NHTSA vehicle safety data

1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse has 11 NHTSA recall campaigns and 159 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Mitsubishi dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse owner complaints

Owners have filed 159 complaints with NHTSA about the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse, describing incidents dated January 1, 1996 to May 2, 2017.

Most-cited components

Suspension 26 complaints
Engine 25 complaints
Service Brakes 24 complaints
Air Bags 17 complaints
Power Train 15 complaints
Structure 11 complaints

Of the 159 complaints on file, 25 report a crash and 5 a fire; across all 159 complaints, owners report 10 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #10983556 · Filed May 4, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE REAR WHEELS SEIZED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE…
ODI #10424690 · Filed September 12, 2011
ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODUAL WHILE DRIVING ALL POWER TO CAR JUST LOST. *TR
ODI #10372505 · Filed December 27, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE TRANSFER CASE SUDDENLY STALLED AND LOCKED ALL FOUR WHEELS; HE WAS UNABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE NEEDED TO REPLACE…

Read all 159 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse in 4 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Recall Query RQ00-015: LOWER CONTRTOL ARM BALL JOINT
Closed April 20, 2001
Recall Query RQ98-007: TRANSFER CASE LEAKAGE
Closed August 28, 1998
- Recall 98V168001
- Recall 98V168002
Engineering Analysis EA98-002: TRANSFER CASE LOCKUP
Closed April 30, 1998
- Recall 98V069001
- Recall 98V069002
Preliminary Evaluation PE97-040: TRANSFER CASE LOCKUP
Closed January 30, 1998

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

FMVSS 108/REPLACEMENT HEADLAMPS/AMBER REFLECTOR

NHTSA #09E025000 · Exterior Lighting — Headlights · NHTSA notice

Reported May 11, 2009 · DOPE, INC.

Potentially affected: 42,540 vehicles

Owners notified July 28, 2009

Defect description

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 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.

Safety consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER.IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF YOUR AFTERMARKET LAMP ASSEMBLY IS AFFECTED BY THIS NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE REVIEW THE LIST OF MODEL NUMBERS PROVIDED TO US BY DOPE, INC.THE LIST CAN BE FOUND UNDER "DOCUMENT SEARCH" LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET COMBINATION LAMPS

NHTSA #09E012000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice

Reported April 7, 2009 · SABERSPORT

Potentially affected: 16,270 vehicles

Owners notified May 11, 2009

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER.IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF YOUR AFTERMARKET LAMP ASSEMBLY IS AFFECTED BY THIS NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE REVIEW THE LIST OF MODEL NUMBERS PROVIDED TO US BY SABERSPORT.THE LIST CAN BE FOUND UNDER "DOCUMENT SEARCH" LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLIES/LEAKS

NHTSA #07E055000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Fuel Pump · NHTSA notice

Reported July 26, 2007 · AIRTEX PRODUCTS

Potentially affected: 222 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign FP072007-1 · Owners notified November 19, 2007

Defect description

CERTAIN AIRTEX FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLIES, P/N E7081H, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WALL OF THE FLARED FITTING OF THE FUEL PUMP IS NOT THICK ENOUGH TO PREVENT THE MATING THREADED FITTINGS FROM BOTTOMING OUT BEFORE AN ADEQUATE SEAL IS ACHIEVED. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF FUEL AT THE CONNECTION OF THE VEHICLE FUEL LINE AND THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLY.

Safety consequence

IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AIRTEX AUTOMOTIVE AT 800-880-3056.

Notes

AIRTEX RECALL NO. FP072007-1.THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER OR MITSUBISHI.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS

NHTSA #06E060000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice

Reported June 29, 2006 · AAI MOTORSPORTS USA, LLC

Potentially affected: 87,745 vehicles

Owners notified August 1, 2006

Defect description

CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST 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."

Safety consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH

Manufacturer remedy

AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AAI MOTORSPORTS AFTERMARKET LAMPS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE LAMP MODEL NUMBERS, CLICK ON DOCUMENT SEARCH AND VIEW DOCUMENT TITLED "LAMP MODEL NUMBERS."CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS

NHTSA #06E049000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice

Reported May 24, 2006 · CK MOTORSPORT, INC.

