What is the 2000-2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse Automatic Transmission Failure (4-Speed)?

The 4-speed automatic transmission in the 3rd generation Eclipse (particularly V6 GT models) is prone to premature failure. The transmission develops harsh shifting, slipping, and eventually fails completely, often due to overheating and worn clutch packs. Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2000-2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Timing Belt Tensioner and Water Pump Failure?

The Eclipse timing belt tensioner hydraulic damper fails, allowing the timing belt to become loose and potentially jump teeth. The water pump, driven by the timing belt, also develops bearing failure and coolant leaks. These failures are particularly common on the 4G64 and 4G69 e… Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: high.

What is the 1995-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse 4G63 7-Bolt Crank Walk (Thrust Bearing Failure)?

The 1995-1999 Eclipse GS-T and GSX use the 7-bolt 4G63 turbo engine, which is notoriously prone to 'crank walk' — excessive axial movement of the crankshaft caused by thrust bearing failure. The crankshaft literally moves fore-and-aft inside the block, eventually destroying the c… Repairs typically run $3,500-$7,500. Severity: high.

What is the 1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Balance Shaft Belt Failure Destroying the Timing Belt (Interference 4G63)?

The turbo 4G63 is an interference engine, and its narrow balance shaft belt runs directly alongside the main timing belt. When the aging balance shaft belt frays or snaps — common on neglected 1G six-bolt and 2G seven-bolt cars — the debris gets caught in the timing belt, causing… Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,000. Severity: high.

What is the 1990-1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse AWD Transfer Case Lockup and Output Shaft Seal Leaks (GSX, NHTSA Recall 98V069001)?

On AWD GSX (and Talon TSi AWD platform) cars, the transfer case output shaft seal leaks gear oil until the case runs dry, and per NHTSA recall 98V069001 'lockup of the transfer case can occur due to insufficient lubrication.' Owners have reported the wheels locking at 50-68 mph,… Repairs typically run $300-$2,000. Severity: high.

What is the 1995-1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse Front Lower Ball Joint Boot Damage and Separation (NHTSA Recalls 99V066001 / 00V421001)?

Mitsubishi issued two recalls (99V066001, then the expanded 00V421001) on 2G Eclipses because the rubber boots on the front lower lateral arm ball joints were damaged during assembly, letting dirt and water into the joint. A worn, contaminated ball joint can separate from the knu… Repairs typically run $150-$500. Severity: high.

What is the 1990-1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse AWD (GSX) Transfer Case Lockup - NHTSA Recall 98V069000?

The all-wheel-drive Eclipse GSX was recalled (NHTSA campaign 98V069, March 1998) covering 1990-1998 GSX models. A brass plug in the center of the transfer case yoke can leak, causing insufficient lubrication in the transfer case; the transfer case can then lock up, which can caus… Repairs typically run $800-$2,500. Severity: high.

What is the 1996-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse 4G63 "Crankwalk" - Crankshaft Thrust Bearing Failure (7-bolt engines)?

The 1996-1999 second-generation Eclipse turbo (GS-T/GSX) uses the 7-bolt 4G63T, which is notorious for "crankwalk": the crankshaft thrust bearing wears out and allows the crank to move excessively fore-aft (lateral end-play). Marginal oiling to the thrust surface, dirt contaminat… Repairs typically run $3,000-$6,500. Severity: high.

What is the 1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Front Subframe / Crossmember and Rocker Rust Corrosion (salt-belt cars)?

Like most DSM-era cars, 1990s Eclipses in road-salt regions suffer structural corrosion of the front crossmember/subframe (which locates the lower control arms) as well as the rocker panels, strut towers, and rear subframe/trailing-arm mounts. Because the lower control arms bolt… Repairs typically run $500-$2,500. Severity: high.

What is the 1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Timing Belt Failure on Interference 4G63 (catastrophic valve damage)?

The DOHC 4G63 (both the naturally aspirated 4G63 and turbo 4G63T across 1990-1999) is an interference engine: if the timing belt snaps or jumps, the pistons strike the open valves, bending valves and often damaging the head and pistons. These belts were specified for replacement… Repairs typically run $600-$3,500. Severity: high.

What is the 1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Rust at Rear Wheel Arches, Lower Quarter Panels, and Rockers?

Both 1G and 2G Eclipse/Talon bodies rot in predictable places: the rear wheel arches and the lower quarter panel just ahead of the rear tires, the rocker/support area under the doors, and — most structurally serious — the front strut towers. The arch and rocker seams trap road sa… Repairs typically run $500-$3,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 1995-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse 2G Fuel Pump Wiring Voltage Drop and Fuel Pump/MFI Relay Failure?

On 1995-1999 cars the fuel pump's factory wiring is undersized and its chassis ground (at the floor crossmember under the driver's seat) corrodes with age, dropping voltage at the pump into the 10-11V range under load. The paired fuel pump/MFI relay behind the center console can… Repairs typically run $75-$400. Severity: medium.

What is the 1990-1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse 1G ECU Electrolytic Capacitor Leakage (Rough Idle, No-Start)?

The electrolytic capacitors in 1990-1994 ECUs have defective seals and leak electrolyte onto the circuit board, corroding traces and surface-mount components — 1990-1993 units are worst, and the front capacitor in 1990 ECUs is known to short and burn through the board under it, t… Repairs typically run $50-$300. Severity: medium.

What is the 2000-2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse V6 Engine Oil Consumption?

The 3.0L 6G72 and 3.8L 6G75 V6 engines in the Eclipse GT develop excessive oil consumption over time. Worn valve stem seals and piston ring glazing allow oil to enter the combustion chambers, producing blue exhaust smoke and requiring frequent top-offs. Repairs typically run $300-$2,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cam Angle Sensor (CAS) / Optical Distributor Failure - No-Start and Stalling?

