1997 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 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse, several common problems have been identified:
- Starting Issues in Cold Weather: Another common problem is difficulty starting the car in cold weather conditions. Owners have experienced issues with starting the car when it has been kept outside for extended periods, suggesting potential problems with the starter or other related components.
- Headlight Malfunctions: Some owners have reported problems with headlights, specifically issues where one of the headlights fails to turn on properly. This can be particularly concerning for safety reasons, especially if the headlight is part of a xenon system.
- Acceleration and Transmission Issues: Complaints have been made about acceleration problems, where the car fails to pick up speed even when the gas pedal is pressed. This issue can be frustrating for owners and may indicate underlying transmission or engine performance issues.
- Compression and Engine Stalling: Owners have reported instances of engine stalling, particularly after the car has been running well. Problems with compression levels in different cylinders have been highlighted, affecting the car's ability to start and run smoothly.
- Electrical System Concerns: Some owners have faced electrical issues, such as problems with the alternator connection affecting the car's performance. Additionally, malfunctions in the xenon system's amp have been reported, requiring replacements that are sometimes sold only in pairs.
These common problems with the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse can vary in severity and may require professional inspection and repair to ensure the car's optimal performance and safety.
Is a 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.
Is a Mitsubishi Eclipse expensive to maintain?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Mitsubishi Eclipse is $510, compared to an average of $526 for compact cars and $652 for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.
Are Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable 1999?
Beautiful ageless style,drives like a sports car and it's economic at the same time,reliable,fast,cool,and ofcourse as we all know,it can be modified to look like the Fast and the Furious Eclipse,both the 420a 2.0 non-turbo engine and the 4g63T 2.0 Turbocharged engines are both reliable when taken cared of and if you ...
Why did they discontinue the Mitsubishi 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.
1997 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Suspension problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse
The NHTSA has received 170 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse vehicles.
2023-07-16
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-01-01
- VIN: 4A3AX35GXVE
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The airbag cover on the passenger side is peeling off. I feel that if I tried to glue it or modify it in any way, this action could result in the airbag not deploying like it should and cause serious injury incase of an accident.
2017-03-03
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-12-14
- VIN: 4A3AK34Y7VE
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THIS VEHICLE HAS A RECALL FOR THE LOWER BALL JOINT. AFTER CALLING TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO FIX THIS ISSUE THE VEHICLE SHOWS UP AS ALREADY SERVICED, WHICH MAY HAVE ONLY BEEN AS LITTLE AS AN INSPECTION THAT WAS DONE. THE BALL JOINT IN THIS VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY FAILING AND IS EXTREMELY NOTICEABLE WHILE DRIVING. I AM IN SEARCH OF A RECORD FOR WHO FILED THE SERVICE FOR THIS RECALL OR A CONFIRMATION THAT THIS ISSUE CAN BE "FIXED" ONCE AGAIN UNDER THE SAME RECALL.
2016-11-28
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-11-26
- VIN: 4A3AK34Y9VE
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL ALERT FROM THE DEALER. RIGHT NOW THE DEALER WAS SOLD TO A NEW OWNER. I WENT TO THE DEALER TO BUY A FENDER AND MY VIN NUMBER DOES NOT APPEAR IN THE MITSUBISHI COMPUTER SYSTEM HERE IN PUERTO RICO EITHER IN USA. SO I WOULD LIKE AN ADVISE. WHAT I HAVE TO DO. I HAVE ALL THE PURCHASING PAPER FROM THE DEALER AND THE BANK. A LONG TIME AGO I HAVE PROBLEM WITH THE ARM BALL JOINTS BUT I PAID FOR THE REPAIR IN A MECHANIC WORKSHOP. *TR
