- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 151 complaints about the 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (31) and the body, doors & structure (27). Those complaints describe 23 crashes, 5 fires and 14 injuries. It is covered by 13 recalls, the latest in May 2009 for the headlights. For comparison, the 1997 has 164 and the 1999 has 135.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Eclipse year, for its age
#56 most complained-about 1998 vehicle
- Complaints
- 151
- Recalls
- 13
- Crashes
- 23
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 14
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems
Share of all 151 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse recalls 13
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- In the presence of an ignition source, a fuel leak could result in a fire.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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."
- The risk
- Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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."
- The risk
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, 'Occupant crash protection.' The bilingual english/spanish removable air bag warning labels affixed to the dash and to the sunvisor do not meet the size requirements of the standard.
- The risk
- This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
- The fix
- Mitsubishi caribbean will mail a customer notification letter containing a written description and a graphic of the bi-lingual dashboard air bag warning label. In addition, all current 2000-2004 nativa owners will also receive replacement air bag alert labels for the sun visors. This recall is expected to begin during march or april 2005. The notification to the nativa owners is expected to begin during april or may 2005. Owners should contact mitsubishi caribbean at 1-787-251-8715.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Lockup of the transfer case can occur due to insufficient lubrication.
- The risk
- This condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The dash panel pad can shift interferring with the throttle cable control.
- The risk
- The throttle cable control would not return to idle increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will remove a portion of the dash panel pad so it cannot interfere with the throttle cable control.
What owners say
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151 complaints about the 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 7.
FLEX PLATE BROKE
The spyder gs has always leaked from the soft top seals specially from the top right passenger side. It is a very common issue in the 2nd generation spyder gs which im suprised it has never been a recall for the weather stripping. Dealership charges 300 for the weatherstripping and they still leak after a couple years. I dont have pictures but after rain, the whold car is wet and as I drive and take my first turn, the vehicle starts to leak from the corner and gets center console and radio wet. All over the eclipse forums you will see the issue without a recall. Mitsubishi has not yet given advice on how go fix this. Car cant be driven in the rain without having to leak.
"Takata recall" I have replaced my control arms about 4 times now in the past 2 years. I have it fixed and then the squeaking always comes back lasts about 6 months then the lower ball joint breaks. Last time it broke I was going about 40 mph, it was very scary. The picture I sent was taken on 7/28/2014. Though the last time it broke was on 6/20/2015.
"Takata recall" I have replaced my control arms about 4 times now in the past 2 years. I have it fixed and then the squeaking always comes back, last about 6 months and then lower ball joint breaks. Last time it broke I was going about 40mph, it was very scary. The picture I sent was taken on 7/28/14. The last time it happened was on 6/20/15 and I have had it replaced since.
Battery discharges overnight and electroautos cannot find any electrical leakage but they suspect the starter system device (an oblong device that needs to be presented to a red light to get the starter to function). The battery has been changed several times but leakage continues. Due to age, no sensors are currently available to check it. Vehicle is stationary in garage.
Recently, relocated to florida with in 18 months I notice my passenger side air bag is protruding out from the heat and humidity in sw florida. Originally had car in new york and never had this problem. I am very concerned about it exploding while I am driving. Notice on recent recall concerning air bags didn't include my make and model. This 1998 mitsubishi eclipse gst is making a true statement on the above air bag issue and all statements are true. Please be advised that the above make and model identify same issues with air bag being exposed to high heat climates in southwest florida. Please look into this matter I believe this make and model should be on the recall list, thank you. *Tr
1998 Mitsubishi eclipse, unit 1 was traveling east on the ohio turnpike near the 54 milepost. Unit 1 filled with smoke. Unit 1 pulled to the right shoulder and stopped. The driver of unit 1 exited and opened the hood and observed fire. The driver of unit 1 was charged with ovi. Bf (ohio traffic crash report # 10-0046-89)*jb updated 04/22/11 *bf
On 9/6/2010 I got in my car and pulled out of my parking space. My car had been sitting all that day and the previous day. As I pulled out, heard a flop, flop noise, stopped my car, got out and looked around. The front right tire, a uniroyal long touring a/s, had completely blown out (not just gone flat). I replaced the tire with my spare. I looked over the blown tire and found a tear approx. 1-2 Inches long on the inside of the tire, just below the tread. My father contacted the tire manufacturer, because my...
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sister had the same model tire and had the same problem weeks earlier. My father was told we could get reimbursed for new tires if they were inspected by the dealer and found to be defective. Today, 9/8/2010, I took my car to a tire dealership and got the one tire replaced. The blown tire was found to be defective. An individual from that dealership contacted the manufacturer & was told to fill out a claim form so I could be reimbursed 60% of the new tire cost. The dealer kept my blown tire. I contacted the manufacturer about getting all new tires, because the others were found to be defective with cracks beginning. They said the tire I just paid for could not be covered because it was not an accepted brand, but four new tires that were of an accepted brand could be covered up to 60%. The tires have all been said to be defective by the dealership, however the manufacturer refuses to cover the full cost of replacement tires. *Tr
I purchased my 1998 eclipse gs in 2003 with approx. 38,000 Miles on it. Within 2 months, my driver's door handle broke when opening the door. This occurred on a day in the middle of the summer. Not thinking much about it, I had it replaced at a cost of almost $300.00 (Parts, labor, & paint) it happened again within 3 months. The dealership replaced this one also and only charged me for the part, a mere $175.00. About 6 months later, my girlfriend at the time was opening the passenger door and that handle...
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broke off. This makes 3 broken door handles in 11 months. I might be a strong guy, I guess, but my girlfriend was 5'1" and about 90 lbs.. The kind of girl who had trouble tearing notebook paper. Well, while waiting for the dealership to order a replacement handle, my brother was getting into the driver's side of my car to install a new stereo and the driver's side handle snaps off in his hand. I had to leave a window down for a week inorder to get in and out of the vehicle. I have since stopped ordering from the dealership as a fiberglass door handle was available online for $35.00 And came black in color. To date, as of 2010, I have had to replace the driver's door handle 6 times and the passenger side twice. After speaking wit quite a few mitsubishi enthusiasts, I have discovered that this is a problem mitsubishi knows about, always knew about, and has simply refused to fix, even as far as not making replacement door handles out of stronger material. I will never buy a mitsubishi again based on this simple design flaw which the company deems is beneath them to make right. *Tr
Both my handles broke off, the drivers side arm rest,( where the buttons for the windows are), fell off and into the cavity below. The convertible top leaks badly along the point where the top meets the car windshield,windows,and back window. Very upset that there are many people with same problem yet no one wants to address the issue...Mitsubishi should pay for repairs... *Tr
Convertible roof does not fold down due to bent frame members on each side - called "bent top stack control links". This prevents the top front bow from closing tightly and allows water to enter the cab causing additional damage from mold and mildew - health hazards. The head liner pulls 1-1/2" from the front bow and sags significantly due to the slack distorting the view forward and limits the view in the mirror - a definite safety issue. The repair should be a factory issue and not cost me more than $500 for...
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the parts and labor. If this bar breaks it will further damage the rag top and quadruple the repair cost. The repair shop said this has been a problem with many mitzu ecclipse spyders since they were introduced. Recall - recall - recall. Thanks *tr
Rattling/clacking when driving slowing on rough road. Found right front lower lateral arm has a lot of play and also inner and outer tire rod ends have a lot of play. The front lower lateral arm to suspension and everything dropped prior getting to dealership to inspect and fix it. More damages incurred for broken suspension, tie rods and lateral arm. *Jb
Around 50,000 miles about 2001 my service engine light would come on and go off. I call dealership and because I couldn't be seen no earlier than 2 weeks ahead of time I was unable to get a convenient appt. I didn't get the vehicle in the shop until much later. When the light started staying on steady around 81,000 I took it in. I took the vehicle to my local mitsubishi dealership and they charged me over $200 to tell me my computer was no good and a new one would cost $1100 and my warranty on the computer...
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went out at 80,000. I let some time go by and purchased a computer from the junkyard. I then found a place that rebuilt computers. I sent my original computer away. I later got a phone call with the place telling me that my computer had been recalled so I called mitsubishi. They told me there had not been a recall so I called the place back. The guy explained that my computer had the same issue as many others like mine had and that mitsuibishi did not recall them but stop making that type of computer. He did tell me they made a new one and if I could find out what they went over to he could find me one. When I called mits back and explained they told me that the dealership could have over ridden the 81,00 miles since it was so close to the 80,000 and if I went back there I could see if they would do it. Well I called back and spoke to the service manager. He wanted me to do another diagnostic test which I am trying to explain that would not benefit me. I would be paying another $200 plus dollars to be told the same thing that they had already told me or told something different which means I have wasted my first $200 plus dollars. I gave up and have been replacing everything on the car to get it fixed. I have no choice but to use the junkyard computer cause my original one had blown up and it has been an issue every since. My service engine soon light stays on now and it is missing badly. I have changed the oxygen sensors 3 times. *Tr
1998 Mitsubishi eclipse turbo customer states that less than four months after purchasing the car, it broke down in the parking lot. The front drivers side tire came off crashing to the ground**cc the consumer discovered the vehicle was apart of a recall, however she was told by customer service that the vehicle had already been repaired under the recall. The consumer was also told that because she didn't take the vehicle to a mitsubishi dealer they were not liable for reimbursement. *Jb
I purchased my car new in february 1998. After 9 years I only have 43,000 miles on the car. I live in southern california so there is no extreme temperature changes which might have caused the door handle to be compromised, nor abuse as I see others are being told by service shops. I did not expect to open my drivers side car door last week and have it come off in my hand. The reason I bought this car was that a friend had just bought one for himself the month before I did. I was visiting him yesterday and asked...