Potentially affected: 27,176 vehicles

Owners notified July 1, 2006

Defect description

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Safety consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Manufacturer remedy

CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS.FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE LAMP MODEL NUMBERS, CLICK ON DOCUMENT SEARCH AND VIEW DOCUMENT TITLED "LAMP MODEL NUMBERS."CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS

NHTSA #06E026000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice

Reported March 23, 2006 · PRO-A MOTORS, INC.

Potentially affected: 61,944 vehicles

Owners notified April 3, 2006

Defect description

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Safety consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Manufacturer remedy

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO PRO-A MOTORS AFTERMARKET LAMPS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE LAMP MODEL NUMBERS, CLICK ON DOCUMENT SEARCH AND VIEW DOCUMENT TITLED "LAMP MODEL NUMBERS."CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FMVSS 108/HEADLAMP/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR

NHTSA #06E023000 · Exterior Lighting — Headlights · NHTSA notice

Reported March 13, 2006 · ANZO USA, INC.

Potentially affected: 292,000 vehicles

Owners notified May 9, 2006

Defect description

CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Safety consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES MANUFACTURED BY ANZO AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

MITSUBISHI AMERICA/LOWER BALL JOINT BOOT

NHTSA #00V421001 · Suspension — Front — Control Arm — Lower Ball Joint · NHTSA notice

Reported December 18, 2000 · MITSUBISHI AMERICA

Potentially affected: 567,432 vehicles

Owners notified April 2, 2001 · Vehicles built March 1, 1994 – June 30, 1999 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE RUBBER BOOTS ON THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, DIRT AND WATER CAN INTRUDE. ALSO, MMC HAS ADDED THE POTENTIAL OF LEAKING MOISTURE, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE BALL STUD TO CORRODE.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. THIS CAMPAIGN SUPERCEDES MMC'S PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN, SEE 99V-066.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT FOR WEAR. BALL JOINTS THAT EXHIBIT WEAR BEYOND THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEWLY DESIGNED LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS. BALL JOINTS THAT ARE WITHIN THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE CLEANED AND A SPECIAL SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED TO PREVENT INTRUSION OF MOISTURE.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASES.THE FIRST PHASE BEGAN APRIL 2, 2001, AND THE FINAL PHASE WILL BE COMPLETED ON SEPTEMBER 3, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AMERICA AT 1-888-MITSU-2001 (1-888-648-7820).ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

MITSUBISHI/LOWER BALL JOINT BOOT

NHTSA #99V066001 · Suspension — Front — Control Arm — Lower Ball Joint · NHTSA notice

Reported April 5, 1999 · MITSUBISHI AMERICA

Potentially affected: 307,000 vehicles

Owners notified June 15, 1999 · Vehicles built January 21, 1994 – June 30, 1996 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE RUBBER BOOTS ON THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, DIRT AND WATER CAN INTRUDE.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE RUBBER BOOTS, AND IF THE BOOT IS DAMAGED, THEY WILL REPLACE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM AND BALL JOINT ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 15, 1999. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

MITSUBISHI/TRANSFER CASE

NHTSA #98V069001 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission · NHTSA notice

Reported March 26, 1998 · MITSUBISHI AMERICA

Potentially affected: 24,275 vehicles

Owners notified April 20, 1998 · Vehicles built May 15, 1989 – March 6, 1998 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN APRIL 20, 1998.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

MITSUBISHI/FUEL

NHTSA #96V158001 · Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA notice

Reported August 27, 1996 · MITSUBISHI AMERICA

Potentially affected: 5,731 vehicles

Owners notified August 21, 1996 · Vehicles built March 1, 1994 – July 31, 1996 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

THE FUEL TANK GASKETS FOR THE FUEL PUMP AND/OR GAUGE UNIT GASKET COULD HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY INSTALLED ALLOWING FUEL OR FUMES TO ESCAPE.

Safety consequence

IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, THE FUEL LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK AND IF THE GASKETS ARE FOUND TO BE LEAKING, REPLACE THE FUEL TANK, CAPS AND GASKETS.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 21, 1996. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse/Spyder 2-DR.

