Mitsubishi Eclipse

Is your Mitsubishi Eclipse a lemon?

The Mitsubishi Eclipse website states that this car is the physical embodiment of a lifestyle that demands form and function, beauty, and technology. The Mitsubishi Eclipse comes with 263 HP, a 3.8-liter MIVEC V6 engine, and mesmerizing 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio. It also offers a six-airbag safety system, six-speed manual or five-speed Sportronic transmission, and performance tuned suspension. The tagline Mitsubishi uses is, "It anticipates desires and exceeds expectations."

Unfortunately, the Mitsubishi Eclipse has underperformed for some consumers.

Common Problems

The following are common problems faced by Mitsubishi Eclipse owners, as filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• Service Brakes, Hydraulics
• Hydraulic: Foundation Components: Master Cylinder
• Clutch Vibration on Takeoff
• "Throw Out Bearing Rattle" Problem
• Bent and Cracked Rims

The vehicle has been subject to a number of recalls. For example, certain passenger vehicles were been fitted with a defective brake booster assembly. Improper crimp joints cause the booster body to separate, resulting in a total loss of brake system performance, heightening the risk for a crash.

Problems with the master cylinder were the cause of another recall. One some vehicles, one of four seals inside the master cylinder were improperly installed. As a result, the master cylinder unexpectedly bypassed hydraulic braking force pressure and allowed a longer than normal pedal stroke. The resulting increased braking distance required to stop the Mitsubishi Eclipse increases the probability of a crash.

Mitsubishi Eclipse owners have noted the following:

"I have owned my Eclipse for about 6 months and noticed my passenger rear floorboard was wet and the car had a horrible smell. When I took the car into Lee's Summit Mits, (Missouri) they claimed I had a hole in the firewall under the dash and it was leaking pretty well. This is a very poorly made vehicle. I also have rust on engine parts after owning the vehicle only 3 months. Very poor quality vehicle and the dealer will not stand behind the car and admit they sold me a bad car from the very beginning."

"We bought a new Eclipse in May and a couple months later while driving it in the rain it starts raining inside the car. The water was pouring in through the air bag slots and the sunroof controls. Took it at once to get it fixed. We got it back stating it was resealed and good to go. Next hard rain and now it is leaking again. I am worried about the air bag failing or other water damage that will most likely occur."

Legal Rights

See the listing at the above right for things you can do.