2016-01-26
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-01-20
- VIN: 4A3AK54F3VE
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND VEERED TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL IN 2010, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED AGAIN. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
2011-11-22
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-11-09
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY CAR IS A 1997 ECLIPSE SPYDER AUTOMATIC TRANNY 2.4L . THERE WAS ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION IT WAS ON LEAN MODE, LOCKED ON 2ND GEAR AND IT COULD ONLY GO UP TO 40 MILES PER HR OTHER WISE THE RPM WERE VERY HIGH... *TR
2010-04-26
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-04-22
- VIN: 4A3AX55F1VE
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE TREAD SEPARATION ON PASSENGER CAR TIRES. BRAND = KUMHO LINE = ECSTA ASX SIZE = 225/40/R18 DOT # = YOMX YC2F WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, MY SON NOTICED RUBBER CHUNKS FLYING FROM THE FRONT END OF HIS CAR. WHEN HE STOPPED TO CHECK THINGS OVER, HE FOUND THAT THE TREAD OF ONE OF THE FRONT TIRES WAS SEPARATING RIGHT DOWN TO THE BASE CORDS OF THE TIRE. THE SEPARATION OCCURRED ON JUST ONE EDGE OF THE TREAD AND WAS BEING UN-SPOOLED FROM THE TIRE. I AM REPORTING THIS SO THAT IT MAY BE DOCUMENTED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE IN THE NHTSA DATABASE. *TR
2010-01-21
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-05-28
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: SON DRIVING A ECLIPSE RAN OFF THE ROAD AND HIT A TREE GOING 55 MPH AND THE AIR BAGS NEVER CAME OUT RESULTING IN THE DEATH OF ONLY CHILD. *TR
2008-12-24
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-01
- VIN: 4A3AK34Y2VE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 1997 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN 1997, THE VEHICLE'S SPEED HAS NOT EXCEEDED 35MPH. ON THREE OCCASIONS, A MECHANIC ADJUSTED THE TRANSMISSION TIMING; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT IT WAS BEST TO CRASH THE VEHICLE SINCE THE COST FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS EQUIVALENT TO A NEW VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
2008-08-20
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-18
- VIN: 4A3AK34Y7VE
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT 30 MPH, THE TURN SIGNAL BECAME STUCK. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, BUT THE TURN SIGNAL WAS STILL STUCK. THE DEALER STATED THAT A NEW TURN SIGNAL SWITCH NEEDED TO BE PURCHASED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 151,475.
2007-11-02
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-09-15
- VIN: 4A3AX35G0VE
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: PAINT JOB DEFECTS. I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL MITSUBISHIS VEHICLES IN MY FAMILY. ALL RESULTING IN PAINT DEFECTS ON THE CAR. ONLY ONE HAS NOT, DEALERSHIP SAID BECAUSE THERE IS A DEFECT AND THAT ONE VEHICLE NOT AFFECTED WAS MADE AND PAINTED IN JAPAN. COST OF REPAINT OF VEHICLE IS $1500 TO $2500 DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU GO. *TR
2007-10-25
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-25
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: UNABLE TO FIND A SUITABLE BOOSTER SEAT FOR MY 5Y/O SON WEIGHING 45LBS THAT WILL REST IN THE DEEP SEATED CONTOURS OF THE REAR BUCKET SEATS FOR 1997 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE . *JB
2007-06-20
STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-31
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4A3AK34Y3VE
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO THE CURB. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE FOGGY AND DAMP. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. APPROXIMATELY THREE YEARS LATER, THE VEHICLE JERKED TO THE RIGHT AND THE LEFT. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND ROD ENDS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE LOWER BALL JOINT (RECALL # 00V421001). THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 130,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
2007-05-23
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-05-22
- VIN: 4A3AJ56G5VE
