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FaultScore report

2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems

Owners have filed 20 complaints about the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse with NHTSA between 2004 and 2021. The largest single group is the body & structure. Across this model's run it ranks 14 of 17 worst.

Read the complaints What breaks Worst years for the Mitsubishi Eclipse All 2004 cars
C

FaultScore 46/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Mitsubishi Eclipse.

How this is worked out

The numbers

20

Complaints

9

Crashes reported

3

Fires reported

4

Injuries reported

51,500 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

36%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 7 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 61 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 7
Against the median year of the Mitsubishi Eclipse. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
80% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 61
36% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2004 compares with every other Mitsubishi Eclipse

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Body & Structure 6 30.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 29,500 mi

Brakes 3 15.0%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 63,000 mi

Airbags 3 15.0%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 83,000 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 2 10.0%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 98,000 mi

Steering 2 10.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 10,000 mi

Other & Unspecified 1 5.0%

0 crashes, 1 fires

Wheels 1 5.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 83,000 mi

Electrical System 1 5.0%

0 crashes, 1 fires

Engine & Cooling 1 5.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 83,000 mi

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 2 14.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 1 7.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 2 14.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 2 14.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 1 7.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 5 35.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 1 7.1%

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.

Dec 2004 peak 4 Sep 2021

Recalls on the 2004 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.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2015220 3,260 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain vehicles, in the event of a collision that warrants a deployment of the front passenger airbag, the deploying airbag could strike the passenger sun visor if it is in the down position. This could cause the sun visor to detach from its mounting bracket, potentially contacting an occupant, which would increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will add a tether strap to the passenger sun visor.

Recall 2003277 635 units in Canada

Fuel System

On certain vehicles, the fuel return line hose fitting on the electric fuel pump may be restricted, causing excessive fuel pressure to build up in the fuel injection system. Excessive fuel pressure may result in the fuel return hose becoming dislodged, resulting in fuel leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. Correction: Dealer will inspect the fuel pump pressure. Those vehicles exhibiting higher than normal fuel pump pressure will receive fuel pump modifications.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Clearwater, FL Fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

NHTSA complaint #11433597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clearwater, FL Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11433597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clearwater, FL Fire

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11433597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 146,000 miles NEW Market, VA, VA Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

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.

NHTSA complaint #10906428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Manteca, CA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10864166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 83,000 miles Redwood Falls, MN Crash

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10522952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Clearwater, FL Fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

NHTSA complaint #11433597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clearwater, FL Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11433597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clearwater, FL Fire

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11433597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 146,000 miles NEW Market, VA, VA Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

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.

NHTSA complaint #10906428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Manteca, CA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10864166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 63,000 miles Fayetteville, NC

SERVICE BRAKES

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.

NHTSA complaint #10780005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 83,000 miles Redwood Falls, MN Crash

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10522952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 83,000 miles Redwood Falls, MN Crash

WHEELS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10522952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 83,000 miles Redwood Falls, MN Crash

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #10522952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 83,000 miles Redwood Falls, MN Crash

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #10522952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 98,000 miles Kingsford, MI

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 NOT THEIR PROBLEM. REALLY?

NHTSA complaint #10479881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 36,000 miles Waikoloa, HI

STRUCTURE:BODY

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 WILL NOT FIX THE PAINT ISSUE DUE TO CAR BEING OUT OF WARRANTY.

NHTSA complaint #10290170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 40,000 miles Kamuela, HI

STRUCTURE

CLEARCOAT PEELING OFF MITSUBISHI-DEFECTIVE PAINT.

NHTSA complaint #10283044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Arcadia, CA

STEERING

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 EVEN SEND A LETTER TO HONDA SIERRA TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM BECAUSE I BOUGHT IF DEFECTIVE. UNFORTUNATELY, I DID NOT GET A RESPONSE. REPAIR COST MORE THAN 300 DOLLARS. I DON'T HAVE MONEY YET, AND IM STILL HOPEFUL THAT EITHER OF THE TWO PARTIES ARE WILLING TO WORK WITH THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10255583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 450 miles Freeland, MI

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

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 BODY SEAM LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE DOOR WOULD NO LONGER CLOSE PROPERLY , AND I IMMEDIATELY SCHEDULED A REPAIR APPOINTMENT. THE DEALERSHIP ADJUSTED THE DOOR AND ASSURED ME THAT THE CRACK IN THE FRAME WAS ONLY COSMETIC. THE CRACK WAS FILLED AND PAINTED AND SEEMS TO BE HOLDING, BUT THERE IS A LEAK IN THE DOOR THAT LEAVES WATER ON THE DOOR SILL PLATE EVERY TIME IT RAINS OR I WASH THE CAR. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING ADDITIONAL REPAIRS FOR THAT NOW.

NHTSA complaint #10148878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 450 miles Freeland, MI

STRUCTURE:BODY

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 BODY SEAM LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE DOOR WOULD NO LONGER CLOSE PROPERLY , AND I IMMEDIATELY SCHEDULED A REPAIR APPOINTMENT. THE DEALERSHIP ADJUSTED THE DOOR AND ASSURED ME THAT THE CRACK IN THE FRAME WAS ONLY COSMETIC. THE CRACK WAS FILLED AND PAINTED AND SEEMS TO BE HOLDING, BUT THERE IS A LEAK IN THE DOOR THAT LEAVES WATER ON THE DOOR SILL PLATE EVERY TIME IT RAINS OR I WASH THE CAR. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING ADDITIONAL REPAIRS FOR THAT NOW.

NHTSA complaint #10148878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 23,000 miles NEW Gloucester, ME 1 injured

STRUCTURE

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 BELIEVE IS A HAZARD IF IN A ACCIDENT, MY SEAT, AND FLOORS, NOT TO MENTION IT IS LEAKING INTO THE DOOR PANELS. MY SON HAS FALLEN OUT OF THE CAR SLIPPING ON THE WATER ON THE DOOR PANEL, NOT THAT HE NEEDED A AMBULANCE BUT GOT A FAT LIP WHEN HE PUT HIS TEETH INTO THEM WHEN HE FELL, ALSO GETTING A BRUISED LEG.

NHTSA complaint #10141192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Athens, OH Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

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-ENDED CRASH, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO INFLATE. THE SEVERITY OF THE CRASH IS EVIDENT FROM THE FACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CATEGORIZED AS A "TOTAL LOSS" BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY. I BELIEVE THE AIR BAG SHOULD HAVE GONE OFF AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT. UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #10134086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 7,600 miles Engelwood, CO Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:CONTROLS:HAND CONTROL/VALVE

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.

NHTSA complaint #10127847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 10,000 miles Glen Burnie, MD Crash 1 injured

STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

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.

NHTSA complaint #10104963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.