RoadVitals

2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
71
Latest May 12, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
12
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
9

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Brakes5872.5%
  • Airbags67.5%
  • Electrical33.8%
  • Interior & seats22.5%
  • Driver assistance22.5%
  • Engine22.5%
  • Powertrain (other)22.5%
  • Other / unspecified11.3%
  • Visibility11.3%
  • Seat belts11.3%
  • Suspension11.3%
  • Body & structure11.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

58
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH and descending an incline on the road, the contact depressed the brake pedal, and the brake pedal went to the floorboard. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact used the parking brake to slow down the vehicle. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer because the closest dealer was 2 hours away, and the brakes had failed. The contact was aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V337000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact had called the manufacturer and was advised to find a local independent mechanic, and the manufacturer would ship the parts needed to complete the recall repair. The manufacturer had not included a key computer tool to set the ABS system correctly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed about the lack of support. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

NHTSA ID 11686856 · filed Sep 12, 2025

MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE ECLIPSE, SHE TURNED ONTO A SIDE STREET AND THE CAR SPUN OUT OF CONTROL CAUSING HER TO HIT A PARKED CAR. THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE IS SIDEWAYS, I HAVE PICTURES OF THE CAR AFTER THE ACCIDENT. MY INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED THE CAR. THE POLICE ARE SAYING SHE WAS AT FAULT FOR THE ACCIDENT. THERE IS A RECALL ON THE VIN NUMBER.

NHTSA ID 11174615 · filed Feb 5, 2019
All 58 reports naming brakes

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Wiring harness for air bag system that is under driver seat severed by normal seat movement

NHTSA ID 11737358 · filed May 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, for unknown reasons, he veered off the road, traveled over a hill, and crashed into a dirt pile. The steering wheel air bag failed to deploy. The contact had previously unplugged, the passenger seat air bag. The air bag and check engine warning lights were illuminated. After the crash, the curtain and driver's seat air bag were deployed. The contact noticed the passenger's side rear tire was low and had a slash in the side wall. The contact sustained whiplash and pain, and medical attention was provided. The vehicle was towed to his residence. There was no reported fire or police report. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided.  The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ID 11590989 · filed May 28, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A BUMP WAS ENCOUNTERED WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, AND THE BRAKES HESITATED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V337000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10787281 · filed Oct 30, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THERE WERE WHITE FUMES EMITTING FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE AS AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON ONE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE UNIT BREAKER AND THE WATER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ID 10766508 · filed Sep 21, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2008 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUE WITH LATCH HOOK. *LD

NHTSA ID 10965569 · filed Mar 13, 2017

AT ABOUT 20,000 MILES THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON AS WELL AS THE WARNING INDICATOR THAT THE PASSENGER WAS NOT BUCKLED UP EVEN THOUGH I COULD SEE THEY WERE. ALSO THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM COLUMN WITHOUT THE CAR IN PARK. *TR

NHTSA ID 10331776 · filed May 22, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The contact stated that while stopped at an intersection with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle accelerated forward inadvertently. The contact had her husband inspect the vehicle and while he attempted to start the vehicle with his foot depressed on the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated forward. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.

