1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse: problems, recalls and reliability
11 recalls and 159 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (14% of complaints); the 1994 model year looks more trouble-free.
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 159 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1996 mitsubishi eclipse. While driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle stalled and the rear wheels seized. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transfer case was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was previously repaired per an unknown recall. The failure mileage was approximately 89,200.”Owner report · Power Train · May 2017
“Tl*the contact owns a 1996 mitsubishi eclipse. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph, the transfer case suddenly stalled and locked all four wheels; he was unable to get the vehicle to move. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who informed the contact that he needed to replace transfer case and that they could not assist with repair expenses as the vehicle was not included in recall 98v069001 (power train: automatic transmission). The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. The VIN was unavailable.”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2010
“Driving on hwy. 80 on dry road at approx. 60-65 mph, in fast lane, car started to shake, as we pulled over to the side of freeway, tire blew out...complete separation of belt from sidewalls,both side walls still on rim, belt (intact) rolled down freeway. Tires less than 1 year old, and lots of tread left on tire. This caused damaged to the rim which is no longer usable. We will have to replace the tire and rim, but thank god no one was hurt. *tr”Owner report · Wheels · Dec 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
“I was going about 65 miles per hour on the freeway, when the transmission started to make a loud revving noise and began to down shift at an accelerated rate. The eclipse now has a shifting problem to where the car does not have the drive to move forwards nor backwards. I was told by a transmission specialist and close friend, that all my gears were all wiped out all at the same time and that the throttle cable was either loose or broken. He also mentioned that he found in the transfer case, of the transmission, shavings or little pieces of metal or aluminum. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2007
“I have a black 1996 mitsubishi eclipse rs the clear coat is totally coming off of the car leaving white spots all over. The car is suppose to be black but it looks like a dalmation. *nm”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2006
“Dt*: the contact stated while applying brake pressure at various speeds, there was a popping noise. The vehicle was seen by a dealer and it was determined the lower control arm ball joints needed replaced. A NHTSA recall, #00v421001 was performed on the vehicle concerning, the suspension however, the recall did not remedy the problem. The dealership would not offer a second repair without charge under the recall.”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2006
“I have researched this site and deduced that mitsubishi has produced a defective product in the 1996 mitsubishi eclipse re: defective head gasket and which leads to worn out valve seals . On july 29th 2005 the mitsubishi corporation sued its previous presidents and former executives for defect and recall cover ups for "64,000 complaints filed by car owners dating back to 1977." anyone interested in a class action law suit? Contact me!! *nm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2005
“Dt: front passenger side ball joint failure. Contact said the wheel and ball joint fell off. Caller received recall 04v421001 concerning ball joints when caller took vehicle to dealer about 2 years ago the dealer said it was okay. Then on t july 0, 2005 she heard a pop and the vehicle dropped. Caller was going about 40 mph. Caller had to have it towed to the dealer. She has not spoken to them yet. Manufacturer has not been contacted. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2005
“Re: dealership complaint: refusal to honor existing NHTSA campaign id numbers: 00v421001, 99v066001 mitsubishi eclipse, suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint I recently took my 1996 eclipse to my local dealership (arnold mitsubishi, roseville, mi) to make an appointment for this recall as there is serious 'clunking' in my front ball joints. I was told my VIN number was not included in the recalls. Your database seems to indicate that this was an 'across the board' recall. I've been warned that this is a lousy dealership. Are they correct, or am I? And what should I do? *nm”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2005
“Vehicle experienced a leak within the transfer case. Owner contacted the dealer and the manufacturer, and was told that because the vehicle was inspected for the recall once already dealership and manufacturer will not inspect again the vehicle for this defect. Owner was told that this problem was the owner's responsibility. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 25 of these complaints and injuries in 10 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 11 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 CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE 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: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
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.
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
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 AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST 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: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
CERTAIN AIRTEX FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLIES, P/N E7081H, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WALL OF THE FLARED FITTING OF THE FUEL PUMP IS NOT THICK ENOUGH TO PREVENT THE MATING THREADED FITTINGS FROM BOTTOMING OUT BEFORE AN ADEQUATE SEAL IS ACHIEVED. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF FUEL AT THE CONNECTION OF THE VEHICLE FUEL LINE AND THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLY.
Remedy: AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AIRTEX AUTOMOTIVE AT 800-880-3056.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE RUBBER BOOTS ON THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, DIRT AND WATER CAN INTRUDE. ALSO, MMC HAS ADDED THE POTENTIAL OF LEAKING MOISTURE, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE BALL STUD TO CORRODE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT FOR WEAR. BALL JOINTS THAT EXHIBIT WEAR BEYOND THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEWLY DESIGNED LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS. BALL JOINTS THAT ARE WITHIN THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE CLEANED AND A SPECIAL SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED TO PREVENT INTRUSION OF MOISTURE.
THE FUEL TANK GASKETS FOR THE FUEL PUMP AND/OR GAUGE UNIT GASKET COULD HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY INSTALLED ALLOWING FUEL OR FUMES TO ESCAPE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK AND IF THE GASKETS ARE FOUND TO BE LEAKING, REPLACE THE FUEL TANK, CAPS AND GASKETS.
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE RUBBER BOOTS ON THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, DIRT AND WATER CAN INTRUDE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE RUBBER BOOTS, AND IF THE BOOT IS DAMAGED, THEY WILL REPLACE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM AND BALL JOINT ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1996 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 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable?
NHTSA has 159 owner complaints and 11 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (14% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 89,200 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse have open recalls?
11 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.