Carlexica

1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse: problems, recalls and reliability

4 recalls and 34 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (24% of complaints).

Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2009

4
recalls
34
owner complaints
1
fire reports
15,500
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Among the quietest Eclipse years (#18 of 20 by complaints, age-adjusted)Weak spot: power train (24%)1 fire reportProblems reported early (median 15,500 mi)

Common problems

Computed from 34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)24% · 8 complaints
Seat Belts12% · 4 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)12% · 4 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)9% · 3 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)9% · 3 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)9% · 3 complaints
Day time appx. 60-80 mi. From el paso, tx , lic. Driver driving appx. 70 mi. P/hr (80 mi. Day is speed limit) just before chk. Point sierra blanca, front passenger side tierod breaks causing a major 1 car rollover injuring 3 people (1 w/minor injuries, 1 serious injuries, 1 critical injury). 1994 mitsubishi eclipse gs totaled. 2 of injured requiring continued medical care. Hatchback came up, shattered glass in hatch and side panels. *trOwner report · Suspension · Apr 2007
Vehicle lost all braking powe r while attempting a gradual stop on dry road conditions. Dealer has yet to be contacted. Please provide further details.*akOwner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2001
Transfer case yoke is leaking fluid. Consumer experienced the same problem as mentioned in recall on the automatic transmission. *akOwner report · Power Train · Sep 2000
Show 7 more owner reports
I just bought this car and drove it about a week and the transmission went out on me now I'm stuck with a lemon and no one want's to fix it. To take advantage of someone like this should never cross anyone's mind. Can you please help me in this matter thank you, dale lynne hartshorneOwner report · Power Train · Apr 2000
Vehicle displayed a lound clunking noise and smoke was coming form engine. Upon inspection by the dealer consumer was informed that crankshaft was defective.*ak it was determined that the brakes were ther problem and were replaced. *yhOwner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 1998
Vehicle completely cuts off while driving, no warning lights, no prior indication at all, traveling speed 60-65mph. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem. *ak vehicle experiences vibration and pulls to the right. Consumer states vehicle is experiencing shifting problems. A/c was blowing hot air, dealer replaced a/c lines and compressor. Banging and clanking noises from valve cover area, dealer diagnosed as an internal engine problem and installed short block and replaced the timing belt. Dealer has replaced the iacs solenoid for the stalling problem, however vehicle continues to stall. *slcOwner report · Equipment · Apr 1998
Transmission was sticking when the vehicle was in drive . Also, air conditioner made a humming sound when turned on. Speedometer went from 20 mphs to 140 mhs and it broke, and the needle came out through the dashboard. *akOwner report · Power Train · Nov 1997
Defective hood latches (primary and secondary) broke, causing the hood to fly up 2 times, which almost caused an accident. Please provide further information. *akOwner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Oct 1997
Driving the vehicle at speed of 40mph, vehicle going to the right and swirled right rear wheels locked and flipped and rear axle broke, *akOwner report · Suspension · Jan 1996
The back seat belts they will not hold a carseat/the seat belts are anchored forwardand immobile, making it impossible to secure a car seat. *akOwner report · Seat Belts · Aug 1994

When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 4 campaigns

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS09E025000 · May 2009

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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING06E026000 · Mar 2006

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.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION98V069001 · Mar 1998

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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING09E012000 · Apr 2009

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 1994 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.

Drive typeAWD/All-Wheel Drive

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 decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable?

NHTSA has 34 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The most complained-about area is power train (24% of complaints).

At what mileage do 1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 15,500 miles or less.

Does the 1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse have open recalls?

4 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.