1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse

▲ Better than typical
1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:45:49.810Z

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

Complaints per year, Mitsubishi Eclipse Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1992 highlighted. 1989: 2 complaints 1989 1990: 47 complaints 1991: 55 complaints 1992: 49 complaints 1992 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 complaints 2010 2011: 1 complaints 2012: 8 complaints 2012
1992: 49 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 45%

45% of complaints: power train — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing column shift and automatic transmission.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

TL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAL WAS LEAKING FROM THE TRANSFER CASE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20110620

DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO REPLACE DAMAGED PARTS THAT CAUSED OTHER PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, AND TRANSMISSION WILL NOT ALLOW VEHICLE TO MOVE. VEHICLE IS LOCATED AT DEALERSHIP.

NHTSA ODI report, 20000925

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 18%

18% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

Show complaint excerpts

THE VEHICLES CRANK PULLEY SHAFT CAME APART WHILE DRIVING. *NLM

NHTSA ODI report, 20030501

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12%

12% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and interior/under dash.

SEAT BELTS 10%

10% of complaints: seat belts — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing webbing and buckle assembly.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

DRIVER'S AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT FAILED/DID NOT TIGHTEN UP UPON FRONTAL COLLISION; HIT RIGHT FRONT OF ANOTHER STOPPED VEHICLE. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950822

DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S SEAT BELTS FAILED TO HOLD SECURE DURING ACCIDENT, RESULTING IN INJURIES/ONE DEATH, ALSO SEAT BELT CAUSED INJURY DURING ACCIDENT. *SKD

NHTSA ODI report, 19950525

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 6%

6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing linkages.

SAFETY TIMELINE

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 20060403 — exterior lighting

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER S

Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20090728 — exterior lighting

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 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: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Campaign 09E025000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for power train issues (22 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 98V069001 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 09E025000 (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 1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse have?

3 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.