Mitsubishi Eclipse Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 210 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Mitsubishi Eclipse across 13 model years. The 1995 model year has the most (48). The words owners use most often: “transfer case” (19% of reports).
- 210power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 13mention a crash
- 5mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 38%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Transfer case: mentioned in 39 of 210 complaints (19%)
- Manual transmission: mentioned in 15 of 210 complaints (7%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 81 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 210 complaints, 13 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 5 an injury.
Mitsubishi Eclipse power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Eclipse | 1 | 2% | 49,000 |
| 2008 Eclipse | 2 | 3% | 100,000 |
| 2007 Eclipse | 2 | 2% | 107,204 |
| 2006 Eclipse | 6 | 6% | 18,250 |
| 2003 Eclipse | 20 | 16% | 19,000 |
| 2002 Eclipse | 4 | 5% | 99,500 |
| 2001 Eclipse | 19 | 9% | 71,498 |
| 2000 Eclipse | 17 | 6% | 46,500 |
| 1999 Eclipse | 25 | 21% | 76,750 |
| 1998 Eclipse | 28 | 22% | 68,000 |
| 1997 Eclipse | 22 | 16% | 90,000 |
| 1996 Eclipse | 16 | 10% | 84,600 |
| 1995 Eclipse | 48 | 16% | 129,250 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Power train:automatic transmission
Model years: 2007
Problem: On certain vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, the key lock cable was improperly manufactured and may not allow the cable end to lock into the floor shifter mechanism. This can result in the interlock system to become inoperative and allow the ignition key to be removed without the gearshift mechanism being placed in the park position.
Risk: If the driver does not shift to park before removing the key and fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the ignition interlock cable and replace it if necessary. The recall began on november 20, 2006. Owners may contact mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820.
Power train:automatic transmission:cooling unit and lines
Model years: 2000, 2001
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. A hose was mis-manufactured and could weaken over time, which could result in leakage of the automatic transmission fluid.
Risk: Fluid leakage from the cooler hoses can cause transaxle driveability problems and smoke if the oil contacts the front exhaust pipe.
Fix: Dealers will replace the hose assembly for the automatic transmission oil cooler. Owner notification mailing will be phased over a five-month period starting march 26, through july 23, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.
Power train:automatic transmission
Model years: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
Problem: 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.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicles for adequacy of the transfer case oil volume, transfer case oil leakage, and operational degradation of the transfer case mechanism. If oil volume is insufficient, the appropriate amount of oil will be added. If there is transfer case oil leakage, affected components will be replaced. If the transfer case shows operational degradation, the transfer case will be replaced.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I almost got into a accident because it's late sobits really hard to see because the headlights u cnt see any at all at night I can use a flash light out the window and see better like that but on top of that my car just decides to up and stall on me and not wanna start back and it had melted my…
The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The contact stated that while stopped at an intersection with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle accelerated forward inadvertently. The contact had her husband inspect the vehicle and while he attempted to start the vehicle with his foot depressed on…
Transmission case leakage both while parked and while driving
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…
Was driving home from work and came to a stop. Tried to shift into 1st and could not do so. Had to turn off my car to shift into gear to avoid grinding. Had a hard time going from 1st to 2nd as well. Once arriving home could not shift into reverse. Seems like the gears were trying to strip and a…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Mitsubishi Eclipses have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 210 owner complaints about power train for the Mitsubishi Eclipse. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Mitsubishi Eclipse power train?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about power train problems on the Mitsubishi Eclipse?
The most frequent phrase is “transfer case”, in 39 of 210 complaints, followed by “manual transmission” (15).
Other Mitsubishi Eclipse problems
- Wheels problems (267)
- Service Brakes problems (216)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (206)
- Structure problems (200)
- Air Bags problems (171)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (150)
- Electrical System problems (141)
- Suspension problems (139)
See all Mitsubishi Eclipse problems.