MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE · model year

1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE

150 NHTSA complaints, 10 crash reports for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 1999MITSUBISHIECLIPSE carries 150 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 10 crashes, 3 fires, 5 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 1999 ECLIPSE is power train:automatic transmission with 14 filings, followed by structure:body:door (14) and steering (9). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.

NHTSA currently has 14 investigation files overlapping the 1999 ECLIPSE. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

150
Complaints
10
Crashes
3
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

150 filings

Crashes Reported

10 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION14
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR14
STEERING9
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE8
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION7
WHEELS:RIM5
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH5
SUSPENSION5
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE4
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS4
SUSPENSION:FRONT3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION3
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)3

Recent Complaints

20190312STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AND HAD IT TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM, AXLE, AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 206,000.

Mileage: 206,000

20190312SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AND HAD IT TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM, AXLE, AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 206,000.

Mileage: 206,000

20190307POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM, AXLE, AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 206,000.

Mileage: 206,000

20190307SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM, AXLE, AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 206,000.

Mileage: 206,000

20190307STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM, AXLE, AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 206,000.

Mileage: 206,000

20120902STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

APRIL 2010 WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE A 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE RS HATCHBACK AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES PER HOUR, THE 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE RS HATCHBACK SUDDENLY LOSS CONTROL AND CRASHED ONTO THE ROADWAY. I HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE CAR INSTANTLY LOSS USE OF CONTROL IN STEERING AND THE CAR PROCEEDED TO LEAVE THE ROAD ONTO A GRASSY MEDIAN TO MY LEFT SIDE. I DISCOVERED THE FRONT CONTROL ARM WAS LYING ON THE ROADWAY DETACHED FROM THE AXEL AND TIRE. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS WEDGED AT AN ANGLE BETWEEN THE FRAME AND THE DISASSEMBLED PARTS OF THE CAR. I HAD THE 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE TOWED HOME AND REPLACED THE FAULTY PARTS WITH ANOTHER FRONT CONTROL ARM & LOWER BALL JOINT PURCHASED FROM AUTO ZONE. IN 2011, THE SAME VEHICLE A 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE RS HATCHBACK LOSES CONTROL WHILE IN MOTION AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES PER HOUR, AS I WAS TURNING LEFT ONTO A TWO LANE STREET. THE CAR LOST STEERING CONTROL SKIDDING OFF THE ROADWAY IN THE DIRECTION ON-COMING TRAFFIC. THE FRONT CONTROL A

Mileage: 200,000

20120902SUSPENSION

APRIL 2010 WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE A 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE RS HATCHBACK AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES PER HOUR, THE 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE RS HATCHBACK SUDDENLY LOSS CONTROL AND CRASHED ONTO THE ROADWAY. I HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE CAR INSTANTLY LOSS USE OF CONTROL IN STEERING AND THE CAR PROCEEDED TO LEAVE THE ROAD ONTO A GRASSY MEDIAN TO MY LEFT SIDE. I DISCOVERED THE FRONT CONTROL ARM WAS LYING ON THE ROADWAY DETACHED FROM THE AXEL AND TIRE. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS WEDGED AT AN ANGLE BETWEEN THE FRAME AND THE DISASSEMBLED PARTS OF THE CAR. I HAD THE 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE TOWED HOME AND REPLACED THE FAULTY PARTS WITH ANOTHER FRONT CONTROL ARM & LOWER BALL JOINT PURCHASED FROM AUTO ZONE. IN 2011, THE SAME VEHICLE A 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE RS HATCHBACK LOSES CONTROL WHILE IN MOTION AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES PER HOUR, AS I WAS TURNING LEFT ONTO A TWO LANE STREET. THE CAR LOST STEERING CONTROL SKIDDING OFF THE ROADWAY IN THE DIRECTION ON-COMING TRAFFIC. THE FRONT CONTROL A

