VehicleVerdict

1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse sits mid-pack among Eclipse years: 65 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 65, with 4 recalls and 4 closed investigations.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 21 reports (32% of the total).

65

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

4

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other Eclipse years?

See all Eclipse years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission2132%
Seat Belts1320%
Engine812%
Suspension69%
Brakes58%
Speed Control46%
Tires & Wheels35%
Fuel System23%
Steering12%
Body & Structure12%
Electrical System12%

Does the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse have recalls?

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

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 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 REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

06E065000LightingJuly 17, 2006 · 3,593 units

Defect

CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.

98V069001TransmissionMarch 26, 1998 · 24,275 units

Defect

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

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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, THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF OIL WILL BE ADDED. IF THERE IS TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AFFECTED COMPONENTS WILL BE REPLACED. IF THE TRANSFER CASE SHOWS OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION, THE TRANSFER CASE WILL BE REPLACED.

95V103004Seat BeltsMay 24, 1995 · 658,000 units

Defect

THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.

Consequence

THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 68 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE. HE PULLED OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THEY NEEDED TO HAVE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 17, 2012 · fire

CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK, CONSUMER HAD REPAIR WORK DONE UNDER RECALL BEFORE ACCIDENT (95V103004). *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · March 27, 1996 · crash

OIL SENDING UNIT WENT OUT ON THE VEHICLE PEP BOYS IN NORTH LITTLE AR HAD VEHICLE FOR 5 MONTHS TRYING TO REPAIR , IF THIS HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH A RECALL COULD I PLEASE BE NOTIFIED. I HAVE RECEIVED NO INFO ON ANY RECALLS.THANK YOU.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

FAILURE OF REAR STABILIZER BAR MOUNTING BREAKING. TT CONSUMER STATED AFTER TURNING RIGHT, LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, IT THEN BEGAN TO FISH TAIL, MAJOR REAR SWAY WHICH WOULD NOT ALLOW VEHICLE TO BE STEERED, THE RESULT WAS THE VEHICLE HIT AN ELECTRIC POLE ON THE RIGHT SIDE CONSUMER SUFFERED INJURIES.*JB

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 8, 1995 · crash

FRONT BRAKE PAD BROKE LOOSE. CALIPERS AND PADS WEAR EXCESSIVELY W/METAL GRINDING. COMPANY WHERE VEHICLE PURCHASED QUESTIONS PADS. TT

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · crash

1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse — common questions

Is the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable?

It is close to typical for the Eclipse: 65 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 4 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1991 Eclipse problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (21 complaints), seat belts (13 complaints), engine (8 complaints).

Does the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mitsubishi Eclipse years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Eclipse years to avoid are 1995, 2000, 2001, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2003, 1999, 2007, 2006. The cleanest record among Eclipse years belongs to 1988.

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.