VehicleVerdict

1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse sits mid-pack among Eclipse years: 65 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 65, with 3 recalls and 3 closed investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 7 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 23 reports (35% of the total).

65

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

7

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other Eclipse years?

Eclipse NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 highlighted440 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 13 complaints1990: 59 complaints1991: 65 complaints1992: 65 complaints1993: 44 complaints1994: 53 complaints1995: 440 complaints1996: 220 complaints1997: 185 complaints1998: 174 complaints1999: 150 complaints2000: 380 complaints2001: 287 complaints2002: 84 complaints2003: 158 complaints2004: 20 complaints2005: 8 complaints2006: 118 complaints2007: 122 complaints2008: 83 complaints2009: 44 complaints2010: 1 complaints2011: 1 complaints2012: 11 complaints
Eclipse NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Eclipse years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission2335%
Engine914%
Tires & Wheels711%
Electrical System69%
Seat Belts58%
Speed Control35%
Other35%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Body & Structure23%
Suspension23%
Latches & Locks12%
Fuel System12%
Brakes12%

Does the 1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse have recalls?

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

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

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 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

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO REPLACE DAMAGED PARTS THAT CAUSED OTHER PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, AND TRANSMISSION WILL NOT ALLOW VEHICLE TO MOVE. VEHICLE IS LOCATED AT DEALERSHIP. PART FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LOCK UP. *AK THE PASSENGER LAP BELT FOR SEAT BELT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 21, 2000 · crash

“VEHICLE LEAKS OIL ON DRIVEWAY AT ALL TIME. DEALER HAS REPAIRED VEHICLE, BUT PROBLEM KEEPS RETURNING . MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATON. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“RIGHT REAR THREAD SEPARATED AT 65 MILES PER HOUR CAUSING LOSS OF CONTOL OF THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE DID AT LEAST 360 DEGREE SPIN HITTING THE CENTER CONCRETE DIVIDER SQUARLEY. NO OTHER VEHICLES INVOLVED. MINOR INJURIES. (TIRESIZE: 195/70-14)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 195/70-14 )”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 29, 2000 · crash

“OWNER STATES THAT HER VEHICLE STALLS WHILE DRIVING . SHE TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERS AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE (ISC) CONTROL UNIT THEY REPLACED IT AND THE VEHICLE STILL STALLS. *AK CONSUMER STATES THE ISC UNIT HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND VEHICLE STILL STALLS, CONSUMER WILL HEAR A CLICK AND THEN THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 5, 1996

“DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO REPLACE DAMAGED PARTS THAT CAUSED OTHER PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, AND TRANSMISSION WILL NOT ALLOW VEHICLE TO MOVE. VEHICLE IS LOCATED AT DEALERSHIP. PART FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LOCK UP. *AK THE PASSENGER LAP BELT FOR SEAT BELT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · August 21, 2000 · crash

1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse — common questions

Is the 1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable?

It is close to typical for the Eclipse: 65 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 3 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1992 Eclipse problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (23 complaints), engine (9 complaints), tires & wheels (7 complaints).

Does the 1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 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.