FaultScore report
Owners have filed 220 complaints about the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse with NHTSA between 1996 and 2017. The largest single group is the brakes. Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 17 worst.
FaultScore 69/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Mitsubishi Eclipse.
How this is worked out220
Complaints
31
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
10
Injuries reported
84,600 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
7%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
1 crashes, 0 fires
0 crashes, 3 fires · median 51,850 mi
0 crashes, 1 fires
2 crashes, 0 fires
1 crashes, 0 fires
Median failure at 98,000 miles
Median failure at 120,000 miles
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 261,362 mi
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.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
| Configuration | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse/Spyder 2-DR. | — | — | — | — |
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.
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.
LOWER CONTRTOL ARM BALL JOINT
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.
TRANSFER CASE LOCKUP
TRANSFER CASE LOCKUP
ALLEGED DRIVETRAIN FAILURE THAT CAN LEAD TO LOCK-UP OF THE REAR OR ALL WHEELS.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
SUSPENSION:FRONT
10/26/01 L FRONT LWR CONTROL ARM BROKE, THE CAR BOUNCED DOWN THE ROAD WHEN SUSP CAME APART. GVILLE MITZ REPLACED THE PARTS AT THE COST OF THE MANF. THE VEHICLE HAD 104000 MI AT THAT TIME. ITEMS LISTED ON REPAIR INVOICE: ARM ASSY (FR SUSP), SHAFT ASSY (FR AXL), SHIELD KIT SPLASH, AIR DAM SIDE FR LH, END ASSY, TIE ROD, FENDER FR LH 12/8/07 SUSP BROKE AGAIN. WHILE DRIVING I THOUGHT THE DRV SIDE FRONT TIRE HAD POPPED. I LET OFF THE GAS/ TRIED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER. I WAS IN THE L LANE NEAR AN INTERSTATE ENTRANCE. WHEN I WAS NEAR THE BARRIER THE VEHICLE JUMPED LEFT. IT MADE CONTACT WITH THE CONCRETE WALL, I PULLED THE WHEEL BACK TOWARDS THE RIGHT. WHEN I DID THIS THE BROKEN LEFT FRONT SUSP/TIRE WENT BENEATH THE CAR. THE AUTO WAS CATAPULTED ONTO THE CONCRETE BARRIER ON IT'S NOSE. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY AIRBORNE AT THIS TIME (FOR APPX 150-200 FT) PART OF THE CAR HIT THE CONCRETE PILLAR OF THE UNDERPASS AND FLUNG MY CAR BACK TO THE GROUND. BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME DOWN. EVEN WITH MY RESTRAINT ON MY BODY SLID UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN THE CAR CATAPULTED ON THE CONCRETE LEDGE. WHEN THE DRIVERSIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED THE GOT THE LEFT SIDE OF MY HEAD WHERE MY ABDOMEN SHOULD HAVE BEEN. THE DAMAGES: BUMPER ASSEMBLY, FRONT, COVER, FRONT BUMPER, HEADLAMP ASSY, HALOG HEADLAMPS AIM/LAMP, SIDE MARKER, FENDER FRONT, SKIRT, INNER FENDERT WHEEL, FRONT L, KNUCKLE, STEERING L/F, ARM, LOWER CONTROL L/F WINDSHIELD, AIRBAG, STEERING WHEEL, AIRBAG, INSTRUMENT PNL PANEL, ROCKER LT, PNL, FRONT DOOR OUT, REPAIR I RECEIVED A CONCUSSION FROM THE AIRBAG/BACK PROBLEMS ETC THIS CAR IS UP FOR AUCTION ON THE 18TH, IT IS MY HOPES THAT IT IS NOT PLACED BACK ON THE ROADWAYS. WHO KNOWS WHAT OTHER TYPES OF DAMAGE THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED, THE CRASH WAS NEVER CORRECTLY EVALUATED. THE LOCAL POLICE LISTED I HIT A METAL GUARD RAIL. THE VEHICLE DAMAGES DOES NOT INDICATE CONTACT WITH A METAL GUARD RAIL(IT DOES NOT HAVE MARKS ON IT). APPX 50 PICS AVAIL.
NHTSA complaint #10220327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EQUIPMENT
10/26/01 L FRONT LWR CONTROL ARM BROKE, THE CAR BOUNCED DOWN THE ROAD WHEN SUSP CAME APART. GVILLE MITZ REPLACED THE PARTS AT THE COST OF THE MANF. THE VEHICLE HAD 104000 MI AT THAT TIME. ITEMS LISTED ON REPAIR INVOICE: ARM ASSY (FR SUSP), SHAFT ASSY (FR AXL), SHIELD KIT SPLASH, AIR DAM SIDE FR LH, END ASSY, TIE ROD, FENDER FR LH 12/8/07 SUSP BROKE AGAIN. WHILE DRIVING I THOUGHT THE DRV SIDE FRONT TIRE HAD POPPED. I LET OFF THE GAS/ TRIED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER. I WAS IN THE L LANE NEAR AN INTERSTATE ENTRANCE. WHEN I WAS NEAR THE BARRIER THE VEHICLE JUMPED LEFT. IT MADE CONTACT WITH THE CONCRETE WALL, I PULLED THE WHEEL BACK TOWARDS THE RIGHT. WHEN I DID THIS THE BROKEN LEFT FRONT SUSP/TIRE WENT BENEATH THE CAR. THE AUTO WAS CATAPULTED ONTO THE CONCRETE BARRIER ON IT'S NOSE. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY AIRBORNE AT THIS TIME (FOR APPX 150-200 FT) PART OF THE CAR HIT THE CONCRETE PILLAR OF THE UNDERPASS AND FLUNG MY CAR BACK TO THE GROUND. BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME DOWN. EVEN WITH MY RESTRAINT ON MY BODY SLID UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN THE CAR CATAPULTED ON THE CONCRETE LEDGE. WHEN THE DRIVERSIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED THE GOT THE LEFT SIDE OF MY HEAD WHERE MY ABDOMEN SHOULD HAVE BEEN. THE DAMAGES: BUMPER ASSEMBLY, FRONT, COVER, FRONT BUMPER, HEADLAMP ASSY, HALOG HEADLAMPS AIM/LAMP, SIDE MARKER, FENDER FRONT, SKIRT, INNER FENDERT WHEEL, FRONT L, KNUCKLE, STEERING L/F, ARM, LOWER CONTROL L/F WINDSHIELD, AIRBAG, STEERING WHEEL, AIRBAG, INSTRUMENT PNL PANEL, ROCKER LT, PNL, FRONT DOOR OUT, REPAIR I RECEIVED A CONCUSSION FROM THE AIRBAG/BACK PROBLEMS ETC THIS CAR IS UP FOR AUCTION ON THE 18TH, IT IS MY HOPES THAT IT IS NOT PLACED BACK ON THE ROADWAYS. WHO KNOWS WHAT OTHER TYPES OF DAMAGE THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED, THE CRASH WAS NEVER CORRECTLY EVALUATED. THE LOCAL POLICE LISTED I HIT A METAL GUARD RAIL. THE VEHICLE DAMAGES DOES NOT INDICATE CONTACT WITH A METAL GUARD RAIL(IT DOES NOT HAVE MARKS ON IT). APPX 50 PICS AVAIL.
NHTSA complaint #10220327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
AIR BAG FAILURES- FRONT.
NHTSA complaint #10063966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
WHILE TRAVELING DOWN OUR STREET, MY LOWER BALL JOINT ON MY 1996 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE GS FAILED. I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30-35 MPH AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. MY VEHICLE PULLED HARD TO THE RIGHT BEFORE THE FAILURE. I DID NOT REALIZE WHAT WAS HAPPENING AT THE TIME, SO I CORRECTED THE PULL BY TURNING THE WHEEL BACK TO THE LEFT. WITHIN SECONDS OF CORRECTING, THE BALL JOINT FAILED. MY PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE WAS FORCED INTO THE WHEEL WELL AND VERY NEARLY TORN OFF. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE SAME DEALER TWICE PRIOR REGARDING THE LBJ RECALL. IT UPSETS ME TO KNOW THAT THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE THEM WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED FOR THE SECOND TIME. HOWEVER, I FEEL THAT THE DEALERSHIP IN QUESTION WAS NEGLIGENT IN ITS INSPECTION AND DID NOT PERFORM THE REQUIRED INSPECTION FULLY. I HAVE, HOWEVER, RECEIVED SOME ASSISTANCE FROM MITSUBISHI. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE IS BACK AT THE DELAERSHIP DUE TO OTHER PROBLEMS THAT SURFACED AFTER THE CAR WAS RETURNED. THESE PROBLEMS DID NOT OCCUR BEFORE THE LBJ FAILURE. I AM STILL FIGHTING WITH THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE PROBLEMS RESOLVED. THE DEALER HAS DECIDED TO SWITCH THE BURDEN OF PROOF REGARDING THESE NEW CONDITIONS TO ME, THE CONSUMER. THIS IS HIGHLY UNETHICAL.
NHTSA complaint #10053105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 70 ON THE INTERSTATE, I PULLED OFF ONTO THE ACCESS ROAD. MY CAR FELT VERY UNSTABLE. I WAS COMING DOWN A HILL INTO A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION, AND I WAS EASING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND MY CAR FELL UPON ITS TIRE. THE WHEEL WELL COLLAPSED ONTO THE TIRE, AND I COULD NOT MOVE. THE TOWING PEOPLE SAID THEY HAD SEEN MANY ECLIPSES WITH THIS PROBLEM. I AM NOW TERRIFIED TO DRIVE MY ECLIPSE (EVEN AFTER IT HAS BEEN REPAIRED). I HAD TAKEN MY CAR TO SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS AND MANY REPAIR SHOPS, AND I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. THE RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION SEPARATED.
NHTSA complaint #10010346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE TRAVELING BETWEEN 60 &65 AT 6:30AM MAY 21, 2002 WHEN I NOTICED A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR, INSTANTANEOUSLY THE FRONT WHEELS LOCKED UP AND THE CAR WENT INTO A SPIN. (THE 5 SPEED TRANSMISSION THROUGH A GEAR OUT THE BOTTOM OF THE HOUSING CAUSING THE FRONT WHEELS TO LOCK) I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL, IN AS WELL, HIT A BANK CAUSING MINOR DAMAGES TO THE PASSENGER SIDE FENDER. (EST. $350.00). PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS, COMPLETELY UNAWARE. I SPOKE TO MITSUBISHI ON MAY 24, 2002 TO SEE IF THIS WAS AN ISSUE AND HOW TO SOLVE THIS FROM HAPPINING AGAIN. THEY WERE PROFESSIONAL AND AFTER 15 CONVERSATIONS WITH 15 DIFFERENT PEOPLE, THEY ADVISED ME THAT IT WAS NOT THEIR RESPONSABILITY, THAT THE CAR'S WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED AND THAT THEY HAD NO COMPLAINTS ON THIS TRANSMISSION. I INVESTIGATED THIS FURTHER TO FIND THAT THREE LOCAL MITSUBISHI DEALERS SERVICE DEPARTMENT MANAGERS TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE REPLACED THESE TRANSMISSIONS IN THE ECLIPSE, THAT THE PIN WORKS LOOSE CAUSING FAILURE. I DECIDED TO HAVE MY CAR FIXED AND BUY A NEW TRANSMISSION. I CONTACTED A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP PRIDE & JOY AUTO REPAIR (540-633-0202). THEY EVALUATED THE CONDITION AND CALLED MITSUBISHI TO FIND OUT THAT THESE TRANSMISSIONS WERE ON BACK ORDER UNTIL SEPT. 30, 2002. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT MY CAR FOR 3 MONTHS. NLM
NHTSA complaint #767161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE REAR WHEELS SEIZED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 89,200.
NHTSA complaint #10983556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODUAL WHILE DRIVING ALL POWER TO CAR JUST LOST.
NHTSA complaint #10424690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODUAL WHILE DRIVING ALL POWER TO CAR JUST LOST.
NHTSA complaint #10424690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODUAL WHILE DRIVING ALL POWER TO CAR JUST LOST.
NHTSA complaint #10424690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE TRANSFER CASE SUDDENLY STALLED AND LOCKED ALL FOUR WHEELS; HE WAS UNABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE NEEDED TO REPLACE TRANSFER CASE AND THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST WITH REPAIR EXPENSES AS THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 98V069001 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10372505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL VIBRATION AND IT MADE AN UNUSUAL NOISE. THE CONTACT DROVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, FOUND THAT THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT HAD FRACTURED FROM THE TRANSFER CASE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED BUT NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE DRIVE SHAFT YOKE AND REAR TRANSFER HOUSING WERE REPLACED AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE RECURRED 1,500 MILES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER HAD POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT INQUIRED ABOUT NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID 98V069001 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) AND WHEN CONTACTING THE MANUFACTURER, HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER IN 1998. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,000.
