinking and air bag inflator delays; F-150 owners report transmission limp mode and rear window shattering.
- Both have 1 death reported, but F-150 has 297 injuries vs. Eclipse's 47, though exposure differs.
- Check for open recall 15V337000 on ABS control unit; confirm repair was done, as brake pedal can go to floor.
- Inspect front lighting area for signs of fire or melting, and listen for metal cracking sounds from frame.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for transmission limp mode or stuck gears, especially 2017 models.
- Inspect rear window for cracks or defroster damage; ask if window has shattered previously.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see all open recalls for the specific vehicle.
- Ask for service records showing recall repairs, especially brake and air bag fixes.
- For the Eclipse, have a mechanic inspect brake lines and ABS module.
- For the F-150, scan for transmission error codes and test all electrical features.
- Take a test drive that includes braking hard and accelerating to check for symptoms.
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 FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Eclipse vs FORD F 150
- Mitsubishi Eclipse total complaints
- 523
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Mitsubishi Eclipse total recalls
- 24
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Mitsubishi Eclipse avg complaints/year
- 52.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Eclipse
- Mitsubishi Eclipse top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN