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Body and structurePart report

1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Body and structure Problems

Complaints
11about this part
Share
7%of 159 total for the year
Median mileage
43,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the body and structure of the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 7% of the 159 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 43,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

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

“Bought car in nov 1996. About 5 months or so after purchasing the car, the drivers side sun visor can detached from the ceiling. I was told that this is not a covered warranty service. I was told that the threads needed to be redone and that they were stripped. My car only had 16,000 miles on it at this time. So the dealer apparently fixed it. But they didn't. When I put my sun visor down the visor slips out of the plastic holder and flies forward. Sometimes this has almost cost me many accidents. …”

NHTSA complaint #10082630, filed 2004-07, 16,000 miles

“Problem with convertible top which will not go all the way down properly, and causing inside damage to top fabric. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was out of its warranty, and nothing could be done at this time. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter.”

NHTSA complaint #874977, filed 2000-11

“Damage to front bumper assembly when loading car onto flatbed for towing. Note: this particular vehicle has a history of different problems, minor and major. Transmission shop was consulted and they have had 5 all-wheel drive eclipses with the same problem and were handed over to the dealer.”

NHTSA complaint #710062, filed 1999-08

“Involved in an head on collision at 55mph the floorboard was torn loose on the passenger's front seat and the front end was totaled and the air bag did not deploy. Please describe details.”

NHTSA complaint #807737, filed 1997-01

Related service bulletins

Body and structure: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2012113%
2009614%
200811%
200755%
200655%
2005117%
2004536%
20033125%
20021521%
20012110%
20004113%
19992420%
1998119%
1997107%
1996117%
1995124%
199413%
1993411%
199224%
199112%

Other parts of the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Suspension
27 complaints
Brakes
26 complaints
Engine cooling
26 complaints
Air bags
17 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
16 complaints
Electrical system
9 complaints
Steering
9 complaints
Tires
6 complaints
Vehicle speed control
6 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaints
Wheels
6 complaints
Equipment
5 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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