NHTSA complaint #10334018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT
10/26/01 L FRONT LWR CONTROL ARM BROKE, THE CAR BOUNCED DOWN THE ROAD WHEN SUSP CAME APART. GVILLE MITZ REPLACED THE PARTS AT THE COST OF THE MANF. THE VEHICLE HAD 104000 MI AT THAT TIME. ITEMS LISTED ON REPAIR INVOICE: ARM ASSY (FR SUSP), SHAFT ASSY (FR AXL), SHIELD KIT SPLASH, AIR DAM SIDE FR LH, END ASSY, TIE ROD, FENDER FR LH 12/8/07 SUSP BROKE AGAIN. WHILE DRIVING I THOUGHT THE DRV SIDE FRONT TIRE HAD POPPED. I LET OFF THE GAS/ TRIED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER. I WAS IN THE L LANE NEAR AN INTERSTATE ENTRANCE. WHEN I WAS NEAR THE BARRIER THE VEHICLE JUMPED LEFT. IT MADE CONTACT WITH THE CONCRETE WALL, I PULLED THE WHEEL BACK TOWARDS THE RIGHT. WHEN I DID THIS THE BROKEN LEFT FRONT SUSP/TIRE WENT BENEATH THE CAR. THE AUTO WAS CATAPULTED ONTO THE CONCRETE BARRIER ON IT'S NOSE. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY AIRBORNE AT THIS TIME (FOR APPX 150-200 FT) PART OF THE CAR HIT THE CONCRETE PILLAR OF THE UNDERPASS AND FLUNG MY CAR BACK TO THE GROUND. BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME DOWN. EVEN WITH MY RESTRAINT ON MY BODY SLID UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN THE CAR CATAPULTED ON THE CONCRETE LEDGE. WHEN THE DRIVERSIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED THE GOT THE LEFT SIDE OF MY HEAD WHERE MY ABDOMEN SHOULD HAVE BEEN. THE DAMAGES: BUMPER ASSEMBLY, FRONT, COVER, FRONT BUMPER, HEADLAMP ASSY, HALOG HEADLAMPS AIM/LAMP, SIDE MARKER, FENDER FRONT, SKIRT, INNER FENDERT WHEEL, FRONT L, KNUCKLE, STEERING L/F, ARM, LOWER CONTROL L/F WINDSHIELD, AIRBAG, STEERING WHEEL, AIRBAG, INSTRUMENT PNL PANEL, ROCKER LT, PNL, FRONT DOOR OUT, REPAIR I RECEIVED A CONCUSSION FROM THE AIRBAG/BACK PROBLEMS ETC THIS CAR IS UP FOR AUCTION ON THE 18TH, IT IS MY HOPES THAT IT IS NOT PLACED BACK ON THE ROADWAYS. WHO KNOWS WHAT OTHER TYPES OF DAMAGE THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED, THE CRASH WAS NEVER CORRECTLY EVALUATED. THE LOCAL POLICE LISTED I HIT A METAL GUARD RAIL. THE VEHICLE DAMAGES DOES NOT INDICATE CONTACT WITH A METAL GUARD RAIL(IT DOES NOT HAVE MARKS ON IT). APPX 50 PICS AVAIL.