Mileage: 200,000

20120902STEERING

APRIL 2010 WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE A 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE RS HATCHBACK AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES PER HOUR, THE 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE RS HATCHBACK SUDDENLY LOSS CONTROL AND CRASHED ONTO THE ROADWAY. I HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE CAR INSTANTLY LOSS USE OF CONTROL IN STEERING AND THE CAR PROCEEDED TO LEAVE THE ROAD ONTO A GRASSY MEDIAN TO MY LEFT SIDE. I DISCOVERED THE FRONT CONTROL ARM WAS LYING ON THE ROADWAY DETACHED FROM THE AXEL AND TIRE. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS WEDGED AT AN ANGLE BETWEEN THE FRAME AND THE DISASSEMBLED PARTS OF THE CAR. I HAD THE 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE TOWED HOME AND REPLACED THE FAULTY PARTS WITH ANOTHER FRONT CONTROL ARM & LOWER BALL JOINT PURCHASED FROM AUTO ZONE. IN 2011, THE SAME VEHICLE A 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE RS HATCHBACK LOSES CONTROL WHILE IN MOTION AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES PER HOUR, AS I WAS TURNING LEFT ONTO A TWO LANE STREET. THE CAR LOST STEERING CONTROL SKIDDING OFF THE ROADWAY IN THE DIRECTION ON-COMING TRAFFIC. THE FRONT CONTROL A

Mileage: 200,000

20120902WHEELS

APRIL 2010 WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE A 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE RS HATCHBACK AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES PER HOUR, THE 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE RS HATCHBACK SUDDENLY LOSS CONTROL AND CRASHED ONTO THE ROADWAY. I HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE CAR INSTANTLY LOSS USE OF CONTROL IN STEERING AND THE CAR PROCEEDED TO LEAVE THE ROAD ONTO A GRASSY MEDIAN TO MY LEFT SIDE. I DISCOVERED THE FRONT CONTROL ARM WAS LYING ON THE ROADWAY DETACHED FROM THE AXEL AND TIRE. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS WEDGED AT AN ANGLE BETWEEN THE FRAME AND THE DISASSEMBLED PARTS OF THE CAR. I HAD THE 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE TOWED HOME AND REPLACED THE FAULTY PARTS WITH ANOTHER FRONT CONTROL ARM & LOWER BALL JOINT PURCHASED FROM AUTO ZONE. IN 2011, THE SAME VEHICLE A 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE RS HATCHBACK LOSES CONTROL WHILE IN MOTION AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES PER HOUR, AS I WAS TURNING LEFT ONTO A TWO LANE STREET. THE CAR LOST STEERING CONTROL SKIDDING OFF THE ROADWAY IN THE DIRECTION ON-COMING TRAFFIC. THE FRONT CONTROL A

Mileage: 200,000

20120821SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANG UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR THE SAME REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V421001 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT) BUT HAD ALREADY BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED. THE CONTACT DENIED HAVING THE REPAIR PERFORMED PREVIOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

20090212LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

MY 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE GSX HATCH WILL RELEASE BUT WILL NOT OPEN WHEN RELEASE FROM RELEASING HANDLE ON THE SIDE OF THE DRIVER SEAT FLOOR. *TR

Mileage: 163,000

20080814SUSPENSION

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR A SAFETY ACT THAT WOULD REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BALL JOINTS; HOWEVER, AFTER HE RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT IT WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT DUE TO THE TIRE ALIGNMENT. THE DEALER STATED THAT HE DID NOT NEED AN ALIGNMENT WITH THE REPLACEMENT OF THE BALL JOINTS. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND ANOTHER MITSUBISHI DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED A FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT FOLLOWING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE BALL JOINTS. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 91,000.

Mileage: 91,000

20080814STEERING

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR A SAFETY ACT THAT WOULD REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BALL JOINTS; HOWEVER, AFTER HE RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT IT WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT DUE TO THE TIRE ALIGNMENT. THE DEALER STATED THAT HE DID NOT NEED AN ALIGNMENT WITH THE REPLACEMENT OF THE BALL JOINTS. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND ANOTHER MITSUBISHI DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED A FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT FOLLOWING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE BALL JOINTS. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 91,000.