The 4G63 uses a cam angle sensor (an optical sensor mounted in the distributor housing on the exhaust cam) to provide the crank/cam timing signal to the ECU. With age the CAS optical disc, LEDs/phototransistors, and internal bearing wear out and produce erratic or lost signals. O… Repairs typically run $200-$550. Severity: medium.

What is the 1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Lifter Tick from Hydraulic Lash Adjusters?

The 4G63's hydraulic lash adjusters (lifters) are notorious for clogging with oil varnish or bleeding down, producing the infamous DSM 'lifter tick' from the valve cover. The early-design lifters used in 1G cars were revised twice by Mitsubishi specifically to address the noise. Repairs typically run $150-$900. Severity: low.

What is the 1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Valve Stem Seals Hardening - Oil Consumption and Blue Smoke at Idle?

As the 4G63/4G63T ages, the valve stem seals harden and shrink, letting oil seep down the valve guides into the combustion chamber. The signature symptom is a puff of blue smoke on startup or on a quick rev after the engine has idled for a while, plus gradual oil consumption. Tur… Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: low.

Mitsubishi · Known Issues

1990-2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Problems: 17 Issues Every Owner Should Know

1990-2012 model years · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated July 2026

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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1990-2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse has 17 documented known issues, with 10 rated critical. The most serious are Automatic Transmission Failure (4-Speed) ($1,500-$4,000 repair), Timing Belt Tensioner and Water Pump Failure ($400-$1,200 repair), 4G63 7-Bolt Crank Walk (Thrust Bearing Failure) ($3,500-$7,500 repair), Balance Shaft Belt Failure Destroying the Timing Belt (Interference 4G63) ($1,500-$4,000 repair), AWD Transfer Case Lockup and Output Shaft Seal Leaks (GSX, NHTSA Recall 98V069001) ($300-$2,000 repair), Front Lower Ball Joint Boot Damage and Separation (NHTSA Recalls 99V066001 / 00V421001) ($150-$500 repair), AWD (GSX) Transfer Case Lockup - NHTSA Recall 98V069000 ($800-$2,500 repair), 4G63 "Crankwalk" - Crankshaft Thrust Bearing Failure (7-bolt engines). at .

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Mitsubishi Eclipse problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1990-2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse has 17 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Automatic Transmission Failure (4-Speed), Timing Belt Tensioner and Water Pump Failure, 4G63 7-Bolt Crank Walk (Thrust Bearing Failure). Of these, 10 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable?

The 1990-2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse has 17 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 10 issues are rated critical: Automatic Transmission Failure (4-Speed) and Timing Belt Tensioner and Water Pump Failure and 4G63 7-Bolt Crank Walk (Thrust Bearing Failure) and Balance Shaft Belt Failure Destroying the Timing Belt (Interference 4G63) and AWD Transfer Case Lockup and Output Shaft Seal Leaks (GSX, NHTSA Recall 98V069001) and Front Lower Ball Joint Boot Damage and Separation (NHTSA Recalls 99V066001 / 00V421001) and AWD (GSX) Transfer Case Lockup - NHTSA Recall 98V069000 and 4G63 "Crankwalk" - Crankshaft Thrust Bearing Failure (7-bolt engines) and Front Subframe / Crossmember and Rocker Rust Corrosion (salt-belt cars) and Timing Belt Failure on Interference 4G63 (catastrophic valve damage). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Mitsubishi Eclipse problems?

Repair costs for known Mitsubishi Eclipse issues range from $50 to $7,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Automatic Transmission Failure (4-Speed), typically costs $1,500-$4,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Mitsubishi Eclipse is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Mitsubishi Eclipse. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 1990-2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse with 17 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.

All 17 Known Issues

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Mitsubishi Eclipse problems?

Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Mitsubishi Eclipse problems?

What year Mitsubishi Eclipse is the most reliable?

2000-2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse: Timing Belt Tensioner and Water Pump Failure#

1995-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse: 4G63 7-Bolt Crank Walk (Thrust Bearing Failure)#

1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse: Balance Shaft Belt Failure Destroying the Timing Belt (Interference 4G63)#

1996-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse: 4G63 "Crankwalk" - Crankshaft Thrust Bearing Failure (7-bolt engines)#

1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse: Timing Belt Failure on Interference 4G63 (catastrophic valve damage)#

2000-2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse: V6 Engine Oil Consumption#

1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse: Lifter Tick from Hydraulic Lash Adjusters#

1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse: Valve Stem Seals Hardening - Oil Consumption and Blue Smoke at Idle#

1990-1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse: AWD Transfer Case Lockup and Output Shaft Seal Leaks (GSX, NHTSA Recall 98V069001)#

1990-1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse: AWD (GSX) Transfer Case Lockup - NHTSA Recall 98V069000#

1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse: Front Subframe / Crossmember and Rocker Rust Corrosion (salt-belt cars)#

1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse: Rust at Rear Wheel Arches, Lower Quarter Panels, and Rockers#

2000-2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse: Automatic Transmission Failure (4-Speed)#

1995-1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse: Front Lower Ball Joint Boot Damage and Separation (NHTSA Recalls 99V066001 / 00V421001)#

1995-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse: 2G Fuel Pump Wiring Voltage Drop and Fuel Pump/MFI Relay Failure#

1990-1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse: 1G ECU Electrolytic Capacitor Leakage (Rough Idle, No-Start)#

1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse: Cam Angle Sensor (CAS) / Optical Distributor Failure - No-Start and Stalling#