1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse

▲ Better than typical

1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse
RENDERED 2026-09-16T06:43:49.801Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

1991: 55 complaints

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.

POWER TRAIN 38%

38% of complaints: power train — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing column shift and automatic transmission.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 68 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE. HE PULLED OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120720

TRANSFER CASE IS DAMAGED DUE TO LACK OF FLUID. I CONTACTED MITSUBISHI CONCERNING THE RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE FOR THIS DEFECTIVE PART. THE COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE DENIED THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20150210

CONSUMER NOTICED THAT TRANSFER CASE WAS LEAKING. DEALER INDICATED THERE WAS NO RECALL. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20031219

SEAT BELTS 22%

22% of complaints: seat belts — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

CHILD PASSENGER SLIPPED UNDER FRONT RIGHT BELT RETRAINT DURING ACCIDENT, RESULTING IN AGGRAVATED INJURY. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT). *SKD

NHTSA ODI report, 19950713

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A RETRACTABLE SHOULDER HARNESS PROBLEM. AUTOMATED SEAT BELTS WORK INTERMITTENTLY.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20031117

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 15%

15% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

SUSPENSION 11%

11% of complaints: suspension — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and coil springs.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

FAILURE OF REAR STABILIZER BAR MOUNTING BREAKING.

NHTSA ODI report, 19951106

REAR AXLE BRACKET BROKE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO GO OUT OF CONTROL. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950811

SERVICE BRAKES 9%

9% of complaints: service brakes — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19950310 — EA (closed 19950801)

TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE

R 19951101 — seat belts

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

I 19970904 — PE (closed 19980130)

TRANSFER CASE LOCKUP

I 19980130 — EA (closed 19980430)

TRANSFER CASE LOCKUP

R 19980420 — power train

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

I 19980511 — RQ (closed 19980828)

TRANSFER CASE LEAKAGE

R 20060731 — exterior lighting

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

R 20090511 — exterior lighting

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

1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for power train issues (21 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for seat belts issues (12 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (8 reports on file for this year).
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

▲ 1994 ▲ 1993 ▲ 2009

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ■ 2000 ■ 2001

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.