1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 35%of 54 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 147,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 35% of the 54 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 147,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 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.
“Transfer case recall - 98v069001 safety recall was refused on the car. Transfer case is making an incredible whining sound. Local dealership and Mitsubishi offices said there is no warranty on the recall due to the recall already being performed, even if the car was just inspected and no changes made.”
NHTSA complaint #10150605, filed 2006-02, 113,094 miles“The owner stated that the vehicle had an outstanding recall and when the vehicle was taken to the dealer, the dealer refused to perform the service. The owner later contacted the manufacturer who told the owner that the recall for that vehicle had been performed previously. The owner is telling the manufacturer that the problem still exist. The manufacturer responded by saying deal with it . Provide further details.”
NHTSA complaint #10097394, filed 2004-10, 152,000 miles“I have discovered the transmission dip stick/fill cap missing on three separate occasions. Unknown how long I drove without dip stick each time. First time I had the transmission fluid purged, but dealer stated plug must have worn out. Each time the fluid level became very low. I believe an internal preasure is causing the plug to blow out. I have since tied a string to the plug so that I will not lose the plug. Unknown damage to transmission due to low fluid or dirt contamination.”
NHTSA complaint #755529, filed 2001-12“The contact owns a 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The contact stated that while driving 68 MPH, he heard a loud noise. He pulled over on the side of the road when he noticed smoke coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. The dealer advised that they needed to have the transfer case and the transmission replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised the contact that the recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 98v069001 (power train) was closed and there was nothing they could do to assist the contact. …”
NHTSA complaint #10466826, filed 2012-07, 180,000 miles“In 1998 consumer received a recall letter 98v069.001/ transmission, transfer case. Took vehicle to dealer. They inspected vehicle and said there was no leak, two years later, consumer was driving about 45 MPH and both rear wheels locked up. Consumer felt this was a result of dealer not inspecting vehicle properly at the time of recall, two years ago.”
NHTSA complaint #865413, filed 2000-07Related recalls
- 98V069001Mar 26, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Lockup of the transfer case can occur due to insufficient lubrication.Covers: Mitsubishi Eclipse 1990–1998
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 6 | 6% |
| 2003 | 20 | 16% |
| 2002 | 4 | 5% |
| 2001 | 19 | 9% |
| 2000 | 17 | 6% |
| 1999 | 25 | 21% |
| 1998 | 28 | 22% |
| 1997 | 22 | 16% |
| 1996 | 16 | 10% |
| 1995 | 48 | 16% |
| 1994 | 10 | 29% |
| 1993 | 13 | 36% |
| 1992 | 21 | 43% |
| 1991 | 19 | 35% |
| 1990 | 25 | 54% |
Other parts of the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse
12 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1991 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