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: MY 1997 MITSUBISHI HAS AN OPEN RECALL TO REMEDY SUSPENSION FRONT:CONTROL ARM: LOWER BALL JOINT DEFECT. I PURCHASED THE CAR USED IN 2006. ON 5/21/07, I WAS TOLD BY SEARS AUTO, A PROBLEM EXISTED WITH THE SUSPENSION:LOWER BALLJOINT. I FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL, FOR THE EXACT PROBLEM THIS CAR HAS. I CONTACTED MITSUBISHI CUSTOER SERVICE ON 5/22/07. THEY WILL NOT TELL ME IF THE DEFECT WAS CORRECTED, THEY WILL ONLY SAY THE CAR WAS SERVICED, WHICH COULD MEAN ANYTHING. THEY WILL NOT OFFER ME ANY REMEDY. I WANT THE DEFECT CORRECT BY MITSUBISHI. *AK
2007-03-22
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-04-06
- VIN: 4A3AL54F9VE
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE GSX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BALL JOINTS WERE DETACHING FROM THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL # 00V421001 FOR SUSPENSION: LOWER BALL JOINTS. THE VEHICLE CONTAINED THE SAME BALL JOINTS FROM THE LAST RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERABLE, BUT AT A HIGH RISK, AND FELT ANOTHER RECALL WAS NEEDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115000.*AK
2006-07-11
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-06-18
- VIN: 4A3AX35G7VE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: COOLANT TANK CRACKED LEADING TO LOSS OF OVERFLOW COOLANT AND POTENTIAL ENGINE FAILURE FROM OVERHEATING. MITSUBISHI NO LONGER MAKES A REPLACEMENT PART. *JB
2006-06-23
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-06-23
- VIN: 4A3AK54FXVE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: SQUEALING BELTS AT STARTUP, INCONSISTENT SMALL LEAKS OF COOLANT, HESITATION AT 2K RPM WERE ONLY PRE-CURSORS. OUT OF NOWHERE, WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, I LOOKED AT GAUGES FOR NO PARTICULAR REASON....NOTICED THE TEMPERATURE WAS RISING, EVENTUALLY GOING AS FAR AS IT COULD ABOVE H. SO I LOOK FOR SMOKE IN REAR VIEW....NOTHING. I TURN DOWN THE RADIO TO LISTEN FOR NOISES......NOTHING. EVERYTHING SEEMS FINE. HOPING THAT AIR THROUGH THE RADIATOR WOULD COOL THE ENGINE......NOT WORKING. I DECIDED I BETTER PULL OVER.....THE SECOND I SAFELY STOPPED, HUGE PUFFS OF WHITE SMOKE BILLOWED OUT THE HOOD EDGES. I JUMPED OUT, OPENED THE HOOD......HUGE CLOUDS OF SMOKE AND SMELL OF BURNING RUBBER, I THOUGHT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. ONCE THE SMOKE SETTLED, OIL COULD BE SEEN SPLATTERED ALL OVER THE ENGINE. TOW TRUCK COMES AND WHILE PUTTING ON FLATBED.....OIL DRAINED OUT LIKE A WATER FAUCET. FOUND OUT LATER FROM THE DEALER THAT OIL LINE BURST, CAUSING THE HEAD GASKETS TO BLOW AND MOST LIKELY DAMAGED TOTALED THE ENGINE. NEW ENGINE QUOTED AT $5000, USED 71,000 MILE ENGINE IN SOME SALVAGE YARD IN ALABAMA QUOTED AT $2-3000. NICE CHUNK OF MONEY AND THE ENGINE STILL NEEDS TO BE SHIPPED AND INSTALLED. WHAT A DEAL? I ACTUALLY SPOKE HIGHLY ABOUT MITSUBISHI'S IN THE PAST, BUT NOW I'M HAVING SECOND THOUGHTS. TOO BAD MITSUBISHI COMPANY HAS SUCH A BAD HISTORY OF FAILURES, RECALLS, AND POOR REPAIR SERVICE. I WAS ACTUALLY THINKING OF BUYING A 2006 ECLIPSE........NOT ANY MORE. I'LL MISS MY 97 ECLIPSE......IT WAS PRETTY GOOD TO ME, BUT THIS RECENT EVENT WITH NO WARNING, DID ME IN AND IT IS JUST WRONG THAT I HAVE READ SIMILAR INCIDENTS ON THE INTERNET AND MITSUBISHI DOES NOTHING. TIME FOR AN AMERICAN CAR...............TOO BAD WE DON'T HAVE THE SENSE TO MAKE OIL AND GAS-FREE VEHICLES THOUGH.......THE TECHNOLOGY IS THERE. OH WELL......I GUESS I BETTER START FIGURING OUT HOW I AM GOING TO GET TO WORK ON MONDAY. *JB
2006-06-05
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-04-15
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 4A3AK44Y0VE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1997 ECLIPSE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TS *JB
2006-02-26
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-02-24
- VIN: 4A3AX35G0VE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: SPEED CONTROL ISSUE, GAS PEDAL STICKING, CAR CONSISTENTLY IDLES BETWEEN 1500 TO 3000 RPMS ENGINE REVVING UP AND DOWN WHILE AT A STOP AND WHILE IN PARK. MANUAL SHIFT VERY STIFF. *JB
2005-12-30
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-22
- Components: SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CONSTANT OVER HEATING AND FLUID COMING OUT OF THE RADIATOR CAP, ALSO SEVERE SHAKING IN THE STERRING WHEEL AND 4TH GEAR. WHAT IS THAT ALL ABOUT?
