Mitsubishi Eclipse Common Failures: Breakdowns, Solutions And More!

From the start, the Mitsubishi Eclipse was designed to be a true driving car. The first generation of the Eclipse offered different engine and transmission options to suit your sport coupe style. We recommend that you read the common faults of the Mitsubishi Eclipse , before deciding to buy one.

The ergonomic design and performance features of the first Eclipse carried over to subsequent generations and even inspired the creation of the Eclipse Cross, Mitsubishi’s current SUV offering. More than a decade after being discontinued, the Mitsubishi Eclipse continues to command the attention of car enthusiasts around the world.

How good is the Mitsubishi Eclipse?

The Mitsubishi Eclipse received a reliability rating of 4.6 out of 5.0 from users, who cited the car’s strong performance and low maintenance needs. The vehicle itself has also had a good rating from users.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse typically costs $510 to maintain. Maintenance costs vary depending on the car’s condition, mileage, and location. The five most commonly replaced parts on the Eclipse are the blow motor resistors, head gaskets, fuel injectors, PCV valves, and starters.

A 2011 Eclipse with a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine has an average fuel economy of 23 MPG combined city/highway. That translates to 4.3 gallons of oil per 100 miles.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Common Faults

The 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse is the top model in the lineup, with a base 2.4-liter engine producing 162 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The 2011 model comes equipped with safety features like antilock brakes, stability control, and frontal airbags.

A 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse used car tends to go for around $7,516 today. According to. The 2011 Eclipse has an average resale percentage of 79 out of 100. Like other cars, the Mitsubishi Eclipse has its share of problems. We have listed the common Mitsubishi Eclipse failures here to help you with your buying decision.

1- Manual transmission problems

Mitsubishi Eclipse models from 1990 to 2009 may have transmission problems. More than sixty users have reported difficulty changing gears with the affected models. On-site experts believe this is caused by binding of the synchronizer gear to the gear surface.

The splines and splines on the main shaft of the synchronizer assembly can develop burrs that make shifting difficult. You can try adding a special friction modifier to the manual transmission fluid. If that doesn’t fix the problem, you may need to install a revised synchronizer kit.

You should know that this is one of the common Mitsubishi Eclipse failures where we recommend that you hire a mechanic to inspect your transmission system before asking for a replacement. A general diagnosis will cost between $88 and $111.

A bad clutch disc or clutch pressure plate can also cause gear shifting difficulties . Both of these components are critical to the function of the clutch pack.

If any of them fail, the manual transmission as a whole may be affected. Mitsubishi Eclipse models from 1995 to 2008 are known to have clutch problems. Some users have noticed rattling noises when the car is idling. This can indicate a bad clutch pressure plate.

When you step on the clutch pedal, you should hear a grinding noise if the pressure plate is bad. If not, you may need to check the alignment wear of the clutch disc springs.

Transmission problems are not limited to the Mitsubishi Eclipse . The faulty continuously variable transmission (CVT) in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is just one example.

2- Failures with the brake system

Many complaints have been reported regarding faulty service brakes on the Mitsubishi Eclipse. Most complaints are directed at models manufactured between 2006 and 2009. The service brakes on affected models may become inoperable or lock up during use.

Many Mitsubishi Eclipse owners have noticed that their ABS randomly turns on or off when the brakes are on . That is a sign of brake system failure. Other symptoms include spongy brake pedals, a wobbly feeling, and leaking brake fluid.

Mitsubishi has addressed this issue with a recall targeting certain Eclipse models equipped with faulty brake boosters and master cylinder assemblies. Dealers have been instructed to inspect and repair defective brake components on affected models.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US, defective brake components are responsible for 22% of car accidents caused by mechanical failure. Therefore, you should check your brakes every six months or every time you change your tires . Regular maintenance can keep you and your passengers safe from catastrophic brake system failure.

3- Wheels prone to bending

Some 1998 to 2009 Eclipse models have weak tires. Some owners have cracked their tires from driving over potholes and bumps. Others have experienced blowouts while driving at normal speeds because their stock tires punched a hole in their tires.

Some original Mitsubishi Eclipse wheels are poorly built. They can fail regardless of your driving habits. As a result, many owners have resorted to purchasing aftermarket replacements.

Aftermarket tires are designed to be durable. They can support the weight of your car due to their high load capacities. If you’re buying a used Mitsubishi Eclipse, you should consider replacing the stock tires with aftermarket ones to prevent unexpected blowouts while driving.

4- Problems with the sunroof

The sunroof can get stuck on some 2002 to 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse models. Some owners have managed to open their sunroofs by pushing the sunroof cover forward.

A user driving a 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse doesn’t think the problem is caused by a faulty motor because his sunroof can still slide halfway back or halfway forward with the push of a button. It is not known for certain if that is the case.

Rainwater can enter the passenger compartment through a half-open sunroof and damage the car’s electrical components. When that happens, you will have no choice but to replace those parts. That means spending a hundred or so the equivalent of $100 or more.

Mitsubishi has not recalled the defective sunroofs on the affected models, so you will have to bear the cost of repair.

To end

Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse a real driving car? Eclipse owners seem to think so. It has a great performance record, excellent reliability ratings on reputable review sites, and decent fuel economy for a sports coupe.

Just make sure you know all about common Mitsubishi Eclipse failures and ask the dealer about the car’s history to avoid unexpected repairs in the future.