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Mitsubishi Eclipse — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Mitsubishi Eclipse model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
27
Years to Avoid
2003, 2001, 1999, 1997, 1996
Best Years
2002, 1998, 1995, 1994, 1990, 1988, 1987, 1986
2012
11 complaints0 recalls34 TSBs
2011
1 complaints0 recalls35 TSBs
2010
1 complaints0 recalls35 TSBs
2009
44 complaints1 recalls32 TSBs
2008
82 complaints1 recalls35 TSBs
2007
122 complaints4 recalls34 TSBs
2006
118 complaints4 recalls62 TSBs
2005
8 complaints4 recalls29 TSBs
2004
20 complaints5 recalls40 TSBs
2003Avoid
158 complaints5 recalls92 TSBs
2002Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
2001Avoid
287 complaints10 recalls4 invest.141 TSBs
2000
4 complaints4 recalls6 TSBs
1999Avoid
150 complaints11 recalls46 TSBs
1998Best Year
7 complaints2 recalls
1997Avoid
185 complaints12 recalls1 invest.81 TSBs
1996Avoid
220 complaints11 recalls4 invest.82 TSBs
1995Best Year
7 complaints2 recalls
1994Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1993
44 complaints4 recalls3 invest.9 TSBs
1992
65 complaints3 recalls3 invest.11 TSBs
1991
65 complaints4 recalls4 invest.9 TSBs
1990Best Year
1 complaints2 recalls
1989
13 complaints0 recalls1 invest.6 TSBs
1988Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls1 invest.5 TSBs
1987Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls1 invest.5 TSBs
1986Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls1 invest.5 TSBs

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Mitsubishi Eclipse Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2003, 2001, 1999, 1997, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Mitsubishi Eclipse, consider the 2002, 1998, 1995, 1994, 1990, 1988, 1987, 1986 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

27 model years analyzed