2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse Problems
- Complaints
- 14filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 38,000miles, 10 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 19 city / 25 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 14 consumer complaints for the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The part named most often is body and structure, with 5 complaints (36% of the total), followed by air bags (3) and brakes (3). 10 of the complaints include a mileage, and 60% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 38,000 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 29 technical service bulletins for this model year. Body and structure complaints overlap with 3 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Air bags complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the inflator module and 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Body and structure5 36%
- Air bags3 21%
- Brakes3 21%
- Fuel system2 14%
- Steering2 14%
- Electrical system1 7.1%
- Engine1 7.1%
- Other or unknown1 7.1%
- Wheels1 7.1%
Example complaints
Body and structure: “On second day of ownership I heard a very loud metal cracking sound while sitting in the car preparing to drive. Car was not started or moving). Upon inspection there was no visible defect. About a week later I had an identical experience. This time I noticed a crack in the body seam located on the driver's side door. The door would no longer close properly , and I immediately scheduled a repair appointment. The dealership adjusted the door and assured me that the crack in the frame was only cosmetic. …”
NHTSA complaint #10148878, filed 2006-01, 450 milesAir bags: “Roommate driving my vehicle with myself in passenger seat. Struck a dear monday morning at approximately 60mph. Vehicle was put into a ditch and rolled at least 1 time into a marsh on left side of the road. Vehicle received major: front, both side, rear and roof damage. Not one air bag was deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #10522952, filed 2013-07, 83,000 milesBrakes: “Brakes will intermittedly not respond to the brake pedal being depressed. Car has now been involved in two rear end collisions in 3 months. Repair shop cannot duplicate the problem described. Car was going 25 MPH both times in two cities when the car failed to brake.”
NHTSA complaint #10906428, filed 2016-09, 146,000 milesFuel system: “My Mitsubishi Eclipse sputters and dies when there is less than 1/2 tank fuel. Mitsubishi 2004 has a recall on the fuel return line hose fitting on the fuel pump, which could cause a fire. Mitsubishi claims my car was manufactured on a different production line, therefore, it is not their problem. Really?”
NHTSA complaint #10479881, filed 2012-10, 98,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
60% of the 10 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 10,000 and 83,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eclipse · C | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eclipse FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Eclipse FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Eclipse FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Eclipse FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,900 |
| Eclipse FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,900 |
| Eclipse FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 15V338000Jun 2, 2015Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Mitsubishi Eclipse 2000–2005, Eclipse Spyder 2001–2005, Dodge Stratus 2001–2005 +1 more
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2000-2005 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 5, 1999, to December 17, 2004, 2001-2005 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured January 19, 2000, to March 18, 2005, 2001-2005 Chrysler…
- 04V428000Sep 1, 2004Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Mitsubishi Eclipse 1998–2005, Montero 1998–2004, Diamante 1998–2004 +9 more
Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, 'occupant crash protection.' the bilingual english/spanish removable air bag warning labels affixed to the dash and to the sunvisor do not meet…
- 04V312000Jun 29, 2004Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Mitsubishi Eclipse 2004, Eclipse Spyder 2004
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel return line hose fitting on the electric fuel pump may be improperly molded.
- 03V442000Nov 4, 2003Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Mitsubishi Eclipse 2003–2004, Eclipse Spyder 2003–2004, Galant 2003
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel return line hose fitting on the electric fuel pump may be restricted, causing excessive fuel pressure to build up in the fuel injection system. Excessive fuel pressure may result in a leak in the fuel return hose.
Recall details for the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 29 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10240443Jul 21, 2023Equipment. This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
- 10235609Apr 24, 2023Body and structure. This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.
- 10235608Apr 24, 2023Equipment. This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more…
- 10235606Apr 21, 2023Equipment. This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
- 10211530Apr 7, 2022Exterior lighting, Other or unknown. This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a…
- 10169006Nov 26, 2019Equipment. This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10163703Jul 30, 2019Equipment. This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin supersedes TSB-18-00-003, issued April, 2018, to add updated information for Carrying Capacity Reduced Label.
- 10130468Feb 27, 2018Equipment. This is a message sent to dealers, to inform them that an update for MEDIC will be available.
- 10130469Feb 26, 2018Equipment. This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170074Aug 28, 2015Transmission and drivetrain, Visibility (wipers, defrost…. This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
Other model years of the Mitsubishi Eclipse
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 8 | 86,000 | 0 | — | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 2009 | 42 | 67,035 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Stable |
| 2008 | 71 | 71,937 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Stable |
| 2007 | 107 | 78,540 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 99 | 72,250 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 6 | 61,000 | 3 | — | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 2004 | 14 | 38,000 | 4 | — | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 2003 | 124 | 36,500 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2002 | 73 | 45,593 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 209 | 51,122 | 7 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 308 | 70,000 | 7 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 120 | 70,000 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 129 | 71,000 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 136 | 97,000 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 159 | 89,200 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 307 | 116,000 | 5 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 34 | 15,500 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 36 | 137,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 49 | 68,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 54 | 140,000 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 46 | — | 5 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Mitsubishi Eclipse model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse have?
NHTSA recorded 14 consumer complaints for the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse is reported most often?
Body and structure is named most often, in 5 complaints (36% of the total), followed by air bags with 3.
Has the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse (Eclipse, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 19 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse reported?
Among the 10 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 38,000 miles and the middle half falls between 10,000 and 83,000 miles; 60% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.