2005-12-21
POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-20
- VIN: 4A3AX55F6VE
- Components: POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: 1997 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF CLUTCH. THE LINE THAT RUNS FROM THE SLAVE CYLINDER TO THE MASTER CYLINDER HAS WHAT APPEARS TO BE A CUT IN THE LINE 1MM FROM THE CONNECTION TO THE MASTER CYLINDER. I HAVE NOW REPLACED THIS LINE SIX (6) TIMES IN TWO YEARS. FAILURE USUALLY OCCURS AFTER DRIVING THE CAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS FOR 2 OR MORE HOURS. CLUTCH GOES TO THE FLOOR DUE TO LOSS OF FLUID. I HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER TWICE & THE SLAVE CYLINDER THREE TIMES, THE LAST TIME WAS 2 WEEKS AGO. *NM
2005-12-03
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-05
- VIN: 4A3AX55F7VE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CAR FAILS MANDATORY OBD-II SMOG TEST DUE TO NON-CONTINUOUS READINESS MONITORS FAILING TO SET TO COMPLETE DURING NORMAL DRIVING. DEALER MUST USE MUT-II DIAGNOSTIC TOOL TO SET MONITORS TO READY STATE. WHEN DIAGNOSTIC MODE IS EXITED AND IGNITION TURNED OFF MONITORS REVERT TO NOT-READY STATE. PROBLEM COMMON TO 1997 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE GST ACCORDING TO DEALER. NO REMEDY AVAILABLE. CAR DOES NOT MEET FEDERAL EMISSION REQUIREMENTS.*JB
2005-11-07
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-11-07
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 4A3AK54F3VE
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING MY CAR AT MORNING 9:00 AM ON 11/7/2005, ALL SUDDEN MY DRIVER SIDE WINDOW GLASS BROKEN INTO PIECES. I HAVE STOPPED MY CAR AND CHECKED. THERE IS NO ONE AROUND ALSO. BUT ALL OF A SUDDEN IT IS BROKEN INTO PIECES COMPLETELY. *JB
2005-08-15
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-01
- VIN: 4A3AX35G3VE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING SO I STOP DRIVING IT. WHEN I TESTED IT OUT AGAIN, IT WAS EVEN WORST AND I CAN'T EVEN GO PAST 40 MPH. SO FAR THERE HASN'T BEEN ANY REPAIRS DONE TO THE CAR SINCE I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC THAT THERE ARE TRANSMISSION RECALLS ON THE AUTOMATIC 97 GS ECLIPSE AND WAS ADVISE NOT TO DRIVE IT ANYMORE BECAUSE IT CAN RESULT IN A ACCIDENT. DID A LITTLE RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS CAR DOES HAVE A RECALL ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. HTTP://WWW.AUTOSITE.COM/CONTENT/OWN/SERVICE/INDEX.CFM/ACTION/RECALLSVIEW/SERIESID/509. *NM
2005-07-21
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-01
- VIN: 4A3AL54F0VE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I OWN A 1997 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE GSX ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE. I HAVE A LEAK IN THE TRANSFER CASE, WHICH PREMATURELY CAUSES WEAR ON THE CASE HOUSING AND CAN LEAD TO A PART FAILURE RESULTING IN WHEEL LOCKAGE WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD AND THE DEALERSHIP IN MY AREA HAS IGNORED MY CONCERNS AND CAUSING ME GROW VERY CONCERNED WHEN I DRIVE MY VEHICLE. CAN YOU PLEASE INTERVENE HERE AND HAVE THEM FIX THIS PROBLEM?
2005-07-19
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-30
- VIN: 4A3AJ56G7VE
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: MY COLUMN SWITCH NO LONGER WORKS RESULTING IN TURN SIGNALS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. WEN INVESTIGATING THE REPLACEMENT PART FOR THIS ITEM, I DISCOVERED THAT IT IS THE SAME THAT WHICH MITSUBISHI INSTALLED ON ITS 1999 GALANT. THERE HAS BEEN A NHTSA RECALL FOR THIS UNIT. THUS, I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT THERE SHOULD ALSO BE A RECALL OF THIS UNIT FOR 1997 YEAR MODELS OF THE MITSUBISHI GALANT AS WELL.
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 12 recalls for different components of the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
2009-05-11
- Manufacturer: DOPE, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: 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.
2009-04-07
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
2007-07-26
- Manufacturer: AIRTEX PRODUCTS
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: CERTAIN AIRTEX FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLIES, P/N E7081H, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WALL OF THE FLARED FITTING OF THE FUEL PUMP IS NOT THICK ENOUGH TO PREVENT THE MATING THREADED FITTINGS FROM BOTTOMING OUT BEFORE AN ADEQUATE SEAL IS ACHIEVED. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF FUEL AT THE CONNECTION OF THE VEHICLE FUEL LINE AND THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLY.
- Consequence: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AIRTEX AUTOMOTIVE AT 800-880-3056.
2006-07-17
- Manufacturer: TRADESONIC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
2006-06-29
- Manufacturer: AAI MOTORSPORTS USA, LLC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
- Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
- Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
2006-05-24
- Manufacturer: CK MOTORSPORT, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE 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: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
2006-05-22
- Manufacturer: J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES COMBINATION HEADLAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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: J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE HEADLAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES AT 310-327-4981.
2006-03-23
- Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
2006-03-13
- Manufacturer: ANZO USA, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH 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.
