1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 7%of 129 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 81,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 7% of the 129 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,000 miles. 3 a fire, 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.
“Had recall done for lateral arm, dealer informed me head gasket was blown, two weeks later both door handles broke off, maybe the door handles shouldn't be made of plastic. The car has been through two alternator belts in the last two years. The car overheats and it melts them right off. You buy a product from Mitsubishi so you dont expect it to be made by chrysler. My sister drives a dodge avenger and we have the same exact engine, and guess what happened to it ---a blown head gasket. Maybe you people should stand behind your product and fix the ever so common problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10068125, filed 2004-04, 81,000 miles“I was sold this car as a Mitsubishi, it has a chrysler engine one step up from a neon. If I would have wanted a neon by chrysler I would have purchased 2 for the price I paid for my Eclipse. The lower bearings went out. I have extended warranty. At 68,000 miles the radiator cracked, computer and alternater went out causing my car to overheat immediately and the engine wouldn't restart until it had cooled. Was hard to restart. It had slick 50 treatments 4 times during its life. It also has had 3 faulty clutches.”
NHTSA complaint #763732, filed 2002-07“Battery discharges overnight and electroautos cannot find any electrical leakage but they suspect the starter system device (an oblong device that needs to be presented to a red light to get the starter to function). The battery has been changed several times but leakage continues. Due to age, no sensors are currently available to check it. Vehicle is stationary in garage.”
NHTSA complaint #10809185, filed 2015-12“1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse, unit 1 was traveling east on the ohio turnpike near the 54 milepost. Unit 1 filled with smoke. Unit 1 pulled to the right shoulder and stopped. The driver of unit 1 exited and opened the hood and observed fire. The driver of unit 1 was charged with ovi. Bf (ohio traffic crash report # 10-0046-89) updated 04/22/11”
NHTSA complaint #10395090, filed 2011-04“Consumer saw smoke coming from between sunroof and rearview mirror. Also, from underhood while in carwash. Doors and windows were locked and consumer could not get out of vehicle. Gauges stopped working. Consumer had to pull wires before vehicle caught on fire. Had to take a hammer and pry open door get out. Dealer contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #8009907, filed 2002-05Related service bulletins
- 10170096Mar 5, 2013This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170100Feb 6, 2013This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170087Dec 7, 2012This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 2 | 25% |
| 2008 | 3 | 4% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 3 | 3% |
| 2005 | 2 | 33% |
| 2004 | 1 | 7% |
| 2003 | 7 | 6% |
| 2002 | 5 | 7% |
| 2001 | 19 | 9% |
| 2000 | 21 | 7% |
| 1999 | 8 | 7% |
| 1998 | 9 | 7% |
| 1997 | 4 | 3% |
| 1996 | 9 | 6% |
| 1995 | 46 | 15% |
| 1994 | 3 | 9% |
| 1993 | 1 | 3% |
| 1992 | 5 | 10% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
| 1990 | 5 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
28 complaintsEngine cooling
21 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsSuspension
12 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsTires
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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