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Vehicle Stats/Mitsubishi/Eclipse Reliability
NHTSA Official DataUpdated Aug 2026Methodology

Mitsubishi Eclipse Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data

Poor reliability signalOur verdict from 523 complaints and 24 recalls on NHTSA record

Comparing used Mitsubishi Eclipse options? We analyzed 10 model years (2003–2012) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.

523
Total Complaints
NHTSA filed
24
Safety Recalls
federal campaigns
70
Crash-Related
crash complaints
11
Fire-Related
fire complaints
47
Injuries Reported
across all years
10
Years Analyzed
2003–2012

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Found a Mitsubishi Eclipse? Check that exact car.

Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.

  • Accident & damage history
  • Odometer rollback records
  • Open recalls & title brands
NMVTIS official data Instant results No signup for the preview
Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Mitsubishi Eclipse has 523 owner complaints and 24 safety recalls across model years 2003–2012. The most reported issue area is SERVICE BRAKES. 2003 drew the most complaints; 2005 drew the fewest.

Mitsubishi Eclipse — key reliability facts
Make
Mitsubishi
Model
Eclipse
Model years analyzed
2003–2012 (10 years)
Total NHTSA complaints
523
Safety recall campaigns
24
Crash-related complaints
70
Fire-related complaints
11
Worst model year (by complaints)
2003 (166 complaints)
Best model year (fewest complaints)
2005 (6 complaints)
Top reported issue area
SERVICE BRAKES
Reliability signal
Poor
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) · Data last refreshed Aug 24, 2026
This Eclipse has 24 open recall campaigns on record. Check whether yours is affected.Check my VIN free →

By model year

Mitsubishi Eclipse: which years to avoid & which to buy

Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.

Years to avoid
2003166 complaints2007107 complaints200699 complaints

These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.

Best years to buy
20056 complaints20128 complaints200414 complaints

These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.

Looking at a 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse? It logged the most NHTSA complaints of any model year — averages won't tell you whether this exact car is affected.Check this VIN free →

Crash test ratings

NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings

New Car Assessment Program

NCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.

How to read NCAP stars
5 stars — Excellent
4 stars — Good
3 stars — Average
2 stars — Below average
1 star — Poor

Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings

What the complaint data suggests

Poor
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Data engine & NHTSA methodology by Eduard Batog, Co-founder & Data Engineer. How we calculate this.

The MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE has 523 NHTSA complaints and 24 recalls on record. 70 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Key findings
  • 523 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 24 federal recall campaigns
  • 70 crash-related complaints on record
Top concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Worst years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.

Best years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.

What to check before buying used
  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume — popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Problems by model year (best vs. worst)

2003
166
2004
14
2005
6
2006
99
2007
107
2008
71
2012
8

Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026

Safety recalls

NHTSA safety recalls

24 recalls found

Safety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.

Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#15V338000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULEFebruary 6, 2015
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#15V338000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULEFebruary 6, 2015
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

#15V337000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULEFebruary 6, 2015
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

#15V337000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULEFebruary 6, 2015
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

#15V337000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULEFebruary 6, 2015
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

#15V337000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULEFebruary 6, 2015
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

#08V454000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLYSeptember 9, 2008
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

#08V454000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLYSeptember 9, 2008
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

#08V454000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLYSeptember 9, 2008
Safety recall

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

#06V334000STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERSJune 9, 2006
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

#05V247000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFebruary 6, 2005
Safety recall

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

#04V428000EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELSJanuary 9, 2004
Safety recall

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

#04V428000EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELSJanuary 9, 2004
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

#03V442000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPApril 11, 2003
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

#03V442000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPApril 11, 2003
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

#06E026000EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

#04V312000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

#06E026000EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

#05V299000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

#06V414000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2003–2012. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.

Common problems

What goes wrong most often

The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 523 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.

01
SERVICE BRAKES267 complaints
02
STRUCTURE64 complaints
03
AIR BAGS57 complaints
04
HYDRAULIC44 complaints
05
POWER TRAIN36 complaints
06
TIRES24 complaints
07
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM22 complaints
08
UNKNOWN OR OTHER21 complaints

Owner complaints

NHTSA complaint reports

523 total

These are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.

AIR BAGSJun 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY AND SHATTERED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THE DEALER REFUSED TO INSPECT THE, STATING THAT THE FAILURE WAS AN INSURANCE ISSUE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY CONFIRMED THE DEALER'S INSTRUCTION. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS NO OUTSIDE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE THAT WOULD CAUSE THE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY WITHOUT BEING INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

SUSPENSION,STRUCTUREJun 2024

After a recent oil change, they informed me that the cross bar was very rusted and looks very unsafe. Upon further research I was informed there was a recall for this problem. I am the only owner and at this time all maintenance is up to date. Because the car has low mileage, I want to keep the car so during my research I was informed the part is unavailable. Not sure what to do at this point looking for any suggestions.

