Owners have filed 65 complaints
about the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse with NHTSA between 1995 and 2015.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Buckle Assembly
721.2%
Column Shift
618.2%
Automatic Transmission
515.2%
Gasoline
412.1%
Engine
412.1%
Rear
39.1%
Transfer Case (4-WHEEL Drive)
26.1%
Accelerator Pedal
26.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
75,000 – 99,999 miles
114.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
457.1%
150,000+ miles
228.6%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 1995peak 6Feb 2015
NHTSA investigations into the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
RQ98007Opened 11 May 1998Closed 28 Aug 1998POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSFER CASE LEAKAGE
THE TRANSFER CASE OF THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD), MITSUBISHI GALANT, ALLEGEDLY LEAKS OIL CAUSING ONE OR MORE WHEELS TO LOCKUP; OR THE INABILITY TO TRANSMIT ENGINE POWER TO THE DRIVE WHEELS.THE VEHICLES HAVE THE SAME TRANSFER CASE DESIGN AS THE ECLIPSE VEHICLES WHICH HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME ALLEGED DEFECT.
EA98002Opened 30 Jan 1998Closed 30 Apr 1998WHEELS
TRANSFER CASE LOCKUP
PE97040Opened 4 Sep 1997Closed 30 Jan 1998WHEELS
TRANSFER CASE LOCKUP
ALLEGED DRIVETRAIN FAILURE THAT CAN LEAD TO LOCK-UP OF THE REAR OR ALL WHEELS.
EA95004Opened 10 Mar 1995Closed 1 Aug 1995SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
Recalls on the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
06E065000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT 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.
98V069001
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
95V103004
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
Risk: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 180,000 milesAnchorage, AKFire
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 68 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE. HE PULLED OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THEY NEEDED TO HAVE THE TRANSFER CASE AND THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 98V069001 (POWER TRAIN) WAS CLOSED AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO ASSIST THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 253,000.
NHTSA complaint #10466826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntsville, ALFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
DURING VEHICLE OPERATION SMOKE WAS NOTICED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE, RELATED TO THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #803612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Unknown, CACrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK, CONSUMER HAD REPAIR WORK DONE UNDER RECALL BEFORE ACCIDENT (95V103004).
NHTSA complaint #984744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Matthews, NCCrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
FRONT BRAKE PAD BROKE LOOSE. CALIPERS AND PADS WEAR EXCESSIVELY W/METAL GRINDING. COMPANY WHERE VEHICLE PURCHASED QUESTIONS PADS. TT
NHTSA complaint #977298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Matthews, NCCrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
FRONT BRAKE PAD BROKE LOOSE. CALIPERS AND PADS WEAR EXCESSIVELY W/METAL GRINDING. COMPANY WHERE VEHICLE PURCHASED QUESTIONS PADS. TT
NHTSA complaint #977298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gaithersburg, MDCrash1 injured
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
FAILURE OF REAR STABILIZER BAR MOUNTING BREAKING. TT CONSUMER STATED AFTER TURNING RIGHT, LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, IT THEN BEGAN TO FISH TAIL, MAJOR REAR SWAY WHICH WOULD NOT ALLOW VEHICLE TO BE STEERED, THE RESULT WAS THE VEHICLE HIT AN ELECTRIC POLE ON THE RIGHT SIDE CONSUMER SUFFERED INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #974641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 147,000 milesPensacola, FL
POWER TRAIN
TRANSFER CASE IS DAMAGED DUE TO LACK OF FLUID. I CONTACTED MITSUBISHI CONCERNING THE RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE FOR THIS DEFECTIVE PART. THE COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE DENIED THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE REFERENCED RECALL, 98V168000, INCLUDED ALL MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE GSX MODELS FROM 1990-1998. MY 1991 GSX WOULD BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. SEEKING ADVICE ON HOW TO PROCEED WITH HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED UNDER THE TERMS OF THIS RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10682508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesAnchorage, AKFire
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 68 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE. HE PULLED OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THEY NEEDED TO HAVE THE TRANSFER CASE AND THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 98V069001 (POWER TRAIN) WAS CLOSED AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO ASSIST THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 253,000.