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

2 investigations

159 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse.

Power Train

ODI #10983556

Incident: May 2, 2017 · Filed: May 4, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE REAR WHEELS SEIZED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 89,200.

Electrical System; Unknown or Other; Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ODI #10424690

Incident: April 6, 2011 · Filed: September 12, 2011

ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODUAL WHILE DRIVING ALL POWER TO CAR JUST LOST. *TR

Power Train

ODI #10372505

Incident: December 21, 2010 · Filed: December 27, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE TRANSFER CASE SUDDENLY STALLED AND LOCKED ALL FOUR WHEELS; HE WAS UNABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE NEEDED TO REPLACE TRANSFER CASE AND THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST WITH REPAIR EXPENSES AS THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 98V069001 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Power Train

ODI #10334018

Incident: April 20, 2010 · Filed: June 1, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL VIBRATION AND IT MADE AN UNUSUAL NOISE. THE CONTACT DROVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, FOUND THAT THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT HAD FRACTURED FROM THE TRANSFER CASE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED BUT NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE DRIVE SHAFT YOKE AND REAR TRANSFER HOUSING WERE REPLACED AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE RECURRED 1,500 MILES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER HAD POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT INQUIRED ABOUT NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID 98V069001 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) AND WHEN CONTACTING THE MANUFACTURER, HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER IN 1998. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,000.

Suspension; Equipment

ODI #10220327

Crash 1 injury

Incident: December 8, 2007 · Filed: March 6, 2008

10/26/01 L FRONT LWR CONTROL ARM BROKE, THE CAR BOUNCED DOWN THE ROAD WHEN SUSP CAME APART. GVILLE MITZ REPLACED THE PARTS AT THE COST OF THE MANF. THE VEHICLE HAD 104000 MI AT THAT TIME. ITEMS LISTED ON REPAIR INVOICE: ARM ASSY (FR SUSP), SHAFT ASSY (FR AXL), SHIELD KIT SPLASH, AIR DAM SIDE FR LH, END ASSY, TIE ROD, FENDER FR LH 12/8/07 SUSP BROKE AGAIN. WHILE DRIVING I THOUGHT THE DRV SIDE FRONT TIRE HAD POPPED. I LET OFF THE GAS/ TRIED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER. I WAS IN THE L LANE NEAR AN INTERSTATE ENTRANCE. WHEN I WAS NEAR THE BARRIER THE VEHICLE JUMPED LEFT. IT MADE CONTACT WITH THE CONCRETE WALL, I PULLED THE WHEEL BACK TOWARDS THE RIGHT. WHEN I DID THIS THE BROKEN LEFT FRONT SUSP/TIRE WENT BENEATH THE CAR. THE AUTO WAS CATAPULTED ONTO THE CONCRETE BARRIER ON IT'S NOSE. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY AIRBORNE AT THIS TIME (FOR APPX 150-200 FT) PART OF THE CAR HIT THE CONCRETE PILLAR OF THE UNDERPASS AND FLUNG MY CAR BACK TO THE GROUND. BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME DOWN. EVEN WITH MY RESTRAINT ON MY BODY SLID UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN THE CAR CATAPULTED ON THE CONCRETE LEDGE. WHEN THE DRIVERSIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED THE GOT THE LEFT SIDE OF MY HEAD WHERE MY ABDOMEN SHOULD HAVE BEEN. THE DAMAGES: BUMPER ASSEMBLY, FRONT, COVER, FRONT BUMPER, HEADLAMP ASSY, HALOG HEADLAMPS AIM/LAMP, SIDE MARKER, FENDER FRONT, SKIRT, INNER FENDERT WHEEL, FRONT L, KNUCKLE, STEERING L/F, ARM, LOWER CONTROL L/F WINDSHIELD, AIRBAG, STEERING WHEEL, AIRBAG, INSTRUMENT PNL PANEL, ROCKER LT, PNL, FRONT DOOR OUT, REPAIR I RECEIVED A CONCUSSION FROM THE AIRBAG/BACK PROBLEMS ETC THIS CAR IS UP FOR AUCTION ON THE 18TH, IT IS MY HOPES THAT IT IS NOT PLACED BACK ON THE ROADWAYS. WHO KNOWS WHAT OTHER TYPES OF DAMAGE THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED, THE CRASH WAS NEVER CORRECTLY EVALUATED. THE LOCAL POLICE LISTED I HIT A METAL GUARD RAIL. THE VEHICLE DAMAGES DOES NOT INDICATE CONTACT WITH A METAL GUARD RAIL(IT DOES NOT HAVE MARKS ON IT). APPX 50 PICS AVAIL. *TR

