According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1990-2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse has 11 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are Automatic Transmission Failure (4-Speed) ($1,500-$4,000 repair), Timing Belt Tensioner and Water Pump Failure ($400-$1,200 repair), 4G63 7-Bolt Crank Walk (Thrust Bearing Failure) ($3,500-$7,500 repair), Balance Shaft Belt Failure Destroying the Timing Belt (Interference 4G63) ($1,500-$4,000 repair), AWD Transfer Case Lockup and Output Shaft Seal Leaks (GSX, NHTSA Recall 98V069001) ($300-$2,000 repair) and Front Lower Ball Joint Boot Damage and Separation (NHTSA Recalls 99V066001 / 00V421001) ($150-$500 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $50 to $7,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2000-2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse, the Eclipse timing belt tensioner hydraulic damper fails, allowing the timing belt to become loose and potentially jump teeth. The water pump, driven by the timing belt, also develops bearing failure and coolant leaks. These failures are particularly common on the 4G64 and 4G69 engines.
Common Symptoms
Squealing or chirping from timing cover
Coolant leak from water pump weep hole
Engine misfiring or rough running
Timing belt visibly worn or cracked
How to Fix
Replace the timing belt, tensioner, idler pulleys, and water pump as a complete kit every 60,000 miles. Use only OEM or premium aftermarket timing components. Do not reuse the old hydraulic tensioner.
High Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date
On the 1995-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse 4G63T (7-bolt turbo), the 1995-1999 Eclipse GS-T and GSX use the 7-bolt 4G63 turbo engine, which is notoriously prone to 'crank walk' — excessive axial movement of the crankshaft caused by thrust bearing failure. The crankshaft literally moves fore-and-aft inside the block, eventually destroying the crank position sensor backplate and ruining the crank, block, and bearings. Root causes include factory-misadjusted clutch hydraulics leaving residual pressure on the thrust bearing, 7-bolt oil squirter design that bleeds pressure from main bearing feeds, and a metallurgically weaker crank than the earlier 6-bolt motor. Crankwalk was most prevalent in engines built in 1995, and most affected units failed at low mileage before the first timing belt service. There is no recall, and full repair requires a complete engine teardown with crank and bearing replacement.
Common Symptoms
Ticking or clicking noise from timing belt / crank pulley area
Clutch engagement/disengagement point changes (especially on left turns)
Clutch pedal sticks down or feels inconsistent
Engine stalls or briefly cuts out when clutch is held in
Repeated crank position sensor (CKP) failures
Visible fore/aft movement of crankshaft pulley when clutch is operated
How to Fix
Confirm with a dial indicator on the crank snout while a helper presses the clutch (>0.010" axial movement = crank walk). The only durable fix is to pull the engine, replace the crankshaft, all main/rod/thrust bearings, and ideally install ARP main studs with dowels. Mitigation while diagnosing: verify clutch master/slave cylinder adjustment so there is zero residual pressure on the throwout bearing at rest, and disable the clutch interlock switch so drivers do not rest a foot on the clutch. Plugging the 7-bolt piston oil squirters is a common preventive modification during a rebuild.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse, the turbo 4G63 is an interference engine, and its narrow balance shaft belt runs directly alongside the main timing belt. When the aging balance shaft belt frays or snaps — common on neglected 1G six-bolt and 2G seven-bolt cars — the debris gets caught in the timing belt, causing it to jump teeth or break outright. Because the pistons and valves share the same space, the result is at least eight bent valves and a cylinder head rebuild, and the DSM community treats overdue belts as the single most engine-destroying maintenance lapse on these cars.
Common Symptoms
Sudden stall while driving or idling
Engine cranks freely but will not restart
Flapping or slapping noise from the front timing cover
Visible fraying or missing teeth on belts behind the timing cover
Low oil pressure if the oil pump/balance shaft drive is disturbed
How to Fix
Replace the timing belt, balance shaft belt, tensioners, and idlers together every 60,000 miles, never leaving an old balance shaft belt in place behind a new timing belt. Many owners permanently remove the balance shafts with a balance shaft elimination kit (stub shaft) so the failure-prone belt is deleted entirely.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 2000-2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse, the 3.0L 6G72 and 3.8L 6G75 V6 engines in the Eclipse GT develop excessive oil consumption over time. Worn valve stem seals and piston ring glazing allow oil to enter the combustion chambers, producing blue exhaust smoke and requiring frequent top-offs.
Replace valve stem seals as a first step. If consumption persists, the piston rings may need replacement. Use high-mileage synthetic oil with seal conditioners. Monitor oil level every 1,000 miles.
Medium Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date
On the 1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse, the 4G63's hydraulic lash adjusters (lifters) are notorious for clogging with oil varnish or bleeding down, producing the infamous DSM 'lifter tick' from the valve cover. The early-design lifters used in 1G cars were revised twice by Mitsubishi specifically to address the noise. Forum consensus is that the tick itself rarely damages the engine — many owners drive with it for years — but it is loud, persistent, and frequently mistaken for rod knock or other serious problems.
Common Symptoms
Rhythmic ticking/tapping from the top of the engine
Noise loudest at cold start
Tick speeds up with engine RPM
Noise changes with oil brand, weight, or oil age
Tick persists after engine is fully warm
How to Fix
Start with a fresh oil change at the correct viscosity; if the tick persists, remove and clean the lash adjusters or replace them with the revised Mitsubishi parts (MD337687/MD377054) or current aftermarket equivalents. New lifters must be bled before installation, and may need 20-30 minutes of running to quiet down fully.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 2000-2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse 3.0L 6G72 V6, the 4-speed automatic transmission in the 3rd generation Eclipse (particularly V6 GT models) is prone to premature failure. The transmission develops harsh shifting, slipping, and eventually fails completely, often due to overheating and worn clutch packs.
Install an auxiliary transmission cooler to prevent overheating. Change the ATF every 30,000 miles. When the transmission fails, consider a quality remanufactured unit from a Mitsubishi specialist.
High Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date
On the 1990-1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse, on AWD GSX (and Talon TSi AWD platform) cars, the transfer case output shaft seal leaks gear oil until the case runs dry, and per NHTSA recall 98V069001 'lockup of the transfer case can occur due to insufficient lubrication.' Owners have reported the wheels locking at 50-68 mph, spinning the car, with metal shavings found inside the case; NHTSA complaint records include at least one crash. Failures and re-failures are documented from roughly 55,000 to over 200,000 miles, including on cars that already received the recall repair.
Common Symptoms
Gear oil leak/wet film under the transfer case
Whine or grinding from the center of the car that grows with speed
Driveline vibration at highway speed
Jerking or shaking followed by sudden wheel lockup
Metal shavings in the transfer case fluid
How to Fix
Check the transfer case oil level and the output/yoke seal for leaks at every oil change, and reseal or replace the transfer case at the first sign of weeping. The original recall remedy was inspection, topping off, reseal, or full transfer case replacement — AWD owners should verify the recall was performed and still treat any leak as urgent.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 1995-1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse, mitsubishi issued two recalls (99V066001, then the expanded 00V421001) on 2G Eclipses because the rubber boots on the front lower lateral arm ball joints were damaged during assembly, letting dirt and water into the joint. A worn, contaminated ball joint can separate from the knuckle, dropping the front corner and causing loss of steering control. On unrepaired or high-mileage cars the same wear pattern shows up today as clunking and torn boots.
Common Symptoms
Clunking from the front end over bumps
Torn or greasy lower ball joint boot
Creaking or popping when turning at low speed
Vague or wandering steering
In extreme cases, the front corner collapses when the joint separates
How to Fix
Inspect the lower ball joint boots and check the joints for play; replace the lower lateral arm/ball joint assembly if the boot is torn or the joint has any looseness. The recall remedy was inspection, replacement of worn joints, and sealing of undamaged ones — owners of survivors should simply replace worn joints outright.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 1995-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse, on 1995-1999 cars the fuel pump's factory wiring is undersized and its chassis ground (at the floor crossmember under the driver's seat) corrodes with age, dropping voltage at the pump into the 10-11V range under load. The paired fuel pump/MFI relay behind the center console can also fail. The result is intermittent cranking no-starts (no pump prime), stalling, and lean stumble or fuel cut at wide-open throttle on turbo cars — a problem so common the community-standard fix is the documented 'fuel pump rewire.'
