1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse: common problems and reliability

The 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse has 170 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 12 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine cooling and power train. Owners most often flag *classic models (2nd gen):.

Safety record for the 1997 model year

170
Owner complaints
12
Recalls
25
Crash reports
6
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

engine and engine cooling
50
power train
28
air bags
18
suspension
17
structure
17

Recalls affecting the 1997 Eclipse

suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint

Campaign 00V421001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE RUBBER BOOTS ON THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, DIRT AND WATER CAN INTRUDE. ALSO, MMC HAS ADDED THE POTENTIAL OF LEA

power train:automatic transmission

Campaign 98V069001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.

seats:front assembly:head restraint

Campaign 97V081001

THE HEADREST GUIDE BRACKET WAS IMPROPERLY WELDED TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BACK ASSEMBLIES ONLY.

exterior lighting

Campaign 06E060000

CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and model type. Feedback on the classic sport coupe models (primarily 2nd generation, 1995-1999) is overwhelmingly positive from enthusiasts, praising its turbocharged performance, all-wheel-drive capability, and tune

  • *Classic Models (2nd Gen):
  • Excessive turbo lag — noted as a significant drawback affecting drivability. Frequency: isolated.
  • Uncomfortable seats — mentioned as a negative point. Frequency: isolated.
  • *Eclipse Cross (2018+):
  • Perceived dangerously slow acceleration / sluggish throttle response — frequently cited, especially in reviews and for FWD models. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Eclipse.

Typical used price

Used Eclipse listings typically run $5,200–$8,410 across 1998 to 2012 model years.

Other Eclipse model years