1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 54 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (35% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2015
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2012
“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.”Owner report · Wheels · Mar 2010
Show 7 more owner reports
“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. *jb”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2006
“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. *jb”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2004
“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. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2004
“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.*ak”Owner report · Wheels · Nov 2001
“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.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2001
“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.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · May 2001
“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.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
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.
Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1991 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Eclipse by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable?
NHTSA has 54 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The most complained-about area is power train (35% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 140,000 miles or less.
Does the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front:buckle assembly. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.