1989 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a sport compact car that was produced by Mitsubishi in four generations from 1989 until 2011. A convertible body style was added during the 1996 model year.
The first two generations share the automobile platform and parts with the rebadged Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser captive imports. They were built during Mitsubishi Motors' close relationship with Chrysler Corporation. Their partnership was known as Diamond-Star Motors (DSM). In Japan, the first two generations were sold at a specific Japanese retail chain called Mitsubishi Car Plaza. The third, 2000–2005 generation shared a redesigned platform with the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus. In May 2005, the fourth, and final generation Eclipse was introduced, replacing the Chrysler platform used for the third generation with the PS platform.
According to Mitsubishi Motors, the Eclipse was named after an unbeaten 18th-century English racehorse that won 18 races in a row and then retired.
At the end of August 2011, the final Eclipse was manufactured and subsequently auctioned for charity.
In 2017, Mitsubishi resurrected the Eclipse name on a compact crossover vehicle, called the Eclipse Cross.
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Common 1989 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems
The Mitsubishi Eclipse, produced from 1989 to 2011, is known for its sporty design and performance. However, like any vehicle, it has faced several common problems over the years, particularly in the 1989 model.
- Clutch problems: Another issue reported by owners of the 1989 Mitsubishi Eclipse is related to the clutch. Some users have noticed rattle noises when the car is idle, which may indicate a bad clutch pressure plate. When the clutch pedal is pressed, a creaking noise can be heard if the pressure plate is in bad condition. Alternatively, the spring alignment in the clutch disc may need to be checked for wear.
- Sunroof malfunction: The sunroof in some 2002 to 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse models may become stuck. Some owners have managed to open their sunroofs by pushing the sunroof cover forward. However, the cause of this issue is not always a faulty motor, as some users have found that their sunroofs can still operate manually.
- Engine problems: The engines built from 1989 through April 1992 have 6-bolt motors. Beginning in May 1992, Mitsubishi revised the engine to a 7-bolt design.
- Safety concerns: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has determined crash test ratings for the 1G Eclipse. The 1990-1994 models have varying frontal driver and passenger ratings, which can be found on the NHTSA website.
In conclusion, while the Mitsubishi Eclipse is known for its sporty design and performance, it has faced several common problems over the years, particularly in the 1989 model. These issues include transmission problems, clutch issues, sunroof malfunctions, engine problems, and safety concerns.
Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse a reliable car?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse received a 4.6 out of 5.0 reliability rating from Kelley Blue Book users, who cited the car's strong performance and low maintenance needs. The car also scored well with EveryAuto users.
Are Mitsubishi Eclipse expensive to fix?
The average annual repair cost for a Mitsubishi is $535, which means it has above average ownership costs.
Why did Mitsubishi discontinue the Eclipse?
But as Mitsubishi's global focus shifted towards meeting environmental targets around the world, the company announced the discontinuation of the Eclipse, to invest more time and effort into developing battery technology.
What are the most common problems with the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?
According to repairpal.com, the most common issues drivers experience when using Mitsubishi Eclipse Crosses include but are unlimited to:
- Rattling noises from the clutch.
- Difficulty shifting the manual transmission.
- Brake pedal pulses.
- The exterior door handle breaking.
- Airbags not deploying as they are expected to.
1989 Mitsubishi Eclipse car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mitsubishi Eclipse problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Steering problems
- Suspension problems
- Service brakes problems
- Air problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Mitsubishi Eclipse vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1989 Mitsubishi Eclipse complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-05
- VIN: 4A3AX55F0WE
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
- Summary: WE BOUGHT A "CERTIFIED" CAR FROM LIBERTY AUTO PLAZA (ON THE WINDOW STICKER IT INDICATED THAT IT WAS CERTIFIED AND THAT THERE WAS A 57 POINT SAFETY INSPECTION DONE AND IT PASSED, AS WELL AS A 3 MONTH 3,00 MILE WARRANTY) 2 DAYS AFTER HAVING THE CAR, WE WERE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH POWER STEERING AND THE BRAKES, SO WE BROUGHT IT IN TO BE CHECK OUT. THERE ARE OVER $3,000 WORTH OF PARTS TO MAKE IT A SAFE CAR, NOT INCLUDING THE LABOR AT $95 PER HOUR TO FIX. THEY WERE EVEN BAFFLED BY CERTAIN THINGS, SO THEY SUGGESTED WE TAKE IT TO THE LIBERYVILLE MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP AND HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK DONE AND THEY WOULD PAY FOR IT. MAJOR STUFF WAS FOUND HERE, ENGINE MOUNT WAS BUSTED AND LEAKING FLUID, POWER STEERING LINKAGE AND BUSHINGS WERE SHOT AND THE RESERVOIR TANK WAS CRACKED, TIE RODS WERE BLOWN, THE BRAKES WERE SO "WARPED" THAT IS WHAT WAS CAUSING THE CAR TO SHAKE WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE. BACK TO WHERE WE BOUGHT THE CAR, THERE WERE PAPERS THAT WERE FORGED AND I DIDN'T SIGN, AND THEY SOLD ME A GAP INSURANCE POLICY AND NEVER SUBMITTED THE POLICY OR A CHECK TO GET THE ADDENDUM TURNED INTO A POLICY, SO THERE IS FRAUD. WE JUST WANT THEM TO TAKE THE CAR BACK AND REIMBURSE US FOR OUR EXPENSES. THE CAR IS PARKED AND NOT DRIVABLE. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-01
- VIN: 4A3CS44U0LE
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems:
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