AIR BAGSNov 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS WERE VISIBLY EXPOSED FROM THE AIR BAG COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

AIR BAGSMay 2019

9/16/15 TOOK VEHICLE TO RIVERSIDE MITSUBISHI DUE TO THE AIRBAG POPPING OUT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. AIRBAG WAS REPLACED AND ISSUED RESOLVED. ON 1/25/16 HAD TO RETURN THE VEHICLE TO RIVERSIDE MITSUBISHI DUE TO A BAD RATTLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DASH AREA, THE AIRBAG WAS REMOVED AND THE SCREWS AND BOLTS WERE RE-TORQUED AND REINSTALLED THE AIRBAG. ON 4/22/19 TOOK VEHICLE TO AUTO GALLERY MITSUBISHI -MURRIETA DUE TO THE AIRBAG AND AIRBAG HATCH HAD AGAIN POPPED OUT AGAIN. THE TECHNICIAN AT MITSUBISHI-MURRIETA SAID THEY DO NOT HAVE A TECHNICIAN THAT CAN ADEQUATELY DIAGNOSE AND FIX THE PROBLEM AND THE AIRBAG MANUFACTURER WAS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS. WE ALSO CONTACT MITSUBISHI CORPORATE OFFICE AND WAS TOLD THE MITSUBISHI DOES NOT MANUFACTURE THE HATCH OR DASH PARTS ANY LONGER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE MITSUBISHI -MURRIETA FOR 48 HR AND REQUESTED US TO PICK UP WITH NOTHING RESOLVED AND NO REPAIRS MADE, ALONG WITH NO PAPERWORK GIVEN TO US.

AIR BAGSMay 2018

DASHBOARD SEPARATION EXPOSING PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKESJan 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V337000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000.

Read 14 more owner reports
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGSep 2016

EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WITH AN ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNITS RELATED TO HEADLIGHT OUTAGE, CAUSING FAILURE OF BOTH FRONT HEADLIGHTS, DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS AND HI-BEAM LIGHTS. BEGAN WITH SPONTANEOUS YET INFREQUENT HESISTATION-BLINKING ON/OFF OF DRIVER-SIDE HEADLAMP WHEN NIGHTTIME LIGHTS FIRST USED IN THE EVENING, ESPECIALLY WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THIS EVENTUALLY LEAD INCREASED TO TOTAL OUTAGE OF FRONT HEADLIGHTS, RUNNING LIGHTS AND HI-BEAMS WHICH LED TO UNSAFE NIGHTTIME DRIVING. CAR WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR, WHERE TECHNICIAN INFORMED ME THAT THIS SAME ISSUE IS A KNOWN RECALL ON OTHER MITSUBISHI MODELS, BUT NOT ON THE ECLIPSE. THAT SAID, MY 2012 MODEL IS THE FINAL MODEL YEAR FOR THIS VEHICLE TO BE OFFERED FROM MITSUBISHI. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 90K MILES, AND YET THIS ELECTRICAL FAILURE ISSUE IS NOT COVERED UNDER THEIR 100K WARRANTY. --- I NOW HAVE TO PAY NEARLY $1300 TO REPLACE BOTH MAIN HEADLIGHT LAMPS AND BOTH ELECTRICAL CONTROL UNITS, ALONG WITH WIRING BETWEEN. ----- THE VERBIAGE FROM THE RECALL OF THE OTHER MITSUBISHI MODELS: ""THE AFFECTED VEHICLES HAVE AN ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT THAT CONTROLS THE HEADLIGHTS, TAILLIGHTS AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS," SAID NHTSA IN ITS RECALL SUMMARY. "DUE TO A MANUFACTURING ERROR, THE VOLTAGE INSIDE THIS ECU MAY BE UNSTABLE. UNSTABLE VOLTAGE COULD RESULT IN INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE'S HEADLIGHTS, TAILLIGHTS AND WIPERS. IF THE HEADLIGHTS AND/OR WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL, THE DRIVER COULD HAVE REDUCED VISIBILITY. IF THE TAILLIGHTS FAIL, THE VEHICLE COULD BE LESS VISIBLE. EITHER CONDITION INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH." (FROM HTTP://WWW.EDMUNDS.COM/CAR-NEWS/2010-MITSUBISHI-LANCER-EVOLUTION-AMONG-VEHICLES-RECALLED-FOR-LIGHTING-WIPER-PROBLEM.HTML)

SERVICE BRAKESAug 2016

BRAKE LIGHT AND ABS LIGHTS ARE ON. AFTER DIAGNOSIS AT A REPAIR SHOP WITH TESTING SYSTEM THE FAULT READS ABS HYDRAULIC ASSEMBLY IS DEFECTIVE. THE SHOP STATED THAT SINCE THE CAR WAS A 2012 I SHOULD CONTACT THE MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP TO INVESTIGATE A RECALL FOR THE ABS UNIT. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT RECALLS FOR THE ABS UNIT INVOLVED 2006-2009. SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY FEATURE I FEEL A COMPLAINT IS REQUIRED.