Mileage: 91,000

20080605SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

LOWER LATERAL BALL JOINT BROKE OFF AND TIRE CAME OFF OF CAR CAUSING MY DAUGHTER TO LOSE CONTROL OF CAR. FOUND OUT THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THIS PART IN 2002 AND RECORDS SHOW THAT IT HAD BEEN CHANGED. EVIDENTLY THE SAME PART WAS DEFECTIVE AGAIN, I BELIEVE. CAR HAD TO BE FLATBEDDED TO REPAIR SHOP AND FIXED FOR $1100. THANKFULLY SHE WAS NOT GOING FAST AS AAA DRIVER SAID HE HAD GONE OUT ON SEVERAL CALLS FOR THIS CAR WITH THE SAME RESULT AND MANY INJURIES OCCURRED. *TR

Mileage: 60,000

20071220LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE OF VEHICLE OF MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE 1999 GS DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF FROM THE INSIDE AND NOW I HAVE TO OPEN DOOR FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE. CAR WAS TAKING BACK TO DEALERSHIP WHO DIRECTED ME TO THE MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP AND THEY REFUSED TO FIX THE DOOR LATCH STATING THAT IT WAS UNDER NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR CONDITIONS. THERE ARE TOO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE TO BE CONSIDERED NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR, THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS ITEM I AM HAVING BACK ISSUES DUE TO OPENING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE. *TR

20070630STRUCTURE

I PURCHASED CAR IN 2003 AND WITHIN 6 MONTHS CERTAIN AREAS ON THE CAR THE PAINT BEGAN TO DIMINISH. TAKEN TO MITSUBISHI FOR EFFECTED AREAS AND THEY PAINTED CAR ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, (THE EFFECTED AREAS AT THAT TIME) BUT WHEN THE REST OF THE CAR CONTINUED TO DIMINISH MITSUBISHI REFUSED TO PAINT AFFECTED AREAS BECAUSE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL MITSUBISHI'S WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, AND I CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHY MITSUBISHI DOESN'T PAINT THE ENTIRE CAR AT THE FIRST SIGN OF THIS PROBLEM. THE ENTIRE CAR IS PAINTED WITH THIS CLEAR COAT, SO THE ENTIRE CAR WILL EVENTUALLY HAVE THIS PROBLEM. HOWEVER, MITSUBISHI DOESN'T PAINT THE ENTIRE VEHICLE ALL AT ONCE SO THAT THEIR CUSTOMERS WILL ONLY GO TO THE DEALER THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENS, AND WILL JUST PAY OUT OF THEIR POCKETS WHEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN! THIS SAVES THE GREEDY COMPANY MONEY! *TR

Mileage: 32,000

20070616ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

CAR WILL COMPLETELY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. WILL HAVE TO TRY TO RESTART THE CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. , .SEVERAL MECHANICS AND EVEN THE MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP HAD HOOKED IT UP TO THE COMPUTER, AND THEY WILL NOT GET ANY READINGS FOR THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID IT WAS BECAUSE OF BUILD UP IN THE EXHAUST, AND THEY CLEANED IT OUT, AND NOT EVEN 5 MILES DOWN THE ROAD IT STALLED AGAIN. REPLACED BELTS,GASKETS,SPARK PLUGS AND HOSES. THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. WELL IF THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT I WOULDN'T BE SCARED TO DRIVE IT WITHOUT GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT. *AK

Mileage: 70,000

20070411ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

WHILE HAVING A BASIC OIL CHANGE AT THE MITSUBISIHI/CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP WAS INFORMED OF THE HEAD GASKET LEAK. AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE MOTORS AND A $1000 TO REPAIR.*AK

Mileage: 35,000

20070216STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

I WENT TO OPEN THE CAR DOOR BARELY HAD THE HANDLE LIFTED UP AND THE PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE SNAPPED OFF IN MY HAND. A FEW MONTHS LATER THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE DID THE SAME THING. *NM

20070119POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)

DRIVING ON THE NJ TURNPIKE, NOTICED SPEED DECREASING ON ITS OWN. WHILE MOVING OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE, THE REAR WHEELS LOCKED UP. *NM

Compare 1999MITSUBISHIECLIPSE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE have?
The 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE has 150 NHTSA complaints, 10 crashes, 3 fires, 5 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE?
The most-complained component for the 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION with 14 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR and STEERING.
Is the 1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.