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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
25about this part
Share
54%of 46 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 54% of the 46 complaints for this model year. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“After making a complaint of noise in my drivetrain and then having the transmission and trasfer case serviced at a Mitsubishi dealer who later told me that thier mechanics were not factory certified and was told after my car developed a problem that I would have to have my car towed one hundred miles to greenwood indiana were they had a factory certified mechanic to inspect my car my trasfer case on my car failed twice on first failure the case was replaced on the second faiure the transfer case locked up on the highway about 150 miles from were I had it serviced at the Mitsubishi dealership…”

NHTSA complaint #732010, filed 2000-09

“1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse with automatic transmission problems. Consumer states that it has broken twice in his vehicle. He states that if this breaks it could cause a serious accident because the vehicle just stops and shuts off.”

NHTSA complaint #10212784, filed 2007-12

“After returning the vehicle to a dealer becasue of a recall for a leaking transfer case, I was told that the rack and pinion assembly was leaking. They said this could result in a loss of steering, which is just as serious as the transfer case problem. Is this a widespread defect? Should this be fixed under a recall? The cost to repair it was estimated at about $1400”

NHTSA complaint #718766, filed 2000-02

“Transfer case lockups due to leakage of lubricants on this vehicle is well documented. Dealer was notified of gear noise at 69000 miles but owner was told transfer case was ok. At that time there was inspection on recall # c9803txx. Transfer case now very noisey and vibrates.”

NHTSA complaint #742177, filed 2001-03

“Whle parked noticed a large amount of fluid under vehicle. Dealer repaired transfer case seal twice,but vehicle still leaks. Dealer refused to repair. Pleasse provide further information.”

NHTSA complaint #888233, filed 2001-05

Related recalls

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200912%
200823%
200722%
200666%
20032016%
200245%
2001199%
2000176%
19992521%
19982822%
19972216%
19961610%
19954816%
19941029%
19931336%
19922143%
19911935%
19902554%

Other parts of the 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Engine cooling
6 complaints
Seat belts
6 complaints
Electrical system
5 complaints
Steering
3 complaints
Equipment
2 complaints
Exterior lighting
2 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints
Brakes
1 complaints
Other or unknown
1 complaints
Seats
1 complaints
Tires
1 complaints
Wheels
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology