- The problem
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2000-2005 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 5, 1999, to December 17, 2004, 2001-2005 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured January 19, 2000, to March 18, 2005, 2001-2005 Chrysler Sebring vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 21, 2005, and 2001-2005 Dodge Stratus vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 22, 2005. In the affected vehicles, the passenger side sun visor may be folded down in such a position that, if the passenger frontal air bag deploys, the passenger side sun visor may detach.
- The risk
- If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
- The fix
- MMNA will notify their owners, and Chrysler will notify the Chrysler and Dodge owners. Dealers will install a tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-15-005. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R30.
Vehicle safety record
2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 14 complaints about the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (5) and the airbags (3). Those complaints describe 6 crashes, 1 fire and 4 injuries. It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in June 2015 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2003 has 166 and the 2005 has 6.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical Eclipse year, for its age
#209 most complained-about 2004 vehicle
- Complaints
- 14
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 6
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 4
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems
Share of all 14 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse recalls 5
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
- 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 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
- On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel return line hose fitting on the electric fuel pump may be improperly molded.
- The risk
- Breakage could result in a leakage of fuel and in the presence of an ignition source, it could result a fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump. The recall began on july 26, 2004. Owners should contact mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel return line hose fitting on the electric fuel pump may be restricted, causing excessive fuel pressure to build up in the fuel injection system. Excessive fuel pressure may result in a leak in the fuel return hose.
- The risk
- Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the fuel pump pressure. Those vehicles exhibiting higher than normal fuel pump pressure will receive fuel pump modifications. The recall began december 3, 2003. Owners should contact mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037 or mitsubishi caribbean at 1-800-981-0452.
What owners say
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14 complaints about the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Electrical cable for Fuel Pump caught fire. My daughter was able to park and exit the car safely before it combusted but it took 8 minutes for the car to basically explode. I think this is very dangerous for a family with kids or someone that wouldn't be as fast as my kid to get out of the car. We found out the same car/year has a recall but this was not issued to my specific vehicle. https://www.kbb.com/mitsubishi/eclipse/2004/recall/ I requested Mitsubishi Motors to check the car and give me compensation and they denied. We have a case number with them. The car showed the check engine light but we changed spark plug cables and alternator. It seemed fine otherwise.
Brakes will intermittedly not respond to the brake pedal being depressed. Car has now been involved in two rear end collisions in 3 months. Repair shop cannot duplicate the problem described. Car was going 25 mph both times in two cities when the car failed to brake.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mitsubishi eclipse. The contact stated while driving at 65 mph, the vehicle crashed into another vehicle on the driver side that led to the vehicle rolling over three times. The air bags failed to deploy. There was one injury reported that required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. The vin was not provided.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mitsubishi eclipse. While driving approximately 35 mph, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle hesitated to stop. The failure recurred multiple times. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 15v337000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the part was unavailable to perform the repairs. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000.
Roommate driving my vehicle with myself in passenger seat. Struck a dear monday morning at approximately 60mph. Vehicle was put into a ditch and rolled at least 1 time into a marsh on left side of the road. Vehicle received major: front, both side, rear and roof damage. Not one air bag was deployed. *Tr
My mitsubishi eclipse sputters and dies when there is less than 1/2 tank fuel. Mitsubishi 2004 has a recall on the fuel return line hose fitting on the fuel pump, which could cause a fire. Mitsubishi claims my car was manufactured on a different production line, therefore, it is not their problem. Really? *Tr
I have a 2004 black mitsubishi eclipse that the paint has been falling off of, just like several other complaints. The paint started delaminating about 3years ago and just progressed from there. The car looks horrible! Mitsubishi has been downright rude re: this matter. They will not fix the paint issue due to car being out of warranty. *Tr
Clearcoat peeling off mitsubishi-defective paint. *Tr
Problem: harness. Every time I lift the steering wheel up, the engine turns off. I have tried to go to the mitsubishi dealer and to honda sierra where I bought the car (used) and they didn't want to take responsibility for it. I was like a tennis ball, so, I got tired of it. I even send a letter to honda sierra to deal with the problem because I bought if defective. Unfortunately, I did not get a response. Repair cost more than 300 dollars. I don't have money yet, and im still hopeful that either of the two parties are willing to work with the problem. *Tr
On second day of ownership I heard a very loud metal cracking sound while sitting in the car preparing to drive. Car was not started or moving). Upon inspection there was no visible defect. About a week later I had an identical experience. This time I noticed a crack in the body seam located on the driver's side door. The door would no longer close properly , and I immediately scheduled a repair appointment. The dealership adjusted the door and assured me that the crack in the frame was only cosmetic. The...
Read the full complaint
crack was filled and painted and seems to be holding, but there is a leak in the door that leaves water on the door sill plate every time it rains or I wash the car. I am in the process of having additional repairs for that now.*Ak
The rubbers on my 2004 mitsubishi eclipse spyder is always leaking water into the car, creating a mold smell, destroying the speakers, ect. The dealership replaced them about 4 months ago or less, and they are leaking again on the convertible top, making my seat belt wet, which I believe is a hazard if in a accident, my seat, and floors, not to mention it is leaking into the door panels. My son has fallen out of the car slipping on the water on the door panel, not that he needed a ambulance but got a fat lip when he put his teeth into them when he fell, also getting a bruised leg. *Jb
My mitsubishi eclipse spyder 2004 [[redacted]], done nearly 21,000 miles met with an accident on july 25, 2005. It veered off the road, went downhill for over twenty feet and collided head-on with a tree to come to a halt. The front of the vehicle was severely damaged. Despite the front-ended crash, the air bags failed to inflate. The severity of the crash is evident from the fact that the vehicle was categorized as a "total loss" by my insurance company. I believe the air bag should have gone off as a result of the impact. Updated 07/19/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Car was parked with ebrake pulled upwards to hold car in place. The 04 eclipse gt rolled backwards out of the parking spot and jumped the curb hitting another vehicle. 04 Eclipse taken to mitsubishi on 7/7/05 and they adjusted the ebreak saying ti was loose.
While driving at 15 mph and trying to go around another vehicle, the steering locked. This was the second occurrence where the steering column locked, causing a collision. *Ak ........Driver sustained injuries. *Ak
Mitsubishi Eclipse: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 71 | 1 | C |
| 2007 | 107 | 4 | D |
| 2006 | 99 | 4 | D |
| 2005 | 6 | 4 | A |
| 2004 | 14 | 5 | B |
| 2003 | 166 | 5 | F |
| 2002 | 104 | 4 | D |
| 2001 | 300 | 10 | F |
| 2000 | 308 | 10 | F |
2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 14 | 5 | B | |
| 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor | 182 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer | 80 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Mitsubishi Galant | 61 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander | 52 | 4 | C | Compare |
| 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback | 8 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder | 6 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Mitsubishi Montero | 5 | 3 | B | Compare |
| 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport | 5 | 1 | A | 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 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Does the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse: inflator module (June 2015); exterior lighting (March 2006); labels (September 2004); hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (June 2004) 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 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (5), airbags (3), brakes (3).
How many complaints has the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse had?
14 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on December 16, 2004 and the latest on September 20, 2021. Of these, 6 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 4 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 73 out of 100 (grade B: fewer 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 2004 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