2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Problems
- Complaints
- 71filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 71,937miles, 47 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 20 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints on this model year are dominated by the brakes: owners repeatedly describe the pedal sinking toward the floor, a soft or spongy pedal, hissing or whistle sounds, and needing to pump the brake to slow the car. Many of these reports reference the ABS hydraulic unit recall and describe waiting months for parts or being told the parts were not yet available. Other sampled complaints cover dash cracking near the passenger airbag, a few no-start/starter problems, and a check-engine code for the catalytic converter.
- Brakes
Brake pedal goes to the floor / soft, low brakes (ABS
Mentioned in 37 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe the brake pedal traveling to the floorboard, sometimes with a hissing or sucking sound on release, and needing to pump the pedal to slow the vehicle. Several say master cylinders, pads, boosters and switches were replaced without lasting improvement, and some shops diagnosed the ABS hydraulic unit. Many reports mention recall 15V337000, with owners saying dealers told them parts for the repair were not yet available or that a remedy could only be done after a failure was verified. Some also describe the problem appearing after bumps, dips in the road, or light snow. Reported across a wide mileage range in the sample, from about 15,000 to over 130,000 miles, and often described as intermittent over months or years.
What to check: Ask whether recall 15V337000 has been completed and keep the paperwork; on a test drive, press the pedal firmly at low speed and feel for a soft or sinking pedal, and check the brake fluid level.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I hit some ice and the anti lock brakes made a sound and the brakes went to the floor and now the brakes are spongy. This is not the first time this has happened to me. I found a web site called club g forum and there were dozens of other Eclipse owners all experiencing the same problem as me. This is definitely a major defect and needs to be recalled before someone gets seriously hurt or killed.”
NHTSA complaint #10661060, filed 2014-11, 30,000 miles“I noticed that as I press the brake peddle down and let off there is a whistle sound as the brake peddle is coming back up. This issue is continuing to get worse.the more that I drive the car, the less efficient my brakes are working to actually stop the car. Multiple mechanics have looked under the hood and said it could be either the master brake cylinder or the ABS control which is very uncommon for a car with such low miles.????”
NHTSA complaint #10549285, filed 2013-10, 41,000 miles - Brakes
Recall repair delays and repeat brake problems after repair
- 38 complaints (54%)
- median 70,000 mi at 7.8 yrs old (23 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2025
A number of owners report receiving the ABS hydraulic unit recall notice in 2015 and then waiting months, in some cases more than a year, while dealers said parts were unavailable. Some describe fluid leaks or continued brake trouble after the recall work was performed, and others report dealer visits where the problem could not be duplicated. Complaints mention being told to drive the car until a failure could be verified. Most notices referenced were received in 2015, with follow-up complaints through 2018 and later; mileage varies widely, and many reports give no mileage.
What to check: Request the recall completion record from the seller or a dealer, and ask whether any brake hydraulic repairs were done before or after the recall.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The car was recalled july 2015 for ABS hydaulic brake unit because it is susceptable to failure. I have called the dealer each month and till this day they tell me there is no remedy for the recall yet. What is the point of the recall if they dont fix it?”
NHTSA complaint #10807268, filed 2015-11“My 2008 Eclipse had an open recall on issues with ABS for over a year. After a year I was finally notified that the parts were available to fix the issue. After much hassle dealing with the local deal I took my car in for repair. The service center claimed to have fixed the problem. However now my car is no leaking brake fluid from the ABS. I contacted customer service and was told I need to take the car to a service center to be looked at. …”
NHTSA complaint #10926471, filed 2016-11 - Air bags
Airbags not deploying in a crash
- 5 complaints (7%)
- median 82,500 mi at 7.7 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2024
Several complaints describe crashes in which some airbags deployed and others did not, including reports of curtain airbags deploying while frontal airbags stayed folded. Other owners report the passenger airbag warning light staying on or the SRS light coming on, in one case along with a seat belt warning that did not match the seat being occupied. Reported from about 20,000 miles upward, in crashes at highway speeds as well as during routine driving.
