Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse
The 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse has limited evidence of specific recalls and owner complaints. Key issues include problems with the engine, power train, and suspension. Attention should be paid to these areas during inspection. Exterior lighting recalls are frequent, indicating possible non-compliant aftermarket parts.
NHTSA data on file today
The 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse has 12 NHTSA recall campaigns and 307 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #09E025000 FMVSS 108/REPLACEMENT HEADLAMPS/AMBER REFLECTOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09E012000 FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET COMBINATION LAMPS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07E055000 AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLIES/LEAKS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E060000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E049000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E026000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E023000 FMVSS 108/HEADLAMP/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #00V421001 MITSUBISHI AMERICA/LOWER BALL JOINT BOOT NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #99V066001 MITSUBISHI/LOWER BALL JOINT BOOT NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #98V069001 MITSUBISHI/TRANSFER CASE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #96V158001 MITSUBISHI/FUEL NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #94V149002 Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 55 complaints
- Power Train 46 complaints
- Suspension 44 complaints
- Electrical System 41 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 34 complaints
- Air Bags 30 complaints
Of the 307 complaints on file, 44 report a crash and 9 a fire; across all 307 complaints, owners report 20 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Coolant leakage
How to check: Inspect for coolant leaks around the engine bay.
Insufficient lubrication
How to check: Check for fluid leaks around the transmission case.
Corroded ball joints
How to check: Inspect lower ball joint boots for damage or corrosion.
ABS unit crack
How to check: Examine support panel for fatigue cracks near ABS unit.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for any unusual noises from the engine.
Red flag: Loud knocking or rattling
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for stable RPM and no warning lights.
Red flag: Check engine light remains on
- 03
Parking lot turn
What to check: Feel for smooth steering and no noises.
Red flag: Grinding or clunking noises
- 04
City driving
What to check: Test smooth gear shifts in stop-go traffic.
Red flag: Jerking or delayed shifts
- 05
Straight line braking
What to check: Ensure ABS engages with no pull to sides.
Red flag: Car pulls or ABS failure
- 06
Highway acceleration
What to check: Assess power delivery and lack of vibration.
Red flag: Vibration or sluggish response
- 07
Engine idle after drive
What to check: Listen for smooth idle with no noise.
Red flag: Erratic idle or engine knocking
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the fuel system been inspected recently?
- Any issues with transmission lubrication?
- Have there been problems with suspension components?
- Has the ABS system ever failed?
- What parts have been replaced recently?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle history report
- Maintenance records
- Recall repair documentation
- Title and registration
- Previous inspection reports
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.