1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Routine

Owners filed 120 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train › automatic transmission. It has been recalled 11 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
70,000 milesMedian miles at failure

35 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure › Body › Door14
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission13
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline7
000
Steering6
402
Wheels › Rim5
000
Power Train › Manual Transmission5
000
Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments4
000
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch4
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine4
000
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint3
000

11 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump07E055000
Filed Jul 26, 2007222 vehiclesAirtex Products

Defect. CERTAIN AIRTEX FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLIES, P/N E7081H, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WALL OF THE FLARED FITTING OF THE FUEL PUMP IS NOT THICK ENOUGH TO PREVENT THE MATING THREADED FITTINGS FROM BOTTOMING OUT BEFORE AN ADEQUATE SEAL IS ACHIEVED. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF FUEL AT THE CONNECTION OF THE VEHICLE FUEL LINE AND THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLY.

Risk. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AIRTEX AUTOMOTIVE AT 800-880-3056.

Exterior Lighting06E064000
Filed Jul 17, 20064,029 vehiclesTradesonic

Defect. CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

Exterior Lighting06E060000
Filed Jun 29, 200687,745 vehiclesAai Motorsports Usa, Llc

Defect. CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH

Remedy. AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

Exterior Lighting06E049000
Filed May 24, 200627,176 vehiclesCk Motorsport, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Exterior Lighting06E044000
Filed May 22, 20061,215 vehiclesJ & A Auto Accessories

Defect. CERTAIN J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES COMBINATION HEADLAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE HEADLAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES AT 310-327-4981.

Exterior Lighting06E026000
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights06E023000
Filed Mar 13, 2006292,000 vehiclesAnzo Usa, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

Equipment › Other › Labels04V428000
Filed Sep 1, 2004100,432 vehiclesMitsubishi Caribbean

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE BILINGUAL ENGLISH/SPANISH REMOVABLE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS AFFIXED TO THE DASH AND TO THE SUNVISOR DO NOT MEET THE SIZE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Risk. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy. MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN WILL MAIL A CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION LETTER CONTAINING A WRITTEN DESCRIPTION AND A GRAPHIC OF THE BI-LINGUAL DASHBOARD AIR BAG WARNING LABEL. IN ADDITION, ALL CURRENT 2000-2004 NATIVA OWNERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE REPLACEMENT AIR BAG ALERT LABELS FOR THE SUN VISORS. THIS RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH OR APRIL 2005. THE NOTIFICATION TO THE NATIVA OWNERS IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL OR MAY 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.

Showing 10 of 11 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Steering
Filed Mar 12, 2019206,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AND HAD IT TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM, AXLE, AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 206,000.

Power Train
Filed Mar 7, 2019206,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM, AXLE, AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 206,000.

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Sep 2, 2012200,000 milesAL

APRIL 2010 WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE A 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE RS HATCHBACK AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES PER HOUR, THE 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE RS HATCHBACK SUDDENLY LOSS CONTROL AND CRASHED ONTO THE ROADWAY. I HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE CAR INSTANTLY LOSS USE OF CONTROL IN STEERING AND THE CAR PROCEEDED TO LEAVE THE ROAD ONTO A GRASSY MEDIAN TO MY LEFT SIDE. I DISCOVERED THE FRONT CONTROL ARM WAS LYING ON THE ROADWAY DETACHED FROM THE AXEL AND TIRE. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS WEDGED AT AN ANGLE BETWEEN THE FRAME AND THE DISASSEMBLED PARTS OF THE CAR. I HAD THE 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE TOWED HOME AND REPLACED THE FAULTY PARTS WITH ANOTHER FRONT CONTROL ARM & LOWER BALL JOINT PURCHASED FROM AUTO ZONE. IN 2011, THE SAME VEHICLE A 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE RS HATCHBACK LOSES CONTROL WHILE IN MOTION AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES PER HOUR, AS I WAS TURNING LEFT ONTO A TWO LANE STREET. THE CAR LOST STEERING CONTROL SKIDDING OFF THE ROADWAY IN THE DIRECTION ON-COMING TRAFFIC. THE FRONT CONTROL ARM WAS LYING ON THE GROUND DETACHED FROM THE FRONT DRIVER?S SIDE WHEEL. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS WEDGED BETWEEN THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE AND THE ROAD. I CONTACTED A TOWING SERVICE TO TOW THE CAR IN FOR REPAIRS. I BOUGHT AND REPLACED THE FAULTY CONTROL ARM & LOWER BALL JOINTS. JULY 2012, I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MILES PER HOUR, IN THE LEFT LANE OF A FOUR LANE MAIN THOROUGHFARE, WHEN THE 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE RS HATCHBACK LOSS STEERING CONTROL AND CRASHED TO THE GROUND WHILE IN

