Before you buy
This 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse has 14 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Structural Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE 2004 has 14 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls. Top issues include structural problems (5 complaints), brake system (3), and airbag malfunctions (3). Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Mitsubishi
- Model
- Eclipse
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 14
- Crash-related complaints
- 6
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Structural Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 25
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Structural Problems
Brake System
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Structural Problems, Brake System, Airbag Malfunctions. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
The 2004 Eclipse may be worth considering only if thoroughly inspected, given the low complaint volume but notable structural and brake concerns. Buyers should verify all recalls are addressed before purchase.
Structural and brake issues can affect safety and repair costs, making pre-purchase inspection critical for this model year.
May Suit
This year may suit budget-conscious buyers willing to invest in a detailed inspection and recall verification.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a worry-free used car with minimal potential issues should avoid this year.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Inspection Focus
- Inspect body and frame for structural damage or rust.
- Check brake system for leaks, wear, and proper function.
- Verify airbag system warning lights and recall status.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect for structural damage or rust.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and airbag systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse shows a low number of complaints (14 total) but a high recall count (5). Structural problems lead with 5 complaints, followed by brake and airbag issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: With only one model year analyzed, no direct comparison to other years is available.
Recall context: Five recalls indicate a need to verify all recall repairs were completed before purchase.
- Structural problems account for 5 of 14 total complaints.
- Brake system issues appear in 3 complaints.
- Airbag malfunctions are reported in 3 complaints.
- Structural Problems (5 complaints)
- Brake System (3 complaints)
- Airbag Malfunctions (3 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Problems | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 3 | 3 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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…
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.
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 MED…
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, HYDR…
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 A…
MY MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPUTTERS AND DIES WHEN THERE IS LESS THAN 1/2 TANK FUEL. MITSUBISHI 2004 HAS A RECALL ON THE FUEL RETURN LINE HOSE FITTING ON THE FUEL PUMP, WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE. MITSUBISHI CLAIMS MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED ON A DIFFERENT PRODUCTION LINE, THEREFORE, IT IS…
I HAVE A 2004 BLACK MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE THAT THE PAINT HAS BEEN FALLING OFF OF, JUST LIKE SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS. THE PAINT STARTED DELAMINATING ABOUT 3YEARS AGO AND JUST PROGRESSED FROM THERE. THE CAR LOOKS HORRIBLE! MITSUBISHI HAS BEEN DOWNRIGHT RUDE RE: THIS MATTER. THEY …
CLEARCOAT PEELING OFF MITSUBISHI-DEFECTIVE PAINT. *TR
PROBLEM: HARNESS. EVERY TIME I LIFT THE STEERING WHEEL UP, THE ENGINE TURNS OFF. I HAVE TRIED TO GO TO THE MITSUBISHI DEALER AND TO HONDA SIERRA WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR (USED) AND THEY DIDN'T WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT. I WAS LIKE A TENNIS BALL, SO, I GOT TIRED OF IT. I EV…
ON SECOND DAY OF OWNERSHIP I HEARD A VERY LOUD METAL CRACKING SOUND WHILE SITTING IN THE CAR PREPARING TO DRIVE. CAR WAS NOT STARTED OR MOVING). UPON INSPECTION THERE WAS NO VISIBLE DEFECT. ABOUT A WEEK LATER I HAD AN IDENTICAL EXPERIENCE. THIS TIME I NOTICED A CRACK IN THE BO…
THE RUBBERS ON MY 2004 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER IS ALWAYS LEAKING WATER INTO THE CAR, CREATING A MOLD SMELL, DESTROYING THE SPEAKERS, ECT. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THEM ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO OR LESS, AND THEY ARE LEAKING AGAIN ON THE CONVERTIBLE TOP, MAKING MY SEAT BELT WET, WHICH I…
MY MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER 2004 [XXX], DONE NEARLY 21,000 MILES MET WITH AN ACCIDENT ON JULY 25, 2005. IT VEERED OFF THE ROAD, WENT DOWNHILL FOR OVER TWENTY FEET AND COLLIDED HEAD-ON WITH A TREE TO COME TO A HALT. THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. DESPITE THE FRONT…
CAR WAS PARKED WITH EBRAKE PULLED UPWARDS TO HOLD CAR IN PLACE. THE 04 ECLIPSE GT ROLLED BACKWARDS OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT AND JUMPED THE CURB HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE. 04 ECLIPSE TAKEN TO MITSUBISHI ON 7/7/05 AND THEY ADJUSTED THE EBREAK SAYING TI WAS LOOSE.
WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH AND TRYING TO GO AROUND ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE STEERING LOCKED. THIS WAS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE WHERE THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED, CAUSING A COLLISION. *AK ........DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Safety recalls
2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Five recalls indicate a need to verify all recall repairs were completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
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Questions
2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 14 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2004 Eclipse may be worth considering only if thoroughly inspected, given the low complaint volume but notable structural and brake concerns. Buyers should verify all recalls are addressed before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse?▾
#1: Structural Problems (5 complaints). #2: Brake System (3 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (3 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse, NHTSA complaints include 6 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 14 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. Five recalls indicate a need to verify all recall repairs were completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse?▾
The 2004 Eclipse may be worth considering only if thoroughly inspected, given the low complaint volume but notable structural and brake concerns. Buyers should verify all recalls are addressed before purchase. Structural and brake issues can affect safety and repair costs, making pre-purchase inspection critical for this model year. Pay extra attention to Structural Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Mitsubishi Eclipse reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.