2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Problems
- Complaints
- 42filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 67,035miles, 22 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 · 19 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 42 consumer complaints for the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The part named most often is brakes, with 28 complaints (67% of the total), followed by air bags (8) and body and structure (6). 22 of the complaints include a mileage, and 32% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 67,035 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 32 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the control unit/module and 4 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Air bags complaints overlap with 2 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
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.
- Brakes28 67%
- Air bags8 19%
- Body and structure6 14%
- Seat belts1 2.4%
Example complaints
Brakes: “Decemebr 23, 2018 I was involved in an accident on a freeway, where all the traffic suddenly came to a stop from 50 MPH. As I pressed my breaks it was as though they almost didn't work causing me to strike the vehicle in front of me. The ABS light then became lit, all air bags were deployed and the car was determined totaled by my insurance company and I was not at fault.”
NHTSA complaint #11163673, filed 2018-12, 118,000 milesAir bags: “Another driver was traveling west and was attempting to turn left. I was traveling east when the other car turned from a direct line and hit the front of my car. My car is equipped with driver and passenger airbags, side airbags, and side head curtain airbags. At the moment of impact my airbags didn't deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #10559430, filed 2014-01, 67,070 milesBody and structure: “Dash pad in vehicle has come apart, completely blocking passenger side airbag. The dash pad is sticking up at least 3 inches in front of airbag. If airbag does deploy ever it will not properly and could cause more harm to passenger and driver. When this first happened my car was only 4 years old. There are several reports online of this happening to these vehicles. I think all affected cars should be fixed, since it is a safety issue on pretty new cars.”
NHTSA complaint #10683728, filed 2015-02, 74,789 milesSeat belts: “The lady crossed two lanes of traffic and ran a red light and hit my car on drivers side front including the door. Door won't open and airbags didn't deploy. The car was towed cause it couldn't start and wasn't drivable. Seat belts didn't lock so the people in my car hit steering, dashboard and back of the seats. My car was hit in the front in dec. 5, 2013 and same thing happened. Airbags didn't deploy and seatbelts didn't lock. From the accident before I made a complaint with Mitsubishi and they done nothing. Thanks for your time.”
NHTSA complaint #10614854, filed 2014-07, 79,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
32% of the 22 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 49,000 and 79,000 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 2009 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 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Eclipse FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 16 | 25 | 19 | $4,350 |
| Eclipse FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 16 | 24 | 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 2009 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. 32 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, 2022Other or unknown, Exterior lighting. 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
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse have?
NHTSA recorded 42 consumer complaints for the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 28 complaints (67% of the total), followed by air bags with 8.
Has the 2009 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 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse (Eclipse, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 19 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 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse reported?
Among the 22 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 67,035 miles and the middle half falls between 49,000 and 79,000 miles; 32% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. 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.