NHTSA complaint #10220327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EQUIPMENT
10/26/01 L FRONT LWR CONTROL ARM BROKE, THE CAR BOUNCED DOWN THE ROAD WHEN SUSP CAME APART. GVILLE MITZ REPLACED THE PARTS AT THE COST OF THE MANF. THE VEHICLE HAD 104000 MI AT THAT TIME. ITEMS LISTED ON REPAIR INVOICE: ARM ASSY (FR SUSP), SHAFT ASSY (FR AXL), SHIELD KIT SPLASH, AIR DAM SIDE FR LH, END ASSY, TIE ROD, FENDER FR LH 12/8/07 SUSP BROKE AGAIN. WHILE DRIVING I THOUGHT THE DRV SIDE FRONT TIRE HAD POPPED. I LET OFF THE GAS/ TRIED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER. I WAS IN THE L LANE NEAR AN INTERSTATE ENTRANCE. WHEN I WAS NEAR THE BARRIER THE VEHICLE JUMPED LEFT. IT MADE CONTACT WITH THE CONCRETE WALL, I PULLED THE WHEEL BACK TOWARDS THE RIGHT. WHEN I DID THIS THE BROKEN LEFT FRONT SUSP/TIRE WENT BENEATH THE CAR. THE AUTO WAS CATAPULTED ONTO THE CONCRETE BARRIER ON IT'S NOSE. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY AIRBORNE AT THIS TIME (FOR APPX 150-200 FT) PART OF THE CAR HIT THE CONCRETE PILLAR OF THE UNDERPASS AND FLUNG MY CAR BACK TO THE GROUND. BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME DOWN. EVEN WITH MY RESTRAINT ON MY BODY SLID UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN THE CAR CATAPULTED ON THE CONCRETE LEDGE. WHEN THE DRIVERSIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED THE GOT THE LEFT SIDE OF MY HEAD WHERE MY ABDOMEN SHOULD HAVE BEEN. THE DAMAGES: BUMPER ASSEMBLY, FRONT, COVER, FRONT BUMPER, HEADLAMP ASSY, HALOG HEADLAMPS AIM/LAMP, SIDE MARKER, FENDER FRONT, SKIRT, INNER FENDERT WHEEL, FRONT L, KNUCKLE, STEERING L/F, ARM, LOWER CONTROL L/F WINDSHIELD, AIRBAG, STEERING WHEEL, AIRBAG, INSTRUMENT PNL PANEL, ROCKER LT, PNL, FRONT DOOR OUT, REPAIR I RECEIVED A CONCUSSION FROM THE AIRBAG/BACK PROBLEMS ETC THIS CAR IS UP FOR AUCTION ON THE 18TH, IT IS MY HOPES THAT IT IS NOT PLACED BACK ON THE ROADWAYS. WHO KNOWS WHAT OTHER TYPES OF DAMAGE THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED, THE CRASH WAS NEVER CORRECTLY EVALUATED. THE LOCAL POLICE LISTED I HIT A METAL GUARD RAIL. THE VEHICLE DAMAGES DOES NOT INDICATE CONTACT WITH A METAL GUARD RAIL(IT DOES NOT HAVE MARKS ON IT). APPX 50 PICS AVAIL.
NHTSA complaint #10220327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I WAS GOING ABOUT 65 MILES PER HOUR ON THE FREEWAY, WHEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD REVVING NOISE AND BEGAN TO DOWN SHIFT AT AN ACCELERATED RATE. THE ECLIPSE NOW HAS A SHIFTING PROBLEM TO WHERE THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE THE DRIVE TO MOVE FORWARDS NOR BACKWARDS. I WAS TOLD BY A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST AND CLOSE FRIEND, THAT ALL MY GEARS WERE ALL WIPED OUT ALL AT THE SAME TIME AND THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE WAS EITHER LOOSE OR BROKEN. HE ALSO MENTIONED THAT HE FOUND IN THE TRANSFER CASE, OF THE TRANSMISSION, SHAVINGS OR LITTLE PIECES OF METAL OR ALUMINUM.
NHTSA complaint #10212547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
I WAS GOING ABOUT 65 MILES PER HOUR ON THE FREEWAY, WHEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD REVVING NOISE AND BEGAN TO DOWN SHIFT AT AN ACCELERATED RATE. THE ECLIPSE NOW HAS A SHIFTING PROBLEM TO WHERE THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE THE DRIVE TO MOVE FORWARDS NOR BACKWARDS. I WAS TOLD BY A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST AND CLOSE FRIEND, THAT ALL MY GEARS WERE ALL WIPED OUT ALL AT THE SAME TIME AND THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE WAS EITHER LOOSE OR BROKEN. HE ALSO MENTIONED THAT HE FOUND IN THE TRANSFER CASE, OF THE TRANSMISSION, SHAVINGS OR LITTLE PIECES OF METAL OR ALUMINUM.
NHTSA complaint #10212547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES
DRIVING ON HWY. 80 ON DRY ROAD AT APPROX. 60-65 MPH, IN FAST LANE, CAR STARTED TO SHAKE, AS WE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF FREEWAY, TIRE BLEW OUT...COMPLETE SEPARATION OF BELT FROM SIDEWALLS,BOTH SIDE WALLS STILL ON RIM, BELT (INTACT) ROLLED DOWN FREEWAY. TIRES LESS THAN 1 YEAR OLD, AND LOTS OF TREAD LEFT ON TIRE. THIS CAUSED DAMAGED TO THE RIM WHICH IS NO LONGER USABLE. WE WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE TIRE AND RIM, BUT THANK GOD NO ONE WAS HURT.
