1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 7%of 136 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the body and structure of the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 7% of the 136 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles.
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.
“Fuel relay switch on my mitsuibishi Eclipse 1997 gs has failed on several occasions. In order to get my car to start, I have to go under the hood, wiggle the relay switch and lightly tap on the top of it. This fuel relay has been replaced by dealer and the problem continues to occur, even causing the car to go dead during travel. Dealership claims they do not know why it occurs. (20+ occurrences) enormous amounts of bluish gas fumes coming from the tail pipe, regardless of idle or in motion. …”
NHTSA complaint #10107645, filed 2005-01, 60,000 miles“Two top brackets in the convertible top have bent, preventing top from lowering completely. I was told by the dealer that this is a very common problem caused by stretching in a pair of straps in the top. These straps have been replaced in subsequent models. If this is a known design failure, do I as the consumer have any recourse in having this repaired?”
NHTSA complaint #722464, filed 2000-05“Whenever it rained water poured in where convertible clips were located. Driver/passenger side would get very wet. Pouch of water would develop between the back seat & the trunk. Speakers in the rear would get wet. Have taken to dealership at least 11 times & each time the mechanic was suppose to correct the problem, but it was never resolved.”
NHTSA complaint #875430, filed 2000-11“The vehicle would leak inside & in the trunk for no reason when it rains. Has been to dealer, but dealer could not find the cause of the leakage. Had specialist check the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #843963, filed 1999-07Related service bulletins
- 10170852Jan 29, 2013This Technical Service Bulletin updates the door adjustment procedure in the Body Section of the applicable service manuals.
- 10170097Jan 15, 2013This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 | 13% |
| 2009 | 6 | 14% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 5 | 5% |
| 2006 | 5 | 5% |
| 2005 | 1 | 17% |
| 2004 | 5 | 36% |
| 2003 | 31 | 25% |
| 2002 | 15 | 21% |
| 2001 | 21 | 10% |
| 2000 | 41 | 13% |
| 1999 | 24 | 20% |
| 1998 | 11 | 9% |
| 1997 | 10 | 7% |
| 1996 | 11 | 7% |
| 1995 | 12 | 4% |
| 1994 | 1 | 3% |
| 1993 | 4 | 11% |
| 1992 | 2 | 4% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse
41 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
22 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsWheels
8 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsTires
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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