Common Symptoms
Engine cranks but fuel pump never hums
Intermittent no-start, often after heat soak
Stalling or dying while driving
Lean stumble or fuel cut at wide-open throttle
Fuel pressure/voltage at the pump drops under load
How to Fix
Test voltage at the pump and the fuel pump/MFI relay first; replace the relay if it fails continuity testing, and repair or supplement the corroded ground wire. The accepted long-term fix is the DSM fuel pump rewire: a relay-triggered, fused 12-gauge feed direct from the battery/alternator with a fresh chassis ground.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 1990-1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse, the electrolytic capacitors in 1990-1994 ECUs have defective seals and leak electrolyte onto the circuit board, corroding traces and surface-mount components — 1990-1993 units are worst, and the front capacitor in 1990 ECUs is known to short and burn through the board under it, taking out the idle speed control circuit. Symptoms range from hunting/rough idle and hard starting to intermittent stalling and complete no-starts. The leaked electrolyte keeps eating the board over time, so an untouched 30-year-old ECU is assumed to need this repair.
Common Symptoms
Rough, hunting, or surging idle
Hard starting or intermittent no-start
Random stalling
Idle speed control stops working
Visible brown residue or fishy smell on the ECU board
How to Fix
Have the ECU recapped: replace all electrolytic capacitors, neutralize and clean the electrolyte residue, and repair any damaged traces (especially the ISC traces). Specialist shops such as ECMTuning offer this service; capable DIYers can do it with basic soldering equipment.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse, both 1G and 2G Eclipse/Talon bodies rot in predictable places: the rear wheel arches and the lower quarter panel just ahead of the rear tires, the rocker/support area under the doors, and — most structurally serious — the front strut towers. The arch and rocker seams trap road salt and moisture between panel layers, so by the time paint bubbles appear the rust has usually perforated multiple layers from the inside out. Forum consensus treats the rear lower wheel wells and strut towers as the first places to inspect on any survivor car.
Common Symptoms
Bubbling paint on the rear wheel arch lips
Holes in the lower quarter panels ahead of the rear tires
Crusty or perforated rocker panels under the doors
Rust flakes or perforation around the front strut towers
Rust where the rear quarter meets the bumper cover
How to Fix
Cut out perforated metal and weld in patch panels or replacement quarter/arch sections, then seam-seal and rustproof the cavities; surface treatment alone does not stop inside-out rot. Eclipse and Talon steel body panels of the same generation interchange, which widens the supply of donor sheet metal. Strut tower rust requires professional structural repair.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
⚠️NHTSA Recalls1 recall
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 20, 2005, to February 13, 2009, and 2007-2009 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured December 23, 2005, to February 13, 2009. Due to corrosion inside the antil-lock brake system (ABS) unit, one or more of the internal valves may seize. In a braking event that uses the ABS, a seized valve would increase brake pedal travel and reduce braking ability.
Campaign #15V33700002/06/2015
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What are the most common Mitsubishi Eclipse problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1990-2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse has 11 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Automatic Transmission Failure (4-Speed), Timing Belt Tensioner and Water Pump Failure, 4G63 7-Bolt Crank Walk (Thrust Bearing Failure). Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable?
The 1990-2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse has 11 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 6 issues are rated critical: Automatic Transmission Failure (4-Speed) and Timing Belt Tensioner and Water Pump Failure and 4G63 7-Bolt Crank Walk (Thrust Bearing Failure) and Balance Shaft Belt Failure Destroying the Timing Belt (Interference 4G63) and AWD Transfer Case Lockup and Output Shaft Seal Leaks (GSX, NHTSA Recall 98V069001) and Front Lower Ball Joint Boot Damage and Separation (NHTSA Recalls 99V066001 / 00V421001). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Mitsubishi Eclipse problems?
Repair costs for known Mitsubishi Eclipse issues range from $50 to $7,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Automatic Transmission Failure (4-Speed), typically costs $1,500-$4,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Mitsubishi Eclipse is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Mitsubishi Eclipse. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 1990-2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse with 11 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
What is the 2000-2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse Automatic Transmission Failure (4-Speed)?