NHTSA complaint #10211217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEELS:RIM
DRIVING ON HWY. 80 ON DRY ROAD AT APPROX. 60-65 MPH, IN FAST LANE, CAR STARTED TO SHAKE, AS WE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF FREEWAY, TIRE BLEW OUT...COMPLETE SEPARATION OF BELT FROM SIDEWALLS,BOTH SIDE WALLS STILL ON RIM, BELT (INTACT) ROLLED DOWN FREEWAY. TIRES LESS THAN 1 YEAR OLD, AND LOTS OF TREAD LEFT ON TIRE. THIS CAUSED DAMAGED TO THE RIM WHICH IS NO LONGER USABLE. WE WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE TIRE AND RIM, BUT THANK GOD NO ONE WAS HURT.
NHTSA complaint #10211217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAVE A BLACK 1996 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE RS THE CLEAR COAT IS TOTALLY COMING OFF OF THE CAR LEAVING WHITE SPOTS ALL OVER. THE CAR IS SUPPOSE TO BE BLACK BUT IT LOOKS LIKE A DALMATION.
NHTSA complaint #10171217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER AND IT WAS DETERMINED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS NEEDED REPLACED. A NHTSA RECALL, #00V421001 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE CONCERNING, THE SUSPENSION HOWEVER, THE RECALL DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT OFFER A SECOND REPAIR WITHOUT CHARGE UNDER THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10153538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
RE: DEALERSHIP COMPLAINT: REFUSAL TO HONOR EXISTING NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 00V421001, 99V066001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE, SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER BALL JOINT I RECENTLY TOOK MY 1996 ECLIPSE TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP (ARNOLD MITSUBISHI, ROSEVILLE, MI) TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THIS RECALL AS THERE IS SERIOUS 'CLUNKING' IN MY FRONT BALL JOINTS. I WAS TOLD MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS. YOUR DATABASE SEEMS TO INDICATE THAT THIS WAS AN 'ACROSS THE BOARD' RECALL. I'VE BEEN WARNED THAT THIS IS A LOUSY DEALERSHIP. ARE THEY CORRECT, OR AM I? AND WHAT SHOULD I DO?
NHTSA complaint #10134692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS SITE AND DEDUCED THAT MITSUBISHI HAS PRODUCED A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT IN THE 1996 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE RE: DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKET AND WHICH LEADS TO WORN OUT VALVE SEALS . ON JULY 29TH 2005 THE MITSUBISHI CORPORATION SUED ITS PREVIOUS PRESIDENTS AND FORMER EXECUTIVES FOR DEFECT AND RECALL COVER UPS FOR "64,000 COMPLAINTS FILED BY CAR OWNERS DATING BACK TO 1977." ANYONE INTERESTED IN A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT? CONTACT ME!!
NHTSA complaint #10131427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
(1) BOUGHT CAR USED, IT HAD A BAD REAR MAIN SEAL. (2) CAR PASSES GEORGIA EMISSION INSPECTION (3) REPLACE REAR MAIN SEAL (4) NOW VEHICLE BLOWS SMOKE WHILE STANDING STILL IN TRAFFIC. (5) REPAIR OF LEAKING VALVE COVER GASKET (6) STILL SMOKING WHILE IN GEAR (7) INFORMED OF VALVE SEALS BEING BAD.. (8) NEVER BUY MISTUBISHI AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10131390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
(1) BOUGHT CAR USED, IT HAD A BAD REAR MAIN SEAL. (2) CAR PASSES GEORGIA EMISSION INSPECTION (3) REPLACE REAR MAIN SEAL (4) NOW VEHICLE BLOWS SMOKE WHILE STANDING STILL IN TRAFFIC. (5) REPAIR OF LEAKING VALVE COVER GASKET (6) STILL SMOKING WHILE IN GEAR (7) INFORMED OF VALVE SEALS BEING BAD.. (8) NEVER BUY MISTUBISHI AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10131390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
DT: FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINT FAILURE. CONTACT SAID THE WHEEL AND BALL JOINT FELL OFF. CALLER RECEIVED RECALL 04V421001 CONCERNING BALL JOINTS WHEN CALLER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO THE DEALER SAID IT WAS OKAY. THEN ON T JULY 0, 2005 SHE HEARD A POP AND THE VEHICLE DROPPED. CALLER WAS GOING ABOUT 40 MPH. CALLER HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. SHE HAS NOT SPOKEN TO THEM YET. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #10130753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT
DT: FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINT FAILURE. CONTACT SAID THE WHEEL AND BALL JOINT FELL OFF. CALLER RECEIVED RECALL 04V421001 CONCERNING BALL JOINTS WHEN CALLER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO THE DEALER SAID IT WAS OKAY. THEN ON T JULY 0, 2005 SHE HEARD A POP AND THE VEHICLE DROPPED. CALLER WAS GOING ABOUT 40 MPH. CALLER HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. SHE HAS NOT SPOKEN TO THEM YET. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #10130753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LEAK WITHIN THE TRANSFER CASE. OWNER CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER, AND WAS TOLD THAT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED FOR THE RECALL ONCE ALREADY DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER WILL NOT INSPECT AGAIN THE VEHICLE FOR THIS DEFECT. OWNER WAS TOLD THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS THE OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITY.
