1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 0 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 2 |
| 1990 | 47 |
| 1991 | 55 |
| 1992 | 49 |
| 1993 | 37 |
| 1994 | 35 |
| 1995 | 307 |
| 1996 | 159 |
| 1997 | 136 |
| 1998 | 129 |
| 1999 | 120 |
| 2000 | 308 |
| 2001 | 209 |
| 2002 | 73 |
| 2003 | 124 |
| 2004 | 14 |
| 2005 | 6 |
| 2006 | 99 |
| 2007 | 107 |
| 2008 | 71 |
| 2009 | 42 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 8 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
57% of complaints: power train — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing column shift and transfer case (4-wheel drive).
INJURY15% of complaints: seat belts — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear/other and webbing.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER WAS MAKING RIGHT TURN INTO INTERSECTION WHEN HER VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. AFTER MEDICAL TEAM ARRIVED CONSUMER UNSNAPPED WAIST BELT BUT DID NOT REMEMBER REMOVING SHOULDER BELT.
NHTSA ODI report, 19970414
SEATBELTS FAILED TO RESTRAIN DRIVER DURING ACCIDENT, CAUSING INJURY.
NHTSA ODI report, 19900210
13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
HEADLAMP FAILURE DUE TO WIRING HARNESS MALFUNCTIONING. CONSUMER WAS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT SINCE THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ON RECALL. *YH....*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20021113
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and EXTERIOR LIGHTING
11% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and wiring.
6% of complaints: steering — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion and hose, piping, and connections.
SAFETY TIMELINE
WIRING HARNESS FOR THE HEADLAMPS MAY BREAK DUE TO THE STRESS CREATED BY THE HEADLAMP POP UP DEVICES.
Remedy: HEADLAMP WIRING HARNESS ROUTING WILL BE MODIFIED AND DAMAGED WIRES REPAIRED.
Campaign 89V128000 — check if this car was fixed
OPERATION OF SUNROOF IN "NON-STANDARD" MANNER MAY CAUSE MALE HINGE DISENGAGEMENT FROM THE ROOF HINGE RECEIVER.
Remedy: REPLACE MALE HINGE WITH A MODIFIED VERSION TO INCREASE ROOF HINGE RECEIVER RETENTION ABILITY.
Campaign 90V056002 — check if this car was fixed
DILUTED PRIMER MAY HAVE BEEN USED ON THE WINDSHIELD OPENING FLANGES PRIOR TO WINDSHIELD GLASS INSTALLATION WHICH WOULD NOT PROVIDE THE RETENTION REQUIRED BY FMVSS 212.
Remedy: REPLACE WINDSHIELDS, ASSOCIATED PARTS, AND PRIMER.
Campaign 90V106002 — check if this car was fixed
TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE
Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES A
Campaign 95V103004 — check if this car was fixed
TRANSFER CASE LOCKUP
TRANSFER CASE LOCKUP
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.
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, T
Campaign 98V069001 — check if this car was fixed
TRANSFER CASE LEAKAGE
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE RE
Remedy: AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
Campaign 06E065000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 89V128000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V056002 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V106002 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 95V103004 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V069001 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E065000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 57% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.