- Remedy: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
2000-12-18
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE RUBBER BOOTS ON THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, DIRT AND WATER CAN INTRUDE. ALSO, MMC HAS ADDED THE POTENTIAL OF LEAKING MOISTURE, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE BALL STUD TO CORRODE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. THIS CAMPAIGN SUPERCEDES MMC'S PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN, SEE 99V-066.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT FOR WEAR. BALL JOINTS THAT EXHIBIT WEAR BEYOND THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEWLY DESIGNED LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS. BALL JOINTS THAT ARE WITHIN THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE CLEANED AND A SPECIAL SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED TO PREVENT INTRUSION OF MOISTURE.
1998-03-26
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: 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.
1997-05-12
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
- Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
- Summary: THE HEADREST GUIDE BRACKET WAS IMPROPERLY WELDED TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BACK ASSEMBLIES ONLY.
- Consequence: THE HEADREST SUPPORT BRACKET CAN BREAK, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SEAT BACK ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ASSEMBLY.
Negative 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse car reviews
Positive 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse car reviews
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Straight up, this car is beautiful. I love the way it feels when you're zooming by other cars out there. Although it could have had a bigger engine with more horsepower, it would have added more weight. Nonetheless, it's still an all-around great car. I love my baby.
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I bought this car at 117,000 miles and in just over a year and a half, it has reached 142,000 miles. The factory turbo is still working perfectly at this mileage. To ensure the car continues to work well, make sure you don't miss regular oil changes and keep up with maintenance. Despite being 10 years old, there is no rust and everything is in working order. Overall, it's a great car. However, it's important to keep in mind that maintenance is higher with a turbo due to the engine bay being used up, making it harder to access necessary parts.
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I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share my experience with my car. I bought it brand new back in '97 and it's been a great ride ever since. I've only had to replace the thermostat and it's still just as fun to drive as the day I bought it. The handling is superb and it has great acceleration in the lower gears. Plus, I still average around 32 miles per gallon. Thanks for listening!
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I really like this car because it's a fun car to drive, looks really sexy and sporty, has good handling, and is very powerful. Additionally, its reliability is above average.
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This is a great car! I really enjoyed driving it up and down the mountains in Colorado in every type of snow condition. Believe it or not, I never got stuck. There is so much power on those 4 tires, it's amazing. I even ended up plowing the snow off the road when it got over 7 inches.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems:
common problems with 97 gst's? | DSMtuners.com
https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/common-problems-with-97-gsts.292344/
Apr 26, 2008 ... The Top DSM Community on the Web. For 1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse, Eagle Talon, Plymouth Laser, and Galant VR-4 Owners. Log in to remove most ...
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Problems and Complaints - 13 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1997-mitsubishi-eclipse/problems
Problem with your 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse? Our list of 13 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
420a common problems | DSMtuners.com
https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/420a-common-problems.535131/
Aug 22, 2021 ... ... Eclipse GS with a 420a engine with automatic transmission with 156000 miles ... 97). ... The Mitsubishi Eclipse, Eagle Talon, Plymouth Laser, ...
mitsubishi eclipse spyder gts common transmission problems ...
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t8045_ds573795
Jan 16, 2014 ... i have THE SAME PROBLEM !!!! 97 spyder 5 speed manule. when i put it to gear (witch is 2ent ) ...
Q&A: Troubleshooting Car Stalling Issues in 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse ...
https://www.justanswer.com/mitsubishi/67rk8-mitsubishi-eclipse-gs-car-dies-idle-1995-mitsubishi.html
Feb 7, 2012 ... The Idle air control valve is common failure on your vehicle. Customer: wouldn't they have looked at this when they plugged up their diagnostic ...
Other years of Mitsubishi Eclipse
Are you having problems with your 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Myron Larkin 2024-11-29
Although I have had some major issues with my car, I still believe it is a great and fun car to drive. However, I would recommend purchasing it with under 40k miles and with a turbo, as the straight 4 engine may not hold up well to extensive highway driving. Despite having to replace the transmission, all belts, brakes 4x, rotors 2x, power steering pump, and tires since purchasing it with 35,000 miles, I am confident that with proper maintenance and care, this car can still provide an enjoyable driving experience.
Lance Wisozk 2024-07-25
The Eclipse GS model has some areas that could be improved, such as its power and handling. However, the exterior design is quite appealing. It's worth noting that the Eclipse was manufactured for Mitsubishi by Chrysler, so it's not technically an import. If you're looking for a sports car, you may want to consider other options, such as the Mercury Cougar.
Kyle Reichel 2024-06-28
It's easy to find parts for and there's tons of online support for DIY'ers. The sporty design comes with an almost bulletproof engine, and there are still performance enhancements available around any town.