NHTSA complaint #10109035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
CAR WAS IDLING AT A VERY LOW RPM. I HAD THE CAR SERVICED AND WAS STILL IDLING VERY LOW. WHEN COMING TO A STOP, THE CAR WANTED TO STALL. MEANING THE RPMS DROPPED TO ZERO AND THEN THE IDLE JUMPED EXTREMELY HIGH FOR A FEW SECONDS. A FEW DAYS LATER THE CAR STARTED TO STALL WHEN STOPPING OR GOING AROUND TURNS AT A VERY SLOW SPEED. I TOOK THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THEM HOOK THE CAR UP TO A DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE. NOTHING REGISTERED ON THE MACHINE. CAR DID NOT STALL FOR THE DEALER, BUT DID STALL FOR ME EVERY TIME AFTER LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP OR MECHANICS GARAGE. I THEN PAID MORE ATTENTION TO WHEN THE CAR WOULD STALL. IT WOULD ONLY STALL OR SHUT OFF DURING THE VERY COLD WINTERS AND EVERY TIME IT RAINED.... AFTER TWO DAYS OR SO AFTER A RAIN, THE CAR SEEMED TO DRY OUT AND RUN FINE. I LATER WAS TOLD THAT THE THROTTLE BOTTLE NEEDS TO BE CLEANED OUT. I HAD THIS DONE AND THE CAR IMPROVED. I HAVE TO CLEAN THE CARB OUT OF THE CAR AFTER WE HAVE RAINY DAYS. I WAS PAYING ABOUT $60 FOR A MECHANIC TO DO THIS FOR ME. I WOULD ONLY RESORT TO A MECHANIC AFTER I CANT DEAL WITH PRESSING THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDAL AT THE SAME TIME WHEN STOPPING OR TURNING AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED. SO TODAY 7-25-04, I WENT TO THE LOCAL AUTO PARTS STORE AND BOUGH CARB CLEANER AND SPRAYED ABOUT 1/4 OF THE CAN AND CLEANED OUT WHAT I COULD REACH OF THE GUM AND BUILD-UP IN THE CARB. AT FIRST THE CAR DOES NOT WANT TO START BUT THEN AFTER PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL A FEW TIMES, TONS OF WHITE SMOKE POOR OUT OF THE EXHAUST. THEN THE CAR IDEALS MUCH BETTER THAN BEFORE, MEANING I DON'T HAVE TO PRESS BOTH THE BRAKE AND GAS AT THE SAME TIME. I WAS TOLD ABOUT A YEAR AGO, THAT THIS PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY SOMETHING THAT DEALS WITH THE THROTTLE BODY. I DO NOT HAVE $300 + TO FIX THIS, BUT I DO HAVE 1/2 HOUR A COUPLE TIMES A MONTH TO CLEAN THE CARB OUT OF MY CAR. THIS IS THE BIGGEST COMPLAIT BESIDES, MY ROTORS, THAT I HAVE WITH MY CAR. THE CAR IS NOT ENJOYABLE ANYMORE.