CrashAIR BAGSJul 2014

I WAS HEADING HOME AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN A DEER JUMPED IN FRONT ON MY CAR. MY CAR HAD FRONTAL IMPACT AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. IF I WAS GOING THE ACTUAL SPEED LIMIT WHICH IS 55 MPH, THE DEER COULD HAVE WENT THROUGH MY WINDSHIELD AND WHERE THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T GO OFF MY HUSBAND AND I COULD BE DEAD. *JS

UNKNOWN OR OTHERJul 2018

WHEN USING AIR CONDITIONING THE WATER COMES IN SIDE MY FRONT FLOOR.

FireELECTRICAL SYSTEMJan 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR AND A STREAM OF SMOKE EMITTING FROM INSIDE THE PASSENGER DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTUREMar 2014

IN THE MORNING, I DROVE THIS MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE 2005 TO WORK(35 MILES AWAY FROM HOME), IT WAS OK. AFTER WORK, I DROVE BACK TO MY HOUSE, ENTERED OUR GARAGE, I GOT OFF THE CAR, I SAW A SMALL FIRE ON THE RIGHT FRONT LIGHTING PLACE, THEN I QUICKLY BACKED MY CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE, THE FIRE WAS GETTING BIGGER AND BIGGER, MY WIFE AND I USE A LOT OF WATER TO PUT THE FIRE OUT... THIS FIRE BURNED OUT THE FRONT LIGHT, BULB, SOME WIRE, AND SMALL PIECE OF RIGHT FRONT BUMPER... THEN I TRIED THIS CAR AGAIN, I COULD DRIVE IT, BUT IT HAS NO TURNING SIGNAL. I DROVE THIS CAR TO 2 DIFFERENT CAR SHOPS, ONE IS A LOCAL CAR SHOP, THEY WORKED ON MY CAR FOR 1 MONTH, BUT THEY COULD NOT FIX IT. THEN I DROVE THIS CAR TO A MITSUBISHI DEALER, THEY WORKED ON MY CAR FOR 2 MONTHS, THEY COULD NOT FIGURE OUT THE EXACT PROBLEM... RIGHT NOW THIS CAR IS STILL WITH NO TURNING SIGNAL, AND I CAN'T DRIVE IT. *TR

1 InjuryWHEELSJan 2005

THE RIMS ON THE 2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE DENT EASILY AND THE TIRES BLOW OUT OR LOSE PRESSURE AS A RESULT OF NORMAL WEAR AND DRIVING. NORMAL POTHOLES AND BUMPS ARE ENOUGH TO CAUSE DAMAGE. I HAD A BLOWOUT YESTERDAY JANUARY 15TH, 2005. I HAVE PREVIOUSLY REPLACED 2 RIMS AND 3 TIRES AS A RESULT OF THIS. ALL FOUR RIMS ARE CURRENTLY DENTED AS A RESULT OF THIS ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL RETAILERS ARE ALL UNWILLING TO REPLACE THEM WITH THE IMPROVED RIMS ON THE 2002 AND LATER MODELS. *NM

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESNov 2004

MY VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS. I NOTICED THAT IF I CLOSE THE DOOR, LOCK THE DOOR, AND THEN TRY TO START THE CAR... IT WON'T. I HAVE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS BEFORE IT WILL START. *AK ON MY WAY TO WORK THIS MORNING, IN STOPPED, RUSH-HOUR TRAFFIC, I STALLED MY VEHICLE. WHEN I TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, THE STARTER WOULD NOT ENGAGE. KNOWING THAT THERE IS AN IGNITION IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM, I FIGURED THAT I WAS FIGHTING THAT. ALSO, I FIGURED I THAT I MAY NEED TO UNLOCK THE DOORS BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD START. SO... I UNLOCKED THE DOORS... NO START... REMOVED AND RE-INSERTED THE KEY... NO START... I OPENED AND CLOSED THE DOOR, REMOVED & RE-INSERTED THE KEY... NO START... I FIDDLED AROUND WITH VARIOUS SEQUENCES OF KEY, LOCKS, AND DOORS, AND FINALLY THE VEHICLE STARTED. MEANWHILE, I WAS HOLDING UP TRAFFIC. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT SEQUENCE FINALLY ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO START. NOT BEING ABLE TO RESTART A STALLED VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. IF I HAD STALLED IN FRONT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC, I WOULD BE IN SERIOUS TROUBLE. THIS NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESOct 2004

