VehicleVerdict

1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse sits mid-pack among Eclipse years: 53 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 65, with 4 recalls and 3 closed investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (12), engine (5), and brakes (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

53

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

3

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1994 compare to other Eclipse years?

Eclipse NHTSA complaints by model year, 1994 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, 1994 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Eclipse years to avoid →

What are the most common 1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1223%
Brakes59%
Electrical System59%
Engine59%
Suspension59%
Seat Belts48%
Latches & Locks36%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)36%
Visibility & Wipers36%
Tires & Wheels24%
Steering24%
Body & Structure12%
Lighting12%
Speed Control12%
Other12%

Does the 1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse have recalls?

4 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.

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.

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.

“I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR AND DROVE IT ABOUT A WEEK AND THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON ME NOW I'M STUCK WITH A LEMON AND NO ONE WANT'S TO FIX IT. TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SOMEONE LIKE THIS SHOULD NEVER CROSS ANYONE'S MIND. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME IN THIS MATTER THANK YOU, DALE LYNNE HARTSHORNE”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 25, 2000

“DAY TIME APPX. 60-80 MI. FROM EL PASO, TX , LIC. DRIVER DRIVING APPX. 70 MI. P/HR (80 MI. DAY IS SPEED LIMIT) JUST BEFORE CHK. POINT SIERRA BLANCA, FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIEROD BREAKS CAUSING A MAJOR 1 CAR ROLLOVER INJURING 3 PEOPLE (1 W/MINOR INJURIES, 1 SERIOUS INJURIES, 1 CRITICAL INJURY). 1994…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · April 20, 2007 · crash

“OIL PRESSURE FAILS TO REGISTER ABOVE 25% WHEN IN IDLE. DEALER NOTES THAT ENGINE IS BASICALLY A THROWAWAY. THEY QUOTED APPROXIMATELY $3,600.00 FOR FULL REPLACEMENT. IT IS NOT IN THEIR BEST INTEREST TO REBUILD UNIT AS COST WOULD BE MUCH TO HIGH TO JUSTIFY TO THE CUSTOMER. THEY STATED THAT MANY OTHER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“VEHICLE DISPLAYED A LOUND CLUNKING NOISE AND SMOKE WAS COMING FORM ENGINE. UPON INSPECTION BY THE DEALER CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT CRANKSHAFT WAS DEFECTIVE.*AK IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKES WERE THER PROBLEM AND WERE REPLACED. *YH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 6, 1998

“WHILE DRIVING, AT APPROX. 55MPH, SUDDENLY ENGINE SHUT DOWN, RENDERING STEERING AND BRAKE INOPERATIVE, RESULTING IN HITTING BARRIER. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · crash

1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse — common questions

Is the 1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable?

It is close to typical for the Eclipse: 53 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 3 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1994 Eclipse problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (12 complaints), engine (5 complaints), brakes (5 complaints).

Does the 1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1994 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.