1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse: common problems and reliability

The 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse has 138 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 11 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and structure. Owners most often flag *classic models (2nd gen):.

Safety record for the 1999 model year

138
Owner complaints
11
Recalls
10
Crash reports
3
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

power train
31
structure
25
engine and engine cooling
21
suspension
15
steering
13

Recalls affecting the 1999 Eclipse

equipment:other:labels

Campaign 04V428000

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE BILINGUAL ENGLISH/SPANISH REMOVABLE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS AFFIXED TO THE

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

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

exterior lighting:headlights

Campaign 09E025000

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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMEN

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