MYRModel Year Report

1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse

▲ Better than typical
1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:47:12.925Z

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
55
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1991

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Power train

38% of complaints

Complaints per year

1989: 2 complaints 1990: 47 complaints 1991: 55 complaints 1991 55 1992: 49 complaints 1993: 37 complaints 1994: 35 complaints 1995: 307 complaints 1995 1996: 159 complaints 1997: 136 complaints 1998: 129 complaints 1998 1999: 120 complaints 2000: 308 complaints 2001: 209 complaints 2001 2002: 73 complaints 2003: 124 complaints 2004: 14 complaints 2004 2005: 6 complaints 2006: 99 complaints 2007: 107 complaints 2007 2008: 71 complaints 2009: 42 complaints 2010: 1 complaint 2010 2011: 1 complaint 2012: 8 complaints
1989: 2 complaints 1989 1990: 47 complaints 1991: 55 complaints 1991 55 1992: 49 complaints 1993: 37 complaints 1993 1994: 35 complaints 1995: 307 complaints 1995 1996: 159 complaints 1997: 136 complaints 1997 1998: 129 complaints 1999: 120 complaints 1999 2000: 308 complaints 2001: 209 complaints 2001 2002: 73 complaints 2003: 124 complaints 2003 2004: 14 complaints 2005: 6 complaints 2005 2006: 99 complaints 2007: 107 complaints 2007 2008: 71 complaints 2009: 42 complaints 2009 2010: 1 complaint 2011: 1 complaint 2011 2012: 8 complaints
1989: 2 complaints 1989 1990: 47 complaints 1990 1991: 55 complaints 1991 55 1992: 49 complaints 1992 1993: 37 complaints 1993 1994: 35 complaints 1994 1995: 307 complaints 1995 1996: 159 complaints 1996 1997: 136 complaints 1997 1998: 129 complaints 1998 1999: 120 complaints 1999 2000: 308 complaints 2000 2001: 209 complaints 2001 2002: 73 complaints 2002 2003: 124 complaints 2003 2004: 14 complaints 2004 2005: 6 complaints 2005 2006: 99 complaints 2006 2007: 107 complaints 2007 2008: 71 complaints 2008 2009: 42 complaints 2009 2010: 1 complaint 2010 2011: 1 complaint 2011 2012: 8 complaints 2012

1991: 55 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19860
19870
19880
19892
199047
199155
199249
199337
199435
1995307
1996159
1997136
1998129
1999120
2000308
2001209
200273
2003124
200414
20056
200699
2007107
200871
200942
20101
20111
20128

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

38% · 21 reports

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, 2012-07-20

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, 2015-02-10

Consumer noticed that transfer case was leaking. Dealer indicated there was no recall.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-12-19

Seat belts

22% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Child passenger slipped under front right belt retraint during accident, resulting in aggravated injury. (Attorney for client).

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-07-13

Consumer complained about a retractable shoulder harness problem. Automated seat belts work intermittently.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-11-17

Engine and engine cooling

15% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

Suspension

11% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing rear and coil springs.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Failure of rear stabilizer bar mounting breaking.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-11-06

Rear axle bracket broke causing the vehicle to go out of control. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-08-11

Service brakes

9% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1995-03-10Engineering analysisClosed 1995-08-01 Takata seat belt buckle failure
  2. R
    1995-11-01Seat belts95V103004 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    1997-09-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 1998-01-30 Transfer case lockup
  4. I
    1998-01-30Engineering analysisClosed 1998-04-30 Transfer case lockup
  5. R
    1998-04-20Power train98V069001 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    1998-05-11Recall queryClosed 1998-08-28 Transfer case leakage
  7. R
    2006-07-31Exterior lighting06E065000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. R
    2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 21 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 12 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 8 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 95V103004 · Seat belts
  • Recall 98V069001 · Power train
  • Recall 06E065000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.