VehicleVerdict

2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse sits mid-pack among Eclipse years: 83 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 65, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 70% of all reports (58 of 83), far ahead of airbags at 6.

83

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Eclipse years?

Eclipse NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 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, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Eclipse years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes5870%
Airbags67%
Electrical System45%
Other34%
Speed Control22%
Engine22%
Transmission22%
Latches & Locks22%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Seat Belts11%
Body & Structure11%
Suspension11%

Does the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE ECLIPSE, SHE TURNED ONTO A SIDE STREET AND THE CAR SPUN OUT OF CONTROL CAUSING HER TO HIT A PARKED CAR. THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE IS SIDEWAYS, I HAVE PICTURES OF THE CAR AFTER THE ACCIDENT. MY INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED THE CAR. THE POLICE ARE SAYING SHE WAS AT FAULT FOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 27, 2019 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT STRUCK AN ANIMAL AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STRUCK A GUARDRAIL AND THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE LANDING IN AN EMBANKMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 1, 2016 · crash

“MY CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED STARTING. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY SO I HAD THAT REPLACED, BUT UPON FURTHER INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT MY STARTER HAD GONE BAD. I HAD THE STARTER REPLACED IN AUGUST OF 2011 (THAT'S TOO SOON FOR A 2008). ON JULY 16, 2012 I HAD TO HAVE ANOTHER BRAND NEW STARTER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 21, 2011

“MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE ECLIPSE, SHE TURNED ONTO A SIDE STREET AND THE CAR SPUN OUT OF CONTROL CAUSING HER TO HIT A PARKED CAR. THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE IS SIDEWAYS, I HAVE PICTURES OF THE CAR AFTER THE ACCIDENT. MY INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED THE CAR. THE POLICE ARE SAYING SHE WAS AT FAULT FOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 27, 2019 · crash

“AT ABOUT 20,000 MILES THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON AS WELL AS THE WARNING INDICATOR THAT THE PASSENGER WAS NOT BUCKLED UP EVEN THOUGH I COULD SEE THEY WERE. ALSO THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM COLUMN WITHOUT THE CAR IN PARK. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · March 15, 2010

2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse — common questions

Is the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable?

It is close to typical for the Eclipse: 83 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2008 Eclipse problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (58 complaints), airbags (6 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints).

Does the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 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.