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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
30
Years to Avoid
2001, 2000, 1996, 1995
Best Years
2022, 2021, 2011, 2010, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1971
2022Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls12 TSBs
2021Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls8 TSBs
2012
11 complaints0 recalls34 TSBs
2011Best Year
1 complaints0 recalls35 TSBs
2010Best Year
1 complaints0 recalls35 TSBs
2009
44 complaints1 recalls32 TSBs
2008
83 complaints1 recalls35 TSBs
2007
122 complaints4 recalls34 TSBs
2006
118 complaints4 recalls62 TSBs
2005
8 complaints4 recalls29 TSBs
2004
20 complaints5 recalls40 TSBs
2003
160 complaints5 recalls92 TSBs
2002
84 complaints4 recalls1 invest.123 TSBs
2001Avoid
289 complaints10 recalls4 invest.141 TSBs
2000Avoid
384 complaints10 recalls3 invest.140 TSBs
1999
152 complaints11 recalls46 TSBs
1998
181 complaints13 recalls1 invest.68 TSBs
1997
186 complaints12 recalls1 invest.81 TSBs
1996Avoid
221 complaints11 recalls4 invest.82 TSBs
1995Avoid
447 complaints12 recalls4 invest.70 TSBs
1994
53 complaints4 recalls3 invest.12 TSBs
1993
44 complaints4 recalls3 invest.9 TSBs
1992
65 complaints3 recalls3 invest.11 TSBs
1991
67 complaints4 recalls4 invest.9 TSBs
1990
60 complaints7 recalls4 invest.9 TSBs
1989Best Year
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
1971Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls5 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 2001, 2000, 1996, 1995 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 2022, 2021, 2011, 2010, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1971 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

30 model years analyzed