Suspension
Filed Aug 21, 2012200,000 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANG UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR THE SAME REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V421001 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT) BUT HAD ALREADY BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED. THE CONTACT DENIED HAVING THE REPAIR PERFORMED PREVIOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Feb 12, 2009163,000 milesMD

MY 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE GSX HATCH WILL RELEASE BUT WILL NOT OPEN WHEN RELEASE FROM RELEASING HANDLE ON THE SIDE OF THE DRIVER SEAT FLOOR. *TR

Suspension
Filed Aug 14, 200891,000 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR A SAFETY ACT THAT WOULD REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BALL JOINTS; HOWEVER, AFTER HE RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT IT WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT DUE TO THE TIRE ALIGNMENT. THE DEALER STATED THAT HE DID NOT NEED AN ALIGNMENT WITH THE REPLACEMENT OF THE BALL JOINTS. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND ANOTHER MITSUBISHI DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED A FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT FOLLOWING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE BALL JOINTS. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 91,000.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Jun 5, 200860,000 milesCT

LOWER LATERAL BALL JOINT BROKE OFF AND TIRE CAME OFF OF CAR CAUSING MY DAUGHTER TO LOSE CONTROL OF CAR. FOUND OUT THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THIS PART IN 2002 AND RECORDS SHOW THAT IT HAD BEEN CHANGED. EVIDENTLY THE SAME PART WAS DEFECTIVE AGAIN, I BELIEVE. CAR HAD TO BE FLATBEDDED TO REPAIR SHOP AND FIXED FOR $1100. THANKFULLY SHE WAS NOT GOING FAST AS AAA DRIVER SAID HE HAD GONE OUT ON SEVERAL CALLS FOR THIS CAR WITH THE SAME RESULT AND MANY INJURIES OCCURRED. *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Dec 20, 2007PA

TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE OF VEHICLE OF MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE 1999 GS DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF FROM THE INSIDE AND NOW I HAVE TO OPEN DOOR FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE. CAR WAS TAKING BACK TO DEALERSHIP WHO DIRECTED ME TO THE MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP AND THEY REFUSED TO FIX THE DOOR LATCH STATING THAT IT WAS UNDER NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR CONDITIONS. THERE ARE TOO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE TO BE CONSIDERED NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR, THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS ITEM I AM HAVING BACK ISSUES DUE TO OPENING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE. *TR

Structure
Filed Jun 30, 200732,000 milesCA

I PURCHASED CAR IN 2003 AND WITHIN 6 MONTHS CERTAIN AREAS ON THE CAR THE PAINT BEGAN TO DIMINISH. TAKEN TO MITSUBISHI FOR EFFECTED AREAS AND THEY PAINTED CAR ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, (THE EFFECTED AREAS AT THAT TIME) BUT WHEN THE REST OF THE CAR CONTINUED TO DIMINISH MITSUBISHI REFUSED TO PAINT AFFECTED AREAS BECAUSE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL MITSUBISHI'S WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, AND I CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHY MITSUBISHI DOESN'T PAINT THE ENTIRE CAR AT THE FIRST SIGN OF THIS PROBLEM. THE ENTIRE CAR IS PAINTED WITH THIS CLEAR COAT, SO THE ENTIRE CAR WILL EVENTUALLY HAVE THIS PROBLEM. HOWEVER, MITSUBISHI DOESN'T PAINT THE ENTIRE VEHICLE ALL AT ONCE SO THAT THEIR CUSTOMERS WILL ONLY GO TO THE DEALER THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENS, AND WILL JUST PAY OUT OF THEIR POCKETS WHEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN! THIS SAVES THE GREEDY COMPANY MONEY! *TR