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him to guess what happened to my car and he beat me to it. His driver's side door handle had come off in his hand 2 weeks ago. I was first checking for a possible recall before bringing it to the dealership. Right now, I have to climb through from the passenger side to pop open my door or leave the window down when running errands. I think the number of complaints seems to warrant some sort of a response to this from mitsubishi. *Jb
Tl* - the contact stated that he was pulling out of his driveway in his 1998 mitsubishi eclipse when his lower ball joint failed. The contact had only reached a speed of 7 mph at the time of the failure.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 30 mph, a vehicle pulled out in front of the contact causing the contact to hit this vehicle on the front driver's side from the wheel forward. The passenger side air bag got stuck to the back plate and did not deploy. The air bag began to smoke and was burned beyond repair. As a result, the passenger side window cracked. There was damage to the vehicle and a police report was taken.
One of the cylinders has misfired several times in which I replaced spark plugs and wires. It was due to a faulty fuel injector. *Jb
I bought my 98 eclipse, standard, in 2003, not even a year after I had it it died on me on the freeway one day. Turned out it was the speed sensor that got me stranded in the middle of no where. About another 6 months later the found an oil leak on the head gasket that was making me misfire, that was fixed. The car was fine until about 2 months ago when the engine went out on me because apparently the engine oil and coolant were somehow mixing, my hoses were out, so was my water pump, o2 sensor and fuel pump...
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sensor, all at the same time. Well I had major work done everything was put in new, about a month later my driver door handle falls off, that cost me 150 dollars! One month after that, now, my speedometer stops working all of a sudden and 2 weeks later my transmission goes out. Also my clutch is going out. So now I cant drive the car any higher than 5th gear because it throws my gear out!!! Since I still owe 6k on the car I have no choice but to fix it. Which is going to end up costing me, in all I've spent and am about to spend, as much as I still owe on the car! *Nm
Dt*: the contact stated prior to purchase there was a recall for the lower ball joints, #00v421001. The recall work was performed, but the vehicle had the failure associated with the recall again. Since purchase, the steering was poor and then there was a loud clunking noise from under the vehicle. An independent repair shop determined the lower ball joint needed to be replaced.
I own a mitsubishi eclipse 98. The passenger side handle broke off the first time in 2000. I had it replaced with another mitsubishi handle. For the 2nd time and 3rd time, my passenger handle broke off in 2005 and a week later the driver's side broke off. It's ridiculous. They should recall these handles that are made in taiwan and not use cheap ones. *Nm
Beginning 01/2005, while driving 60 mph, there was a loud noise and vehicle lost power. An independent mechanic repaired the crank pulley. A few months later, it broke again, and the same mechanic repaired the crank pulley at no cost. Finally, 10/2005, the crank pulley broke again. I had the vehicle towed to the same mechanic. He had a mitsubishi specialist to look at the problem and he said the specialist admitted that there are problems with the crank pulley bolt braking. That the only way, and least expensive way, to resolve the problem is to replace the motor which is cheaper than replacing the crank shaft. *Jb
After crashing in a mitsubishi eclipse the airbags were deployed and the passenger side airbag caught fire. To fix this problem the fire department had to pull apart the dash in order to remove the wires from the airbag. *Jb
Dt: while pulling into a parking spot the accelerator stuck and vehicle speeded up. The caller's husband applied the clutch to put vehicle in neutral and the clutch blew oput. It shot pieces of metal through the hood of the vehicle. Insurance company said it could have been the cruise control or the throttle. Dealer said they never heard of that happening and wanted her to bring the vehicle in. She will have an independent mechanic look at vehicle tomorrow. Manufacturer has not been contacted yet.*Ak
Dt: the consumer had manufacturer's recall c9803t repairs done. After the recall work was done the vehicle leaked oil and the transfer case broke. When the consumer contacted the dealership, they told him to contact the manufacturer. The manufacturer told the consumer that they would send his complaint # 375 625 for review. The consumer contacted the manufacturer on 8-30-05. *Ak
Mitsubishi Eclipse: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 104 | 4 | D |
| 2001 | 300 | 10 | F |
| 2000 | 308 | 10 | F |
| 1999 | 135 | 11 | D |
| 1998 | 151 | 13 | F |
| 1997 | 164 | 12 | F |
| 1996 | 168 | 11 | F |
| 1995 | 314 | 12 | F |
| 1994 | 36 | 4 | B |
1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 151 | 13 | F | |
| 1998 Mitsubishi Montero | 74 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Mitsubishi Galant | 57 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage | 43 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Mitsubishi Montero Sport | 35 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 1998 Mitsubishi Diamante | 27 | 1 | B | Compare |
| 1998 Mitsubishi 3000GT | 15 | 1 | B | Compare |
| 1998 Mitsubishi Spyder | 3 | 1 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Does the 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 13 recalls for the 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse: headlights (May 2009); exterior lighting (April 2009); fuel pump (July 2007); exterior lighting (July 2006) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (31), body, doors & structure (27), engine & cooling (24).
How many complaints has the 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse had?
151 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 7, 1998 and the latest on February 19, 2019. Of these, 23 describe a crash and 5 a fire, and together they report 14 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 18 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Mitsubishi Eclipse year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Mitsubishi Eclipse years have the most complaints?
1995 (314), 2000 (308), 2001 (300). See every Mitsubishi Eclipse year compared.
What should I do if my 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data