The 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse has 7 safety recalls and 46 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (27 complaints).
Recalls7safety recalls
Complaints46filed by owners
Crashes · fires3 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths4 · 0reported in complaints
Safety recalls
Exterior lighting
NHTSA recall 09E012000 · Apr 7, 2009 · 16,270 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: 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.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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.
Exterior lighting
NHTSA recall 06E065000 · Jul 17, 2006 · 3,593 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED 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.
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
Power train › Automatic transmission
NHTSA recall 98V069001 · Mar 26, 1998 · 24,275 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: 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.
Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
NHTSA recall 95V103004 · May 24, 1995 · 658,000 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
Risk: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
Visibility › Windshield
NHTSA recall 90V106002 · Jun 1, 1990 · 26 vehicles
Problem: DILUTED PRIMER MAY HAVE BEEN USED ON THE WINDSHIELD OPENING FLANGES PRIOR TO WINDSHIELD GLASS INSTALLATION WHICH WOULD NOT PROVIDE THE RETENTION REQUIRED BY FMVSS 212.
Risk: WINDSHIELDS WOULD NOT PREVENT EJECTION OF VEHICLEOCCUPANTS DURING A VEHICLE CRASH, WHICH CAUSES SERIOUS INJURIES AND FATALITIES.
Fix: REPLACE WINDSHIELDS, ASSOCIATED PARTS, AND PRIMER.
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
NHTSA recall 90V056002 · Mar 21, 1990 · 367 vehicles
Problem: OPERATION OF SUNROOF IN "NON-STANDARD" MANNER MAY CAUSE MALE HINGE DISENGAGEMENT FROM THE ROOF HINGE RECEIVER.
Risk: THE SUNROOF GLASS COULD DETACH FROM THE ROOF AND RESULT IN INJURY TO OCCUPANTS OR PERSONS IN THE VICINITY, ESPECIALLY IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.
Fix: REPLACE MALE HINGE WITH A MODIFIED VERSION TO INCREASE ROOF HINGE RECEIVER RETENTION ABILITY.
Problem: WIRING HARNESS FOR THE HEADLAMPS MAY BREAK DUE TO THE STRESS CREATED BY THE HEADLAMP POP UP DEVICES.
Risk: BREAKAGE OF THE WIRING HARNESS CAUSES LOSS OFHEADLAMP ILLUMINATION WHICH COULD HAVE A POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT.
Fix: HEADLAMP WIRING HARNESS ROUTING WILL BE MODIFIED AND DAMAGED WIRES REPAIRED.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse 2-DR.
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Eclipse
24mpg combined
City / highway
21 / 29 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
1.8 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel
Eclipse
23mpg combined
City / highway
21 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
1.8 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel
Eclipse
22mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel
Eclipse
22mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,750/year to fuel
Eclipse
21mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
Eclipse
20mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 23 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Power train Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift; Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
27
0
0
2
—
Seat belts Rear/other; Front › Anchorage
6
2
0
3
—
Engine and engine cooling Engine; Engine › Gasoline
6
0
0
0
—
Electrical system Wiring › Interior/under dash; 12v/24v/48v battery › Cables
5
0
0
0
—
Visibility Glass, side/rear; Windshield
3
2
0
0
—
Steering Rack and pinion; Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
3
0
0
0
—
Equipment Appliance › Air conditioner
2
0
0
0
—
Exterior lighting Headlights; Headlights › Switch
2
0
0
0
—
Seats
1
0
0
0
—
Unknown or other
1
0
0
0
—
Wheels Rim
1
0
0
0
—
Tires Tread/belt
1
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Jan 1, 1901Power train › Automatic transmission 1990 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. CONSUMER STATES THAT IT HAS BROKEN TWICE IN HIS VEHICLE. HE STATES THAT IF THIS BREAKS IT COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE JUST STOPS AND SHUTS OFF. *KB
Jun 12, 2003Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch CONSUMER STATES THAT LEFT HEADLIGHT IS SHORTING OUT. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
Aug 22, 2002Exterior lighting › Headlights HEADLAMP FAILURE DUE TO WIRING HARNESS MALFUNCTIONING. CONSUMER WAS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT SINCE THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ON RECALL. *YH....*AK
Mar 12, 2001 · crash · 2 injuriesSeat belts AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE DRIVER'S DOOR OPENED WITHOUT REASON. THAT CAUSED THE SEATBELT ASSEMBLY TO RETRACT AND THEN, THE SEATBELT ASSEMBLY HIT ME IN THE EYE. THIS CAUSED ME TO REACT AND SENT ME OFF THE ROAD, DOWN AN EMBANKMENT. I WAS INJURED RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF MY LEFT ARM. *AK
May 15, 2001Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift CONSUMER NOTICED LARGE AMOUNT OF FLUID UNDER VEHICLE. DEALER REPAIRED TRANSFER CASE TWICE, BUT VEHICLE WAS STILL LEAKING. DEALRR REFUSED TO REPAIR . PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
May 15, 2001Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft › Seal WHLE PARKED NOTICED A LARGE AMOUNT OF FLUID UNDER VEHICLE. DEALER REPAIRED TRANSFER CASE SEAL TWICE,BUT VEHICLE STILL LEAKS. DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR. PLEASSE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Mar 15, 2001Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper BOTH REAR BRAKE CALIPERS NEED TO BE REPLACED. CALIPERS WERE PREVIOUSLY REPLACED .*AK
Oct 15, 2000Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift TRANSFER CASE LOCKUPS DUE TO LEAKAGE OF LUBRICANTS ON THIS VEHICLE IS WELL DOCUMENTED. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF GEAR NOISE AT 69000 MILES BUT OWNER WAS TOLD TRANSFER CASE WAS OK. AT THAT TIME THERE WAS INSPECTION ON RECALL # C9803TXX. TRANSFER CASE NOW VERY NOISEY AND VIBRATES.*AK
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
RQ98007 · opened May 11, 1998 · closed Aug 28, 1998 · led to recall 98V168001TRANSFER CASE LEAKAGE THE TRANSFER CASE OF THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD), MITSUBISHI GALANT, ALLEGEDLY LEAKS OIL CAUSING ONE OR MORE WHEELS TO LOCKUP; OR THE INABILITY TO TRANSMIT ENGINE POWER TO THE DRIVE WHEELS.THE VEHICLES HAVE THE SAME TRANSFER CASE DESIGN AS THE ECLIPSE VEHICLES WHICH HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME ALLEGED DEFECT.
EA98002 · opened Jan 30, 1998 · closed Apr 30, 1998 · led to recall 98V069001TRANSFER CASE LOCKUP
PE97040 · opened Sep 4, 1997 · closed Jan 30, 1998TRANSFER CASE LOCKUP ALLEGED DRIVETRAIN FAILURE THAT CAN LEAD TO LOCK-UP OF THE REAR OR ALL WHEELS.
EA95004 · opened Mar 10, 1995 · closed Aug 1, 1995 · led to recall 95V103004TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE There is no summary currently available