NHTSA complaint #10466826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesMilledgeville, GA
WHEELS
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT A SPEED OF 50 MPH, ALL FOUR WHEELS LOCKED UP WHICH CAUSED A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER IN DRIVABLE CONDITION AND WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 97,000.
NHTSA complaint #10322679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,094 milesRoanoke, VA
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
TRANSFER CASE RECALL - 98V069001 SAFETY RECALL WAS REFUSED ON THE CAR. TRANSFER CASE IS MAKING AN INCREDIBLE WHINING SOUND. LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND MITSUBISHI OFFICES SAID THERE IS NO WARRANTY ON THE RECALL DUE TO THE RECALL ALREADY BEING PERFORMED, EVEN IF THE CAR WAS JUST INSPECTED AND NO CHANGES MADE.
NHTSA complaint #10150605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,000 milesMemphis, TN
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE OWNER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD AN OUTSTANDING RECALL AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE SERVICE. THE OWNER LATER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER WHO TOLD THE OWNER THAT THE RECALL FOR THAT VEHICLE HAD BEEN PERFORMED PREVIOUSLY. THE OWNER IS TELLING THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. THE MANUFACTURER RESPONDED BY SAYING "DEAL WITH IT". PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #10097394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pulaski, TN
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WHILE SHIFTING GEARS OVER DRIVE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. A LOUD CLICKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM UNDERNEATH DASHBOARD. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE OR RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10066845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesDuluth, MN
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
CONSUMER NOTICED THAT TRANSFER CASE WAS LEAKING. DEALER INDICATED THERE WAS NO RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10051839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesCentralia, WA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A RETRACTABLE SHOULDER HARNESS PROBLEM. AUTOMATED SEAT BELTS WORK INTERMITTENTLY.
NHTSA complaint #10048100 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Friendswood, TX
WHEELS:RIM
EXACT CAUSE OF BENT WHEEL UNKNOWN UNLESS IT WAS A SPEED BUMP I TOOK AT LOW SPEED. THE TIRE WENT FLAT OVERNIGHT AND I SAW THE DAMAGE THE NEXT MORNING.
NHTSA complaint #766470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ferrum, VA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SUDDENLY CAME TO A SLIDING STOP. OIL WAS EVERYWHERE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC. MECHANIC STATED THAT TRANSFER CASE LOCKED UP. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8004096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ypsilanti, MI
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I HAVE DISCOVERED THE TRANSMISSION DIP STICK/FILL CAP MISSING ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. UNKNOWN HOW LONG I DROVE WITHOUT DIP STICK EACH TIME. FIRST TIME I HAD THE TRANSMISSION FLUID PURGED, BUT DEALER STATED PLUG MUST HAVE WORN OUT. EACH TIME THE FLUID LEVEL BECAME VERY LOW. I BELIEVE AN INTERNAL PREASURE IS CAUSING THE PLUG TO BLOW OUT. I HAVE SINCE TIED A STRING TO THE PLUG SO THAT I WILL NOT LOSE THE PLUG. UNKNOWN DAMAGE TO TRANSMISSION DUE TO LOW FLUID OR DIRT CONTAMINATION.
NHTSA complaint #755529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodbine, MD
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
VEHICLE WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN FROM RAMP AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING TRANSFER CASE LOCKED UP. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED, DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #898778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cordove, TN
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
RECALL 98VO69001/MANUFACTURER'S RECALL SR-98-002 WAS ISSUED FOR TRANSFER CASE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR INSPECTION & DIDNT HAVE A PROBLEM. VEHICLE IS LEAKING FLUID FROM TRANSFER CASE. DEALER WILL NOT LOOK AT VEHICLE FOR TRANSFER CASE LEAK PROBLEM. *AK THE DEALER POINTED OUT THAT TRANSFER CASE SERVING WAS PART OF WEAR AND TEAR WHILE THE CONSUMER STATES IT WAS A DESIGN FLAW AT THE FACTORY AND IT IS THE DEALER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX IT.