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Jun 16, 200770,000 milesFL

CAR WILL COMPLETELY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. WILL HAVE TO TRY TO RESTART THE CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. , .SEVERAL MECHANICS AND EVEN THE MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP HAD HOOKED IT UP TO THE COMPUTER, AND THEY WILL NOT GET ANY READINGS FOR THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID IT WAS BECAUSE OF BUILD UP IN THE EXHAUST, AND THEY CLEANED IT OUT, AND NOT EVEN 5 MILES DOWN THE ROAD IT STALLED AGAIN. REPLACED BELTS,GASKETS,SPARK PLUGS AND HOSES. THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. WELL IF THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT I WOULDN'T BE SCARED TO DRIVE IT WITHOUT GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 11, 200735,000 milesIA

WHILE HAVING A BASIC OIL CHANGE AT THE MITSUBISIHI/CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP WAS INFORMED OF THE HEAD GASKET LEAK. AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE MOTORS AND A $1000 TO REPAIR.*AK

Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Feb 16, 2007PA

I WENT TO OPEN THE CAR DOOR BARELY HAD THE HANDLE LIFTED UP AND THE PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE SNAPPED OFF IN MY HAND. A FEW MONTHS LATER THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE DID THE SAME THING. *NM

Power Train › Transfer Case (4-wheel Drive)
Filed Jan 19, 2007NJ

DRIVING ON THE NJ TURNPIKE, NOTICED SPEED DECREASING ON ITS OWN. WHILE MOVING OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE, THE REAR WHEELS LOCKED UP. *NM

Steering
Filed Nov 9, 2006NJ

BLACK GLUE SUBSTANCE THAT HOLDS THE PLASTIC BARRIER FILM INSIDE THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR MELTS AND LEAKS DUE TO HIGH SUMMER TEMPERATURES. WATER ENTERS BETWEEN THE TRUNK DOOR, NOT SEALED PROPERLY. VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT. VEHICLE STEERING IS NOT UP TO STANDARD. *NM

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Oct 29, 200666,000 milesNJ

SIMILAR TO ODI 10080649 BUT RESULTED IN FIRE WITHIN ENGINE BAY WHICH WAS QUICKLY PUT OUT WITHOUT DAMAGE TO THE INTERIOR. THREW A PISTON THROUGH THE ENGINE BLOCK. VEHICLE ONLY HAD 66K MILES. WORKING CAR FIRE FIRST REPORTED VIA 911 IN BRIDGEWATER NJ. REVISED STATUS WAS ALSO CALLED IN BUT WAS RESPONDED TO. STATE FARM INSURANCE WILL NOT COVER THE COST OF ENGINE EVEN WITH FULL COVERAGE INCLUDING COMPREHENSIVE. CAR STILL AT TOWED LOCATION. *NM

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Oct 23, 2006CA

I STARTED HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE JUST A FEW MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE NEW. THE DRIVER DOOR HANDLE WOULD NOT "CATCH" SOMETIMES WHEN I TRIED TO OPEN THE DOOR. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY FIXED IT. A FEW WEEKS AFTER THAT I CONTINUED TO HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. SINCE THE DOOR HANDLE DID NOT ALWAYS DO THIS I JUST DEALT WITH IT AND DID NOT TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER. AFTER THE WARRANTY WAS UP THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE COMPLETELY BROKE OFF AND NOW THE DRIVER SIDE HANDLE DOES NOT "CATCH" SO I CANNOT OPEN EITHER DOOR--I HAD TO CLIMB IN THROUGH THE HATCHBACK!! IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE DOOR HANDLES. ALSO, THE TRUNK/HATCH LOCK IS WEIRD, I HAVE TO TURN THE KEY TWICE EVERY TIME TO OPEN THE TRUNK--THE FIRST TIME THE TRUNK OPENS SLIGHTLY BUT REMAINS LOCKED...*NM

Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Aug 23, 2006151,000 milesNC

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE LEFT FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR, THE DOOR HANDLE FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. WEEKS LATER, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR, THE DOOR HANDLE FRACTURED AS WELL. THE DEALER WAS ALERTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED.