The 4-speed automatic transmission in the 3rd generation Eclipse (particularly V6 GT models) is prone to premature failure. The transmission develops harsh shifting, slipping, and eventually fails completely, often due to overheating and worn clutch packs. Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2000-2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Timing Belt Tensioner and Water Pump Failure?
The Eclipse timing belt tensioner hydraulic damper fails, allowing the timing belt to become loose and potentially jump teeth. The water pump, driven by the timing belt, also develops bearing failure and coolant leaks. These failures are particularly common on the 4G64 and 4G69 e… Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: high.
What is the 1995-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse 4G63 7-Bolt Crank Walk (Thrust Bearing Failure)?
The 1995-1999 Eclipse GS-T and GSX use the 7-bolt 4G63 turbo engine, which is notoriously prone to 'crank walk' — excessive axial movement of the crankshaft caused by thrust bearing failure. The crankshaft literally moves fore-and-aft inside the block, eventually destroying the c… Repairs typically run $3,500-$7,500. Severity: high.
What is the 1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Balance Shaft Belt Failure Destroying the Timing Belt (Interference 4G63)?
The turbo 4G63 is an interference engine, and its narrow balance shaft belt runs directly alongside the main timing belt. When the aging balance shaft belt frays or snaps — common on neglected 1G six-bolt and 2G seven-bolt cars — the debris gets caught in the timing belt, causing… Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,000. Severity: high.
What is the 1990-1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse AWD Transfer Case Lockup and Output Shaft Seal Leaks (GSX, NHTSA Recall 98V069001)?
On AWD GSX (and Talon TSi AWD platform) cars, the transfer case output shaft seal leaks gear oil until the case runs dry, and per NHTSA recall 98V069001 'lockup of the transfer case can occur due to insufficient lubrication.' Owners have reported the wheels locking at 50-68 mph,… Repairs typically run $300-$2,000. Severity: high.
What is the 1995-1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse Front Lower Ball Joint Boot Damage and Separation (NHTSA Recalls 99V066001 / 00V421001)?
Mitsubishi issued two recalls (99V066001, then the expanded 00V421001) on 2G Eclipses because the rubber boots on the front lower lateral arm ball joints were damaged during assembly, letting dirt and water into the joint. A worn, contaminated ball joint can separate from the knu… Repairs typically run $150-$500. Severity: high.
What is the 1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Rust at Rear Wheel Arches, Lower Quarter Panels, and Rockers?
Both 1G and 2G Eclipse/Talon bodies rot in predictable places: the rear wheel arches and the lower quarter panel just ahead of the rear tires, the rocker/support area under the doors, and — most structurally serious — the front strut towers. The arch and rocker seams trap road sa… Repairs typically run $500-$3,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 1995-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse 2G Fuel Pump Wiring Voltage Drop and Fuel Pump/MFI Relay Failure?
On 1995-1999 cars the fuel pump's factory wiring is undersized and its chassis ground (at the floor crossmember under the driver's seat) corrodes with age, dropping voltage at the pump into the 10-11V range under load. The paired fuel pump/MFI relay behind the center console can… Repairs typically run $75-$400. Severity: medium.
What is the 1990-1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse 1G ECU Electrolytic Capacitor Leakage (Rough Idle, No-Start)?
The electrolytic capacitors in 1990-1994 ECUs have defective seals and leak electrolyte onto the circuit board, corroding traces and surface-mount components — 1990-1993 units are worst, and the front capacitor in 1990 ECUs is known to short and burn through the board under it, t… Repairs typically run $50-$300. Severity: medium.
What is the 2000-2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse V6 Engine Oil Consumption?
The 3.0L 6G72 and 3.8L 6G75 V6 engines in the Eclipse GT develop excessive oil consumption over time. Worn valve stem seals and piston ring glazing allow oil to enter the combustion chambers, producing blue exhaust smoke and requiring frequent top-offs. Repairs typically run $300-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Lifter Tick from Hydraulic Lash Adjusters?
The 4G63's hydraulic lash adjusters (lifters) are notorious for clogging with oil varnish or bleeding down, producing the infamous DSM 'lifter tick' from the valve cover. The early-design lifters used in 1G cars were revised twice by Mitsubishi specifically to address the noise. Repairs typically run $150-$900. Severity: low.
