Mitsubishi Eclipse Best and Worst Years (2005–2012)
Avoid 2007 and 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse years, which have complaint indexes of 100 and 86 with brakes making up 81% and 67% of complaints. 2005 and 2012 are rated Good, based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls across 335 total complaints and 8 recall campaigns for this model.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- Model years
- 8
- 2005–2012
- NHTSA complaints
- 335
- Recall campaigns
- 8
- Crashes reported
- 42
- Fires reported
- 3
- Top problem area
- Brakes
Eclipse Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Mitsubishi Eclipse problems and recalls by year
Eclipse years to avoid: what went wrong
2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Index 100 · 107 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2007 Eclipse has the highest complaint index of any year at 100, with 107 total complaints. Brakes account for 81% of those complaints, with a median failure mileage of 84,653 miles. Owners describe brake pedals going soft, requiring pumping, and in some cases failing to stop the car, leading to crashes. NHTSA logged 15 crashes, 13 injuries, and 1 death tied to this model year. Airbags are the second largest problem area at 8%, with owners reporting non-deployment during crashes. This year carries four recall campaigns, including one covering the ABS hydraulic unit and brake fluid.
2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Index 86 · 42 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2009 Eclipse has a complaint index of 86, the second highest of any year, with 42 total complaints. Brakes make up 67% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 67,000 miles; owners describe master cylinder failures and brake pedals that did not stop the car, including one crash reported near 132,245 miles. Airbags account for 19% of complaints, with owners reporting non-deployment during collisions. NHTSA recorded 8 crashes and 5 injuries for this year. One recall campaign, covering the ABS hydraulic unit, applies to this model year.
Most common Mitsubishi Eclipse problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Brakes247 (74%)
- Airbags39 (12%)
- Structure & Body24 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires15 (4%)
- Electrical System12 (4%)
- Transmission & Powertrain11 (3%)
- Other9 (3%)
- Engine8 (2%)
- Seat Belts5 (1%)
- Fuel System2 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Which Mitsubishi Eclipse years should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2007 and 2009 Eclipse are rated Avoid, with complaint indexes of 100 and 86. Brakes make up 81% of 2007 complaints and 67% of 2009 complaints.
- What are the best Mitsubishi Eclipse years?
- The 2005 and 2012 Eclipse are rated Good relative to other years of this model, with complaint indexes of 29 and 43, the lowest among years with complaint data.
- Does the Mitsubishi Eclipse have a brake recall?
- Yes. NHTSA recall campaign 15V337000 covers 2006-2009 Eclipse vehicles for ABS hydraulic unit inspection, flushing, and cleaning with brake fluid.
- Why is the 2007 Eclipse the worst year?
- The 2007 Eclipse has the highest complaint index at 100, driven by 87 brake-related complaints out of 107 total, plus 15 crashes and 13 injuries reported to NHTSA.
- Is the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable?
- The 2012 Eclipse is rated Good relative to other Eclipse years, with a complaint index of 43 and only 8 total complaints logged with NHTSA.