1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 49 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (43% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl - the contact owns a 1992 mitsubishi eclipse. The contact stated that there was a burning odor from inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop where it was diagnosed that the seal was leaking from the transfer case. In order to repair the failure, the mechanic replaced the seals. The dealer was contacted who advised that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 98v069001 (power train:automatic transmission). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 130,000. Kmj”Owner report · Power Train · May 2011
“Tl*the contact owns a 1992 mitshubishi eclipse. After visiting the NHTSA website noticed recall#98v069001 was related to this vehicle concerning power train:automatic transmission. Also. There was a leak coming from the transfer case. The dealer stated that there was no recall related to this vehicle. The failure mileage was 73,000, and the current mileage was 73,500. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2007
“Vehicle accelerated suddenly and unexpectedly when applying brakes. Consumer had to turn vehicle off for it to come to a stop. Please provide additonal information.*ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Nov 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
“While having left rear tire taken off at tire retailer, rear axle fell off onto the ground, had no prior warnings, and no rust on vehicle.*ak *nlm”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2001
“Owner replaced transfer case because of lock up. Mitsubishi claims the recall was done and they are not liable for damage when in fact the part was only inspected and not deemed a rish at that time. They are now refusing service unless the broken part is placed back on the vehicle and the vehicle is towed to a dealership.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2001
“While driving about 50 mph front hood became unlatched/ flying/ smashing windshield, and hitting roof of vehicle. *ak”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Feb 2001
“Idle speed control motor failed for the second time in the life of the car (that I am aware of). Dealer told me that this was a common problem and they could not do anything for me except sell me a new part ( $250.00 ). The manufacturer knows about the problem and does nothing to fix it.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 2000
“Dealership refused to replace damaged parts that caused other problems with vehicle. Vehicle was involved in an accident, and transmission will not allow vehicle to move. Vehicle is located at dealership. Part failed and caused the vehicle to lock up. *ak the passenger lap belt for seat belt failed. *yh”Owner report · Seat Belts · Aug 2000
“The transmission is making a whining noise. It has no power when taking off from a stop and does not gain any speed. Both times computer failed I was driving in traffic and the car just stopped running and would not restart.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2000
“Right rear thread separated at 65 miles per hour causing loss of contol of the vehicle. Vehicle did at least 360 degree spin hitting the center concrete divider squarley. No other vehicles involved. Minor injuries. (tiresize: 195/70-14)( dot number: tire size: 195/70-14 )”Owner report · Tires · Jun 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 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: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1992 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 1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable?
NHTSA has 49 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The most complained-about area is power train (43% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 68,000 miles or less.
Does the 1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. 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.