AS I WAS DRIVING HOME IN MY BRAND NEW 2005 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE, THE ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS SUDDENLY UNLOCKED. THINKING I MUST HAVE RESTED MY ARM ON THE DOOR LOCK BUTTON, I SIMPLY RELOCKED THE DOORS. FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER, THE DOORS UNLOCKED AGAIN. THAT EVENING, I READ ABOUT THE CAR'S FEATURE THAT WILL UNLOCK THE DOORS IF IT THINKS YOU MAY HAVE LOCKED THE KEYS INSIDE. SO, THE NEXT DAY, WHEN I GOT INTO THE CAR, I WAS CAREFUL TO LOCK THE DOORS AFTER THE DOORS WERE CLOSED. THEN, I INSERTED THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION. BUT, AFTER ABOUT 10 OR 15 MINUTES, THE DOORS UNLOCKED AS I DROVE ON THE FREEWAY. THE NEXT DAY, I TOOK THE NEW (1 WEEK OLD) CAR TO THE DEALER. FIRST, THEY LOOKED THIS PROBLEM UP ON THE COMPUTER AND DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING. THEY TRIED TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM, BUT COULDN'T. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY CLEANED SOME CONNECTIONS, BUT DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE PROBLEM. AFTER 3 HOURS, I DROVE THE CAR HOME. I DON'T HAVE A WARM & FUZZY FEELING ABOUT THIS. WHAT IF MY DOORS DECIDE TO UNLOCK WHILE MY CAR IS PARKED? NOT GOOD. *JB

FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMSep 2021

Electrical cable for Fuel Pump caught fire. My daughter was able to park and exit the car safely before it combusted but it took 8 minutes for the car to basically explode. I think this is very dangerous for a family with kids or someone that wouldn't be as fast as my kid to get out of the car. We found out the same car/year has a recall but this was not issued to my specific vehicle. https://www.kbb.com/mitsubishi/eclipse/2004/recall/ I requested Mitsubishi Motors to check the car and give me compensation and they denied. We have a case number with them. The car showed the check engine light but we changed spark plug cables and alternator. It seemed fine otherwise.

CrashSERVICE BRAKESSep 2016

BRAKES WILL INTERMITTEDLY NOT RESPOND TO THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. CAR HAS NOW BEEN INVOLVED IN TWO REAR END COLLISIONS IN 3 MONTHS. REPAIR SHOP CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM DESCRIBED. CAR WAS GOING 25 MPH BOTH TIMES IN TWO CITIES WHEN THE CAR FAILED TO BRAKE.

Crash 1 InjuryAIR BAGSMay 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE THAT LED TO THE VEHICLE ROLLING OVER THREE TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WAS ONE INJURY REPORTED THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

SERVICE BRAKESOct 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO STOP. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 15V337000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); HOWEVER, THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.

CrashAIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,WHEELS,ENGINEJul 2013

ROOMMATE DRIVING MY VEHICLE WITH MYSELF IN PASSENGER SEAT. STRUCK A DEAR MONDAY MORNING AT APPROXIMATELY 60MPH. VEHICLE WAS PUT INTO A DITCH AND ROLLED AT LEAST 1 TIME INTO A MARSH ON LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD. VEHICLE RECEIVED MAJOR: FRONT, BOTH SIDE, REAR AND ROOF DAMAGE. NOT ONE AIR BAG WAS DEPLOYED. *TR

Showing 20 of 523 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Check the exact car

Before you buy, check the exact Mitsubishi Eclipse

These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.

The basics

How to read this data

Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Mitsubishi Eclipse, in plain English.

01

What is an NHTSA Complaint?

An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Mitsubishi Eclipse has 523 complaints on record across 10 model years.

02

What is a Safety Recall?

A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Mitsubishi Eclipse has 24 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.

03

What Are Crash Complaints?

Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 70 of the Mitsubishi Eclipse's 523 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.

04

How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?

The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.

05

Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?

Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.

06

Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN

Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Mitsubishi Eclipse vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Mitsubishi Eclipse vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.

07

What Are NHTSA Investigations?

When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Mitsubishi Eclipse has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.

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By state

Check a Mitsubishi Eclipse by state

Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Mitsubishi Eclipse.

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Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

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Mitsubishi Eclipse reliability — frequently asked questions

Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable?

Poor. The Mitsubishi Eclipse has 523 NHTSA owner complaints and 24 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is SERVICE BRAKES. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.

Which Mitsubishi Eclipse years to avoid?

Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2003 (166 complaints), 2007 (107 complaints), 2006 (99 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.

What are the most common Mitsubishi Eclipse problems?

Top reported issues: SERVICE BRAKES (267 complaints); STRUCTURE (64 complaints); AIR BAGS (57 complaints).

Does the Mitsubishi Eclipse have recalls?

Yes — 24 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Mitsubishi Eclipse. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

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Mitsubishi Eclipse Problems by Year, Recalls & Years to Avoid | VinSpectorAI