Wheels › Rim
Filed Jan 3, 200675,443 milesFL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS SLIGHT VIBRATION IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE FOR INSPECTION THE RIGHT REAR TIRE ROLLED ONTO THE HIGHWAY. THE SIDEWALL COMPLETELY DISINTERESTED AND THE TIRE CAME OFF THE RIM. THE PSI WAS AT 30 FOR HIGHWAY USE, BUT THE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED PSI OF 40. THERE WERE NO OBVIOUS ROAD HAZARDS THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE TIRE WAS A TOYO, 22535ZR18. THE TIRE HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED DUE TO THE DAMAGE THE RIM SUSTAINED.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control
Filed Oct 28, 200578,864 milesDE

TOOK CAR TO DMV AND IT WON'T PASS OBD-II TEST. I HAVE TRIED THREE TIMES. FOUND OUT THAT A TSB-03-13-005 WAS SENT OUT. WHICH STATES HOW TO RESET SO YOU CAN PASS THE EMISSION TEST. IF YOU DISCONNECT YOUR BATTERY YOU COMPUTER WON'T RESET TILL YOU TAKE IT TO THE DEALER WHO CHARGES YOU HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO RESET A PROBLEM THAT THEY KNOW ABOUT BUT REFUSE TO CORRECT. SO EVERY TIME I NEED TO GO TO THE DMV I FIRST NEED TO VISIT THE DEALER SO THAT HE CAN RIP ME OFF, AND BYPASS THE EMISSION SYSTEM. AGAIN THEY KNOW OF THE ISSUE THEY POSTED THE TSB 03-13-005. WON'T BUY OR RECOMMEND A MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE AGAIN. *NM

Equipment
Filed Jul 25, 200535,000 milesMO

MY 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE LEAKS WATER INSIDE MY CAR ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. I NOW HAVE MILDEW IN MY CAR AND BECAUSE OF THAT I HAVE HEADACHES. WHEN I BOUGHT MY CAR I LIVED IN CALIFORNIA AND IT DOESN'T REALLY RAIN THERE SO I NEVER NOTICED IT UNTIL I MOVED TO MO IT RAINS HERE ALL THE TIME AND DURING THE SUMMER ITS VERY HUMID AND MUGGY WHICH MAKES THE MOLD AND THE SMELL WORSE. I CALLED THE MITSUBISHI DEALER SHIP I ASKED THEM SINCE THERE ARE SO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM CAN THEY FIX IT FOR ME THEY SAID NO AND THAT THEY NEVER HEARD OF THAT PROBLEM THEY ARE BIG LIARS I'VE BEEN TO MANY WEB SITES ABOUT CAR LEAKS AND THEY NOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM THE WEB SITE MITSUBISHI SUCKS.COM HAVE ALL THE COMPLAINTS THAT I FOUND ABOUT MY CAR I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AS THESE PEOPLE. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER MITSUBISHI AGIAN UNFORNTILY I'M STUCK WITH MY CAR UNTIL I COULD AFFORD A NEW CAR.

20 of 120 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2000
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20128000Routine
20111000Routine
20101000Routine
200942100Routine
200871100Routine
2007107411Fatalities reported
200699400Routine
20056420Routine
200414510Routine
2003124540Routine
200273440Routine
20012091062Fatalities reported
20003081064Fatalities reported
1999 — this page1201130Routine
19981291350Routine
19971361261Fatalities reported
19961591150Routine
19953071292Fatalities reported
199434410Routine
199336410Routine
199249311Fatalities reported
199154420Routine
199046700Routine

Compare every Eclipse year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 11, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.