1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 11%of 120 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 200,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 11% of the 120 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 200,000 miles. 5 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.
“April 2010 while driving my vehicle a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse rs hatchback at approximately 20 miles per hour, the 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse rs hatchback suddenly loss control and crashed onto the roadway. I heard a loud noise and the car instantly loss use of control in steering and the car proceeded to leave the road onto a grassy median to my left side. I discovered the front control arm was lying on the roadway detached from the axel and tire. The front driver's side wheel was wedged at an angle between the frame and the disassembled parts of the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10473317, filed 2012-09, 200,000 miles“The contact owns a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse. While driving 45 MPH, the steering wheel detached from the steering column. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over and towed to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the passenger side control arm, axle, and transmission needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 206,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11184936, filed 2019-03, 206,000 miles“The contact owns a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse. While driving 45 MPH, the steering wheel detached from the steering column. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over and had it towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed that the passenger side control arm, axle, and transmission needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 206,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11186092, filed 2019-03, 206,000 miles“The contact owns a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The contact received a recall notice for a safety act that would replace the ball joints on the vehicle. The dealer replaced the ball joints; however, after he retrieved the vehicle, he noticed that it was pulling to the right due to the tire alignment. The dealer stated that he did not need an alignment with the replacement of the ball joints. An independent mechanic and another Mitsubishi dealer stated that the vehicle would need a four wheel alignment following the replacement of the ball joints. The recall number was unknown. …”
NHTSA complaint #10238140, filed 2008-08, 91,000 miles“Black glue substance that holds the plastic barrier film inside the driver and passenger door melts and leaks due to high summer temperatures. Water enters between the trunk door, not sealed properly. Vehicle pulls to the right. Vehicle steering is not up to standard.”
NHTSA complaint #10173094, filed 2006-11Related 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.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 2 | 14% |
| 2003 | 6 | 5% |
| 2001 | 9 | 4% |
| 2000 | 11 | 4% |
| 1999 | 13 | 11% |
| 1998 | 4 | 3% |
| 1997 | 7 | 5% |
| 1996 | 9 | 6% |
| 1995 | 10 | 3% |
| 1994 | 2 | 6% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
| 1990 | 3 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse
25 complaintsBody and structure
24 complaintsEngine cooling
18 complaintsSuspension
12 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
7 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsWheels
6 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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