NHTSA complaint #882688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Napa, CA
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
TREAD WAS WEARING OUT EXCESSIVELY ON COOPER TIRES SIZE 185/70R13. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER & WAS INFORMED THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES OR VEHICLE BEING OUT OF ALIGNMENT.
NHTSA complaint #881039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, AR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
OIL SENDING UNIT WENT OUT ON THE VEHICLE PEP BOYS IN NORTH LITTLE AR HAD VEHICLE FOR 5 MONTHS TRYING TO REPAIR , IF THIS HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH A RECALL COULD I PLEASE BE NOTIFIED. I HAVE RECEIVED NO INFO ON ANY RECALLS.THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #733731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Germantown, MD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE HARMONIC BALANCER FAILED. NLM
NHTSA complaint #782378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Towaco, NJ
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING ABILITY!! IF NOT FOR THE LOW SPEED, I'D BE DEAD.
NHTSA complaint #725369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Rochelle, NY
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
IN 1998 CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER 98V069.001/ TRANSMISSION, TRANSFER CASE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. THEY" INSPECTED " VEHICLE AND SAID THERE WAS NO LEAK, TWO YEARS LATER, CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH AND BOTH REAR WHEELS LOCKED UP. CONSUMER FELT THIS WAS A RESULT OF DEALER NOT INSPECTING VEHICLE PROPERLY AT THE TIME OF RECALL, TWO YEARS AGO.
NHTSA complaint #865413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Linden, NJ
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT ANY SPEED VEHICLE COULD START SHAKING WITHOUT WARNING AND LOSE CONTROL JUST LIKE IN RECALL 98V069000/ TRANSFER CASE. OWNER NOTICED LEAKAGE UNDER THE TRANSFER CASE. *AK
NHTSA complaint #860366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lindex, NJ
SUSPENSION
WHILE DRIVING/STOPPED AND VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. WHEELS LOCKED UP, AND THERE WAS SOME LEAKAGE UNDER THE AUTOMOBILE.
NHTSA complaint #860218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lindex, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
WHILE DRIVING/STOPPED AND VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. WHEELS LOCKED UP, AND THERE WAS SOME LEAKAGE UNDER THE AUTOMOBILE.
NHTSA complaint #860218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clemmons, NC
SUSPENSION:REAR
THE REAR SWAY BAR MOUNT BROKE, CAUSING THE SWAY BAR TO SEPARATE FROM THE CHASSIS. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO FISHTAIL. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #854142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Belle Vernon, PA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WHEN FIRST STARTING OUT AT 20MPH TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT FROM ONE GEAR TO ANOTHER. THEN WOULD SLOW DOWN & PICK UP SPEED. GAS PEDAL WOULD STICK. HAPPENED AFTER TIMING BELT WAS REPLACED DUE TO HIGH IDLING. WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED THEY WOULD PULSATE. INTERFERING WITH BRAKING ABILITY DUE TO RUST & WARPING. VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE AT 55MPH. VEHICLE WAS UNBALANCED.
NHTSA complaint #850963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Belle Vernon, PA
SUSPENSION:FRONT
WHEN FIRST STARTING OUT AT 20MPH TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT FROM ONE GEAR TO ANOTHER. THEN WOULD SLOW DOWN & PICK UP SPEED. GAS PEDAL WOULD STICK. HAPPENED AFTER TIMING BELT WAS REPLACED DUE TO HIGH IDLING. WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED THEY WOULD PULSATE. INTERFERING WITH BRAKING ABILITY DUE TO RUST & WARPING. VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE AT 55MPH. VEHICLE WAS UNBALANCED.
NHTSA complaint #850963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Belle Vernon, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
WHEN FIRST STARTING OUT AT 20MPH TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT FROM ONE GEAR TO ANOTHER. THEN WOULD SLOW DOWN & PICK UP SPEED. GAS PEDAL WOULD STICK. HAPPENED AFTER TIMING BELT WAS REPLACED DUE TO HIGH IDLING. WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED THEY WOULD PULSATE. INTERFERING WITH BRAKING ABILITY DUE TO RUST & WARPING. VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE AT 55MPH. VEHICLE WAS UNBALANCED.
NHTSA complaint #850963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.