NHTSA ID 11426532 · filed Jul 26, 2021

I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM FOR THE LAST 2 YEARS. WHEN I ACCELERATE THE BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON. I CHECKED FLUID AND EVERYTHING. I DROVE IT AGAIN AND HAD TO MAKE NOT EVEN A SUDDEN STOP AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR BOARD AND ALMOST DID NOT STOP.I HAVE READ ALL OVER THAT THERE ARE PROBLEMS WITH THE SAME THING ON THIS SAME MODEL CAR. NOT SURE WHY THERE IS NO RECALL ON IT YET. I HAVE TWO SMALL YOUNG CHILDREN AND AM AFRAID I ONE DAY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO STOP. WHEN YOU PRESS ON THE BRAKES THERE IS AN AIR OR WHISTLE SOUND COMING FROM THEM. THE PADS AND ROTORS ARE GOOD AND THE CAR IS A 2008 WITH 88,000 MILES ON IT. IT HAS NEVER BEEN HARD DRIVEN. NOT SURE WHAT THE ISSUE IS AND IF THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER IS $139 PLUS FRIGHT CHARGE FROM OUT OF STATE AND THAT MAY OR MAY NOT BE THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID 10650306 · filed Oct 27, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, for unknown reasons, he veered off the road, traveled over a hill, and crashed into a dirt pile. The steering wheel air bag failed to deploy. The contact had previously unplugged, the passenger seat air bag. The air bag and check engine warning lights were illuminated. After the crash, the curtain and driver's seat air bag were deployed. The contact noticed the passenger's side rear tire was low and had a slash in the side wall. The contact sustained whiplash and pain, and medical attention was provided. The vehicle was towed to his residence. There was no reported fire or police report. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided.  The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ID 11590989 · filed May 28, 2024

THIS CAR IS A 2008 AND I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS A FACTORY ERROR BUT IS ALREADY ASKING FOR THE CATALYZE CONVERTER TO BE CHANGED AND IT ONLY HAS 83,000 MILES. I KNOW BECAUSE IT DIDN'T PASS THE EMISSIONS TEST. THEY ASKED ME TO FIX CODE P0421.

NHTSA ID 10966701 · filed Mar 18, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The contact stated that while stopped at an intersection with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle accelerated forward inadvertently. The contact had her husband inspect the vehicle and while he attempted to start the vehicle with his foot depressed on the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated forward. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.

NHTSA ID 11426532 · filed Jul 26, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED INDEPENDENTLY INTO THE REVERSE POSITION, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, RIGHT ARM, AND FINGERS. THE CONTACT ALSO SUFFERED FROM A LARGE HEMATOMA ON THE RIGHT HIP. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED FOR THE INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A SALVAGE FACILITY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V337000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

NHTSA ID 10821530 · filed Jan 21, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000. MA 10/1 THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED ALL THE TIME. WHEN THE CONSUMER BRAKES, THE ABS ACTIVATED AND THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID 10746461 · filed Aug 5, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AND SIDE VIEW MIRRORS WERE TOO CLOSE TO THE VEHICLE CAUSING INADEQUATE VISIBILITY TO THE DRIVER. THE CONTACT STATED IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO CHANGE LANES OR REVERSE WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO HAVE A CLEAR LINE OF VISION. THE DEALER DID NOT ACKNOWLEDGE A DEFECT EXISTED IN THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT NO REPAIRS WOULD BE MADE TO THE VEHICLE IN REGARDS TO HER OPINION OF THE MIRRORS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

NHTSA ID 10340598 · filed Jun 29, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

AT ABOUT 20,000 MILES THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON AS WELL AS THE WARNING INDICATOR THAT THE PASSENGER WAS NOT BUCKLED UP EVEN THOUGH I COULD SEE THEY WERE. ALSO THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM COLUMN WITHOUT THE CAR IN PARK. *TR

NHTSA ID 10331776 · filed May 22, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE ECLIPSE, SHE TURNED ONTO A SIDE STREET AND THE CAR SPUN OUT OF CONTROL CAUSING HER TO HIT A PARKED CAR. THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE IS SIDEWAYS, I HAVE PICTURES OF THE CAR AFTER THE ACCIDENT. MY INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED THE CAR. THE POLICE ARE SAYING SHE WAS AT FAULT FOR THE ACCIDENT. THERE IS A RECALL ON THE VIN NUMBER.

NHTSA ID 11174615 · filed Feb 5, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

DASH HAS SPLIT APART AT SEAM ON PASSENGER SIDE IN FRONT OF AIRBAG I FEEL THERE IS A DEFAULT IN THE AIR BAG. *TR

NHTSA ID 10652926 · filed Nov 5, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .