What are the most common Mitsubishi Eclipse problems?

Across 22 model years analyzed, the most-reported issues are: Electrical System, Automatic Transmission, Rust and Corrosion, Suspension & Steering Components, Engine (4G63T). Details on each — including affected years and repair-cost ranges — are listed below.

Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse a reliable car?

Mitsubishi Eclipse averages a 70/100 OwnerKeep reliability score across 22 years of data. Year-by-year scores vary — check the full model hub for the year you're shopping.

Which years of the Mitsubishi Eclipse have the worst problems?

The lowest-scoring Mitsubishi Eclipse years are flagged on our Years to Avoid page. They typically combine multiple recurring failures (transmission, engine, electrical) with weak owner sentiment.

How much do common Mitsubishi Eclipse repairs cost?

Repair-cost ranges depend on the specific issue. Major systems like transmissions can run $2,500-$5,500, while infotainment or sensor replacements are $150-$600. Each problem listed below includes a cost estimate.

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Issue Pattern Analysis

Mitsubishi Eclipse Common Problems

We analyzed every Mitsubishi Eclipse reliability report across 22 model years (avg score 70/100) — here are the issues that keep showing up.

Most-Reported Eclipse Issues

Ranked by how often this issue appears in our Mitsubishi Eclipse year-by-year reports.

Electrical System

Affects 64% of years

Reported across 14 Mitsubishi Eclipse model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.

Automatic Transmission

Affects 45% of years

Reported across 10 Mitsubishi Eclipse model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.

Rust and Corrosion

Affects 18% of years

Reported across 4 Mitsubishi Eclipse model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.

Suspension & Steering Components

Affects 14% of years

Reported across 3 Mitsubishi Eclipse model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.

Engine (4G63T)

Affects 9% of years

Reported across 2 Mitsubishi Eclipse model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.

Engine (4G63T Turbo)

Affects 9% of years

Reported across 2 Mitsubishi Eclipse model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.

Structural Rust & Corrosion

Affects 9% of years

Reported across 2 Mitsubishi Eclipse model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.

Rust & Body Corrosion

Affects 9% of years

Reported across 2 Mitsubishi Eclipse model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.

Problems by Model Year

1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse68/100

A high-reward, high-maintenance classic that demands informed ownership to truly enjoy.

1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse62/100

An iconic '90s sports coupe offering exhilarating performance, but prepare for consistent maintenance and potential system overhauls due to age and design complexities.

1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse65/100

A cult classic that can be a rewarding project or a money pit, entirely dependent on prior care and your willingness to invest.

1993 Mitsubishi Eclipse68/100

A high-risk, high-reward classic that demands a committed owner and diligent maintenance.

1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse72/100

A potent, stylish classic that rewards enthusiasts with deep pockets or strong DIY skills, but can punish the unwary.

1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse68/100

A beloved classic that delivers driving thrills, but requires a diligent mechanic or enthusiast owner to avoid major financial pitfalls.

1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse68/100

A beloved cult classic demanding a dedicated owner and a healthy maintenance budget.

1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse65/100

A high-risk, high-reward proposition best suited for the mechanically savvy enthusiast.

1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse62/100

A fun, affordable classic for the enthusiast, but be prepared to address its specific, age-related vulnerabilities.

1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse68/100

A head-turning, fun-to-drive coupe, but be prepared for its unique maintenance demands and potential costly repairs.

2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse68/100

A stylish, affordable coupe with a major Achilles' heel in its automatic transmission; manual is paramount.

2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse68/100

A stylish, budget-friendly coupe that demands careful scrutiny of its automatic transmission and V6 engine history before purchase.

Don't buy on guesswork

Get the full Mitsubishi Eclipse risk report

Common-problem patterns above are aggregate. For the specific year you're shopping, the paid report breaks down: exact mileage failure windows, repair-cost ranges, recall status, and a buy/avoid verdict.

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