Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Eclipse vs Honda Accord
How the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Honda Accord 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 Honda Accord: The Eclipse averaged 52.3 complaints per year with 267 brake complaints, while the Accord averaged 452.4 with 1006 engine complaints. The Eclipse had 24 recalls and 1 death; the Accord had 38 recalls and 3 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse or Honda Accord 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 structure. Over 10 years, it averaged 52.3 complaints per year, with 267 of 523 complaints about service brakes, often involving ABS and hydraulic issues. Recalls for brake control units and air bag inflators suggest parts availability can be a hassle. For a used buyer, this means budgeting for potential brake repairs and verifying recall work was completed.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a mainstream sedan with a much higher complaint volume—452.4 per year—but many involve advanced systems like forward collision avoidance and electrical glitches. Engine and electrical complaints dominate, with owners reporting loss of power, warning lights, and hybrid system jerks. Recalls cover hybrid power control software and fuel pumps. For a used buyer, this means checking that software updates and recall fixes are up to date, especially on newer models.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Eclipse | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 523 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 70 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 52.3 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 47 Better | 146 |
| 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 brake pedal going to the floor and ABS issues, often tied to recall 15V337000 for hydraulic control unit. This can mean delayed or failed braking, a serious safety concern.
Complaints include loud metal cracking sounds and even small fires near lighting components. These suggest potential frame or body integrity issues that could worsen over time.
Reports of passenger air bag popping out and failing to deploy in crashes. Recalls for inflator modules mean buyers should confirm the fix was done.
Brake pedal sinking to the floorboard without warning is a recurring theme, often linked to the same ABS hydraulic unit. This can lead to loss of braking control.
“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…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners describe sudden power loss, rattling noises, and rough transitions between EV and gas modes. These can leave you stranded or cause unsafe slowdowns on the highway.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of power steering and braking, plus TPMS warnings and tire failures. Electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and expensive to fix.
Owners report the system braking unexpectedly or failing to intervene, sometimes with adaptive cruise control set. This unpredictability can be dangerous if you rely on it.
Issues include fuel pump failures and hybrid system jerks, with recalls for fuel pumps and hybrid power control software. These can cause stalling or loss of power.
“Vehicle drove normally in the morning commute. In the afternoon commute it started normally and as i approached highway speeds the alarms started showing up. the Brake, hill descent system, abs, critical failure. the vehicle started losing speed and could not…”
“Vehicle makes rattling noises while accelerating similar to a diesel engine also rough transitions between EV mode and Gas mode also when you press the charge button the engine makes a very noticeable jerk once it’s on ,Honda does not want to fix my issue and…”
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…
Honda Accord — 38 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Honda Accord Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the integrated control module (ICM) central processing unit (CPU) may reset while driving, causing a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the ICM CPU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 6, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is TN2. Vehicle Identificati…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2026 CR-V Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, and 2025-2026 CR-V Fuel Cell EV vehicles. When using the tire repair kit, pressure may build within the sealant bottle, causing the bottle cap to detach.
The risk: A detached bottle cap can become a projectile and strike the user or others nearby, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the tire repair kit nozzle or sealant bottle, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipat…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt assembly may deactivate improperly, which can result in an unsecured child restraint sys…
The risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the second-row center seat belt assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura R…
The risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls ar…
Buyer analysis
Mitsubishi Eclipse or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse has far fewer complaints per year (52.3 vs. 452.4), but its issues often center on fundamental safety systems like brakes and structure. The Honda Accord’s higher volume reflects its popularity and complex electronics, with many complaints about advanced driver aids and hybrid components. In practice, the Eclipse may need more frequent brake attention, while the Accord demands vigilance on software and electrical reliability.
Key differences
- The Eclipse’s top complaint is service brakes (267 of 523), often involving ABS hydraulic failures, while the Accord’s top complaint is engine (1006 of 4524), with power loss and hybrid issues.
- The Eclipse has 24 recalls over 10 years, including brake control units and air bag inflators; the Accord has 38 recalls, covering hybrid software, fuel pumps, and seat belts.
- The Accord has far more crash-related complaints (162 vs. 70) and injuries (146 vs. 47), but it also sells in much higher numbers, so rates may differ.
- Owner reports for the Eclipse include structural cracking and fires, while Accord owners describe electronic failures like simultaneous loss of power steering and braking.
- Check for open recall 15V337000 on the ABS hydraulic control unit; if not done, brake pedal may go to the floor.
- Listen for loud metal cracking sounds from the body or frame, especially when stationary, as some owners reported structural noises.
- Verify that hybrid power control unit software recall was performed; otherwise, you may experience sudden power loss or warning lights.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system at low speeds to ensure it doesn’t brake unexpectedly or fail to warn.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full NHTSA recall history by VIN and confirm all open recalls are repaired before purchase.
- Take a test drive that includes braking from highway speeds and listen for ABS noises or pedal feel issues.
- For the Accord, check for smooth transitions between EV and gas modes and watch for any warning lights on the dash.
- Inspect tires and TPMS sensors on the Accord, as some owners reported tire failures after TPMS service.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for brake fluid changes and any hybrid system repairs.
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 Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Eclipse vs Honda Accord
- Mitsubishi Eclipse total complaints
- 523
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Mitsubishi Eclipse total recalls
- 24
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Mitsubishi Eclipse avg complaints/year
- 52.3
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Eclipse
- Mitsubishi Eclipse top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE