VehicleVerdict

2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 118 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Eclipse year — the 2006 model ranks #10 of 27 Eclipse years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 64% of all reports (75 of 118), far ahead of airbags at 12.

118

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Eclipse years?

Eclipse NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 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, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Eclipse years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes7564%
Airbags1210%
Tires & Wheels76%
Transmission65%
Body & Structure54%
Electrical System33%
Engine33%
Other33%
Seat Belts11%
Suspension11%
Speed Control11%
Steering11%

Does the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse have recalls?

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

15V337000BrakesJune 2, 2015 · 74,836 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 20, 2005, to February 13, 2009, and 2007-2009 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured December 23, 2005, to February 13, 2009. Due to corrosion inside the antil-lock brake system (ABS) unit, one or more of the internal valves may seize. In a braking event that uses the ABS, a seized valve would increase brake pedal travel and reduce braking ability.

Consequence

A sudden reduction of braking performance may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, flush and clean the ABS hydraulic unit using high grade brake fluid, free of charge. If the inspection shows that the valves may seize, the ABS unit will be replaced. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-15-004.

08V454000Fuel SystemSeptember 9, 2008 · 45,988 units

Defect

MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 45,988 MY 2005-2007 ENDEAVOR, GALANT, ECLIPSE COUPE, AND MY 2007 ECLIPSE SPYDER VEHICLES. THE BRACKET THAT IS THE ATTACHMENT POINT FOR THE LEFT REAR FUEL TANK MOUNTING STRAP MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY FORMED DURING A METAL STAMPING PROCESS. THE PROCESS MAY HAVE CAUSED THE METAL TO HAVE A SPLIT IN THE AREA WHERE THE BOLT THAT HOLDS ONE OF THE TWO FUEL TANK STRAPS TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS LOCATED. IN THE EVENT THE FUEL TANK IS FULL AND THE VEHICLE IS SUBJECT TO A SEVERE COLLISION, THE BRACKET MAY BREAK AND ALLOW THE FUEL TANK TO DROP DOWN, POSSIBLY CAUSING A FUEL LEAK.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE IF THE LEFT REAR FUEL TANK STRAP MOUNTING BRACKET HAS SPLITTING BEYOND A SPECIFIC LIMIT. VEHICLES WITH MODERATE TO SEVERE SPLITTING WILL BE REPAIRED USING A REINFORCEMENT CAP, A SPECIAL STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE, AND A RIVET TO REINFORCE THE FUEL TANK MOUNTING BRACKET. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.

05V299000BrakesJune 27, 2005 · 3,760 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, ONE OF FOUR SEALS INSIDE THE MASTER CYLINDER MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IMPROPERLY. AS A RESULT, THE MASTER CYLINDER MAY UNEXPECTEDLY BY-PASS HYDRAULIC BRAKING FORCE PRESSURE AND ALLOW A LONGER THAN NORMAL PEDAL STROKE.

Consequence

SHOULD THIS CONDITION OCCUR, THE BRAKING DISTANCE REQUIRED TO STOP THE VEHICLE MAY INCREASE AND COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MASTER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN JUNE 28, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-888-648-7820.

05V247000BrakesJune 2, 2005 · 1,151 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN FITTED WITH A DEFECTIVE BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY.

Consequence

THE BOOSTER BODY COULD SEPARATE DUE TO IMPROPER CRIMP JOINTS, RESULTING IN A TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKE SYSTEM PERFORMANCE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR THE BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED BY TELEPHONE ON MAY 24, 2005, TO STOP DRIVING THEIR VEHICLES AND ARRANGEMENTS WERE MADE FOR A LOANER VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE COUPE GT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE. ON ONE OCCASION, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND AND HE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 1, 2006 · crash

“I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE WHERE MY AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. LATER UPON CALLING IN A AIRBAG SPECIALIST, THEY RAN DIAGNOSTICS AND FOUND THAT BOTH THE FRONT RIGHT AND FRONT LEFT AIRBAG SENSORS HAD MALFUNCTIONED. THIS WAS THEN BACKED UP BY THE MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 30, 2007 · crash

“2006 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE, 2,000 MILES, DRIVER AND 4 PASSENGERS WERE DRIVING 65 MPH ON THE #405 FREEWAY ON DRY CONDITIONS. THE CAR UNEXPECTEDLY GOES INTO A SPIN. THE RIGHT REAR TIRE HAD A 1 INCH WOOD SCREW IN THE TREAD, AND THE TIRE HAD BLOWN OUT. THE WHOLE INSIDE WALL OF THE TIRE WAS GONE. PHOTOS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · December 16, 2005

“RE MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE, 2006, 8,000+ MILES. WITH NO PRIOR SIGNS OR ODORS, RPMS FLUCTUATED IN 5TH GEAR AT 65 MPH REDUCED TO 30 MPH. VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND THEN WOULD NOT PROCEED IN GEAR. TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP AND TOLD CLUTCH WAS WORN; PARTS WERE REPLACED. FAILURE WAS BLAMED ON DRIVER, BUT THERE IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 22, 2006

“WATER LEAKS FROM SUNROOF (WHICH I DO NOT USE) SWITCH, AND FROM SIDE AIRBAGS. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO SELLING DEALERSHIP WITH NO RESULTS. I THEN REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP WHO SAID THAT IT IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT RESULTED FROM A BAD DRAINAGE ALONG THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE( BESIDE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · December 6, 2006

2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse — common questions

Is the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 118 complaints put the 2006 model at #10 of 27 Eclipse years. It is one of the Eclipse years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 Eclipse problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (75 complaints), airbags (12 complaints), tires & wheels (7 complaints).

Does the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.