VehicleVerdict

2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 36 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.5 times the median Eclipse Cross year — the 2018 model ranks #1 of 7 Eclipse Cross years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 2 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 9 reports (25% of the total).

36

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

2

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other Eclipse Cross years?

Eclipse Cross NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted36 complaints2018: 36 complaints2019: 25 complaints2020: 6 complaints2022: 8 complaints2023: 8 complaints2024: 12 complaints2025: 5 complaints
Eclipse Cross NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Eclipse Cross years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System925%
Brakes514%
Other411%
Driver Assistance38%
Engine38%
Transmission26%
Fuel System26%
Speed Control26%
Steering26%
Airbags26%
Tires & Wheels13%
Body & Structure13%

Does the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V620000Driver AssistanceSeptember 14, 2018 · 9,166 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Outlander Sport, 2018-2019 Eclipse Cross, and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system that detects pedestrians. Due to incorrect software, the FCM-ECU (Electronic Control Unit) may apply braking for longer than needed, even after a pedestrian is no longer detected.

Consequence

If the FCM-ECU software activates the brake for longer than necessary, the driver may react by applying additional braking. The resulting rapid deceleration of the vehicle can increase the risk of a rear-end collision.

Remedy

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the FCM-ECU software with updated software, free of charge. The recall is began October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-007.

18V621000Driver AssistanceSeptember 14, 2018 · 58,916 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system and 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Cross vehicles and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system and/or an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) system. The software for the Hydraulic Unit Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may be incorrect, possibly preventing the intervention of a safety system such as automatic emergency braking, Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), or the Brake Auto Hold (BAH) function when any of these systems are in use.

Consequence

If the safety systems do not function as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will update the Hydraulic Unit-ECU software, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-008.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“AFTER PURCHASING MY VEHICLE ON 10/31/18, I EXPERIENCED 6 HEADLIGHT CHANGES FROM THAT POINT TILL 4/19/20. ON 4/19/20, WHILE DRIVING I SMELLED AN ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL. AS I PROCEEDED TO PULL TO A SAFE LOCATION MY HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LIGHT CAME THEN I LOSS ALL POWER AND FUNCTION OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 19, 2020 · fire

“WHEN I USE THE ACC, AND THE HIGHWAY IS HILLY, THE ACC WILL ENGAGE THE FCM (FORWARD COLLISION MITIGATION), RESULTING IN THE BRAKES BEING APPLIED, SOMETIMES FORCEFULLY, RESULTING IN AN IMMEDIATE SLOW DOWN OF MY VEHICLES SPEED. THIS CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS AS THOSE AROUND ME HAD TO SLAM ON THEIR BRAKES AS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 5, 2018

“AFTER PURCHASING MY VEHICLE ON 10/31/18, I EXPERIENCED 6 HEADLIGHT CHANGES FROM THAT POINT TILL 4/19/20. ON 4/19/20, WHILE DRIVING I SMELLED AN ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL. AS I PROCEEDED TO PULL TO A SAFE LOCATION MY HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LIGHT CAME THEN I LOSS ALL POWER AND FUNCTION OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 19, 2020 · fire

“My streeing locked up while I was going 40mph. Almost crashed the car into another car. My electric brake system light keeps blanking at me when my streeing locked up on me as well.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · October 29, 2022

“AFTER PURCHASING MY VEHICLE ON 10/31/18, I EXPERIENCED 6 HEADLIGHT CHANGES FROM THAT POINT TILL 4/19/20. ON 4/19/20, WHILE DRIVING I SMELLED AN ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL. AS I PROCEEDED TO PULL TO A SAFE LOCATION MY HEADLIGHT INDICATOR LIGHT CAME THEN I LOSS ALL POWER AND FUNCTION OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 19, 2020 · fire

2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross — common questions

Is the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 36 complaints put the 2018 model at #1 of 7 Eclipse Cross years. It is one of the Eclipse Cross years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 Eclipse Cross problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (9 complaints), brakes (5 complaints), other (4 complaints).

Does the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Eclipse Cross years to avoid are 2018. The cleanest record among Eclipse Cross years belongs to 2025.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.