What to check: Confirm the airbag warning light goes out after start-up, and ask whether the vehicle has been in a crash or had any airbag or seat belt work done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Dash of my car starting on the passenger side just started popping apart it's come apart all the way up to the radio and now my passenger airbag keeps light keeps coming on.”
NHTSA complaint #10944623, filed 2017-01, 47,000 miles“At about 20,000 miles the srs light came on as well as the warning indicator that the passenger was not buckled up even though I could see they were. Also the key can be removed from column without the car in park.”
NHTSA complaint #10331776, filed 2010-05, 20,000 miles
Buying note. Have any 2008 Eclipse inspected with attention to the brake hydraulic system and confirm whether recall 15V337000 was completed, since brake complaints are the most common in this sample. Also check the dashboard for cracks near the passenger airbag and scan for stored engine codes.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 71 consumer complaints for the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. 47 of the complaints include a mileage, and 23% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 71,937 miles. Of all complaints, 9 involved a crash, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 35 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
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.
- Brakes58 82%
- Air bags6 8.5%
- Other or unknown4 5.6%
- Electrical system3 4.2%
- Engine2 2.8%
- Vehicle speed control2 2.8%
- Seat belts1 1.4%
- Body and structure1 1.4%
Also reported: Suspension (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “My daughter was driving the Eclipse, she turned onto a side street and the car spun out of control causing her to hit a parked car. The passenger side tire is sideways, I have pictures of the car after the accident. My insurance company totaled the car. The police are saying she was at fault for the accident. There is a recall on the VIN number.”
NHTSA complaint #11174615, filed 2019-02, 81,000 milesAir bags: “The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, for unknown reasons, he veered off the road, traveled over a hill, and crashed into a dirt pile. The steering wheel air bag failed to deploy. The contact had previously unplugged, the passenger seat air bag. The air bag and check engine warning lights were illuminated. After the crash, the curtain and driver's seat air bag were deployed. The contact noticed the passenger's side rear tire was low and had a slash in the side wall. …”
NHTSA complaint #11590989, filed 2024-05, 160,000 milesOther or unknown: “I was driving on I-15 north bound about 06:30pm near the city of Escondido Ca. weather temperature 78°F Incident: Sunroof spontaneously exploded shattering glass. Sunshade visor was closed between vehicles passenger compartment and sunroof.”
NHTSA complaint #11426541, filed 2021-07Electrical system: “My car suddenly stopped starting. I thought it was the battery so I had that replaced, but upon further inspection it was discovered that my starter had gone bad. I had the starter replaced in august of 2011 (that's too soon for a 2008). On july 16, 2012 I had to have another brand new starter installed in my Eclipse. Two brand new starters in less than a year is unacceptable and it makes it worse that the car is a 2008. I feel like Mitsubishi needs to do a recall on this part.”
NHTSA complaint #10466631, filed 2012-07Mileage when problems were reported
23% of the 47 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 52,000 and 94,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2008 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 | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Eclipse FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 17 | 25 | 20 | $4,100 |
| Eclipse FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 16 | 25 | 19 | $4,350 |
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
- 15V337000Jun 2, 2015Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control…Covers: Mitsubishi Eclipse 2006–2009, Eclipse Spyder 2007–2009
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 20, 2005, to February 13, 2009, and 2007-2009 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured December 23, 2005, to February 13, 2009. Due to…
Recall details for the 2008 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. 35 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.
- 10152965Jan 8, 2019Suspension. This is a Technical Service Bulletin that was sent to dealers. The bulletin updates the Rear Suspension section of the affected Service Manuals to update the special service tool used in replacement…
- 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.
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
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Complaints on this model year are dominated by the brakes: owners repeatedly describe the pedal sinking toward the floor, a soft or spongy pedal, hissing or whistle sounds, and needing to pump the brake to slow the car. The issues reported most often: Brake pedal goes to the floor / soft, low brakes (ABS; Recall repair delays and repeat brake problems after repair; Airbags not deploying in a crash.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse have?
NHTSA recorded 71 consumer complaints for the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 58 complaints (82% of the total), followed by air bags with 6.
Has the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse (Eclipse, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 20 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse reported?
Among the 47 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 71,937 miles and the middle half falls between 52,000 and 94,000 miles; 23% 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. 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.