NHTSA complaint #10082632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
BOUGHT CAR IN NOV 1996. ABOUT 5 MONTHS OR SO AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR, THE DRIVERS SIDE SUN VISOR CAN DETACHED FROM THE CEILING. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS NOT A COVERED WARRANTY SERVICE. I WAS TOLD THAT THE THREADS NEEDED TO BE REDONE AND THAT THEY WERE STRIPPED. MY CAR ONLY HAD 16,000 MILES ON IT AT THIS TIME. SO THE DEALER APPARENTLY FIXED IT. BUT THEY DIDN'T. WHEN I PUT MY SUN VISOR DOWN THE VISOR SLIPS OUT OF THE PLASTIC HOLDER AND FLIES FORWARD. SOMETIMES THIS HAS ALMOST COST ME MANY ACCIDENTS. SO I LEAVE THE VISOR FORWARD UNTIL I CAN GRAB IT AND TRY TO PUT IT BACK IN PLACE AND HOPE IT STAYS. THE UNIT IS NOT FULLY SECURE. YOU CAN TELL BY LOOKING AT IT, THAT THE VISOR HOLDER WAS REINSTALLED, POORLY. THE VISOR DOES NOT STAY LOCKED IN PLACE WHEN IN USE OR NOT IN USE.
NHTSA complaint #10082630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
MAINTAINED REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND WAS NOTIFIED THAT I HAD AN OIL LEAK IN MY ENGINE. I SAVED ENOUGH MONEY TO HAVE THE HEAD GASKET REPLACED TO FIX THE OIL LEAK. THE HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED (NEW) IN MARCH OF 2000. 4 MONTHS LATER MY CAR STARTED TO SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST WHEN STANDING STILL IN TRAFFIC. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE PROBLEM BECAUSE I THOUGHT THAT THIS WAS DUE TO THE WORK THAT THEY DID. I WAS THEN INFORMED THAT I NEED MY VALUE GUIDES REPLACED. I WAS GOING TO HAVE THIS WORK DONE UNTIL I WAS INFORMED THAT IN ORDER TO REPLACE THE VALUE GUIDES IN THE ENGINE, I MUST PURCHASE ANOTHER NEW HEAD GASKET. I ASKED WHY THIS WAS NOT INSPECTED AT THE TIME THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED. MY ANSWER WAS THAT I DID NOT ASK THEM TO CHECK THE VALUE GUIDES. IF THIS WOULD OF BEEN CORRECTED AT THIS TIME, I WOULD NOT BE SPENDING TONS OF MONEY ON OIL FOR MY VEHICLE. SINCE 2000, I CHECK THE OIL IN MY CAR EVERY OTHER DAY AND ADD OIL TO THE ENGINE. THIS HAS BEEN A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR ME. I DO NOT HAVE ANOTHER $1000 PLUS TO FIX THIS. I'VE SPOKE WITH OTHER FRIENDS AND PEOPLE WHO OWN THE SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE AND THEY AS WELL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THEIR LEAKING HEAD GASKET AND VALUE GUIDES, MAKING THE CAR SMOKE.
NHTSA complaint #10082626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
MAINTAINED REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND WAS NOTIFIED THAT I HAD AN OIL LEAK IN MY ENGINE. I SAVED ENOUGH MONEY TO HAVE THE HEAD GASKET REPLACED TO FIX THE OIL LEAK. THE HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED (NEW) IN MARCH OF 2000. 4 MONTHS LATER MY CAR STARTED TO SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST WHEN STANDING STILL IN TRAFFIC. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE PROBLEM BECAUSE I THOUGHT THAT THIS WAS DUE TO THE WORK THAT THEY DID. I WAS THEN INFORMED THAT I NEED MY VALUE GUIDES REPLACED. I WAS GOING TO HAVE THIS WORK DONE UNTIL I WAS INFORMED THAT IN ORDER TO REPLACE THE VALUE GUIDES IN THE ENGINE, I MUST PURCHASE ANOTHER NEW HEAD GASKET. I ASKED WHY THIS WAS NOT INSPECTED AT THE TIME THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED. MY ANSWER WAS THAT I DID NOT ASK THEM TO CHECK THE VALUE GUIDES. IF THIS WOULD OF BEEN CORRECTED AT THIS TIME, I WOULD NOT BE SPENDING TONS OF MONEY ON OIL FOR MY VEHICLE. SINCE 2000, I CHECK THE OIL IN MY CAR EVERY OTHER DAY AND ADD OIL TO THE ENGINE. THIS HAS BEEN A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR ME. I DO NOT HAVE ANOTHER $1000 PLUS TO FIX THIS. I'VE SPOKE WITH OTHER FRIENDS AND PEOPLE WHO OWN THE SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE AND THEY AS WELL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THEIR LEAKING HEAD GASKET AND VALUE GUIDES, MAKING THE CAR SMOKE.
NHTSA complaint #10082626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.