Power Train

ODI #10212547

Incident: December 4, 2007 · Filed: December 22, 2007

I WAS GOING ABOUT 65 MILES PER HOUR ON THE FREEWAY, WHEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD REVVING NOISE AND BEGAN TO DOWN SHIFT AT AN ACCELERATED RATE. THE ECLIPSE NOW HAS A SHIFTING PROBLEM TO WHERE THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE THE DRIVE TO MOVE FORWARDS NOR BACKWARDS. I WAS TOLD BY A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST AND CLOSE FRIEND, THAT ALL MY GEARS WERE ALL WIPED OUT ALL AT THE SAME TIME AND THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE WAS EITHER LOOSE OR BROKEN. HE ALSO MENTIONED THAT HE FOUND IN THE TRANSFER CASE, OF THE TRANSMISSION, SHAVINGS OR LITTLE PIECES OF METAL OR ALUMINUM. *TR

Tires; Wheels

ODI #10211217

Incident: December 7, 2007 · Filed: December 8, 2007

DRIVING ON HWY. 80 ON DRY ROAD AT APPROX. 60-65 MPH, IN FAST LANE, CAR STARTED TO SHAKE, AS WE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF FREEWAY, TIRE BLEW OUT...COMPLETE SEPARATION OF BELT FROM SIDEWALLS,BOTH SIDE WALLS STILL ON RIM, BELT (INTACT) ROLLED DOWN FREEWAY. TIRES LESS THAN 1 YEAR OLD, AND LOTS OF TREAD LEFT ON TIRE. THIS CAUSED DAMAGED TO THE RIM WHICH IS NO LONGER USABLE. WE WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE TIRE AND RIM, BUT THANK GOD NO ONE WAS HURT. *TR

Unknown or Other

ODI #10171217

Incident: October 18, 2006 · Filed: October 18, 2006

I HAVE A BLACK 1996 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE RS THE CLEAR COAT IS TOTALLY COMING OFF OF THE CAR LEAVING WHITE SPOTS ALL OVER. THE CAR IS SUPPOSE TO BE BLACK BUT IT LOOKS LIKE A DALMATION. *NM

Suspension

ODI #10153538

Incident: March 23, 2006 · Filed: March 23, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER AND IT WAS DETERMINED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS NEEDED REPLACED. A NHTSA RECALL, #00V421001 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE CONCERNING, THE SUSPENSION HOWEVER, THE RECALL DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT OFFER A SECOND REPAIR WITHOUT CHARGE UNDER THE RECALL.

Suspension

ODI #10134692

Incident: March 1, 2005 · Filed: August 30, 2005

RE: DEALERSHIP COMPLAINT: REFUSAL TO HONOR EXISTING NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 00V421001, 99V066001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE, SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER BALL JOINT I RECENTLY TOOK MY 1996 ECLIPSE TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP (ARNOLD MITSUBISHI, ROSEVILLE, MI) TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THIS RECALL AS THERE IS SERIOUS 'CLUNKING' IN MY FRONT BALL JOINTS. I WAS TOLD MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS. YOUR DATABASE SEEMS TO INDICATE THAT THIS WAS AN 'ACROSS THE BOARD' RECALL. I'VE BEEN WARNED THAT THIS IS A LOUSY DEALERSHIP. ARE THEY CORRECT, OR AM I? AND WHAT SHOULD I DO? *NM

Other Mitsubishi Eclipse model years

Check your 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Mitsubishi Eclipse at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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