Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
65 complaint records2 crash reports
"MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND HERE: HTTP://WWW.ROADRACEENGINEERING.COM/WALKINGCRANKSHAFT.HTM. NO SAFETY DEFEC TMENTIONED...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Electrical system
57 complaint records6 fire reports2 crash reports
"WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Power train
55 complaint records3 crash reports
"THE TRANSFER CASE LOCKED UP CAUSING VEHICLE TO GO INTO A 180 DEGREE SPIN. A LEAK IN THE TRANSFER CASE CAUSES THE LOCKUP...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| RQ00015 opened Aug 2000 | closed Apr 2001 | Suspension | LOWER CONTRTOL ARM BALL JOINT - led to recall 99V066004 There is no summary currently available |
| RQ98007 opened May 1998 | closed Aug 1998 | Power Train | TRANSFER CASE LEAKAGE - led to recall 98V168002 THE TRANSFER CASE OF THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD), MITSUBISHI GALANT, ALLEGEDLY LEAKS OIL CAUSING ONE OR MORE WHEELS TO LOCKUP; OR THE INABILITY TO TRANSMIT ENGINE POWER TO THE DRIVE WHEELS.THE VEHICLES HAVE THE SAME TRANSFER CASE DESIGN AS THE ECLIPSE VEHICLES... |
| EA98002 opened Jan 1998 | closed Apr 1998 | Wheels | TRANSFER CASE LOCKUP - led to recall 98V069002 |
| PE97040 opened Sep 1997 | closed Jan 1998 | Wheels | TRANSFER CASE LOCKUP ALLEGED DRIVETRAIN FAILURE THAT CAN LEAD TO LOCK-UP OF THE REAR OR ALL WHEELS. |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00V421001 | Suspension | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE RUBBER BOOTS ON THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, DIRT AND WATER CAN INTRUDE. | Normally free |
| 99V066001 | Suspension | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE RUBBER BOOTS ON THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, DIRT AND WATER CAN INTRUDE. | Normally free |
| 98V069001 | Power Train | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION. | Normally free |
| 96V158001 | Fuel System, Gasoline | THE FUEL TANK GASKETS FOR THE FUEL PUMP AND/OR GAUGE UNIT GASKET COULD HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY INSTALLED ALLOWING FUEL OR FUMES TO ESCAPE. | Normally free |
| 94V149002 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | THE HEADLAMP SUPPORT PANEL CAN DEVELOP A FATIGUE CRACK WHERE THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) HYDRAULIC UNIT IS ATTACHED, ALLOWING THE HYDRAULIC UNIT TO FALL DOWN. | Normally free |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSB-22-54-003 Apr 2022 | 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 defective/broken part. | |
| TT253 Nov 2019 | Equipment | This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers. | |
| TSB-19-00-008 Jul 2019 | Equipment | 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. | |
| TT237 Feb 2018 | Equipment | This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers. | |
| TT218 Aug 2015 | Exterior Lighting | This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSB-15-54-004 Jul 2015 | Equipment | This TSB contains troubleshooting steps for diagnosis of various customer complaints relating to the audio system speakers in Mitsubishi vehicles equipped with original equipment audio components. | |
| TT217 Jul 2015 | Seats | This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers. | |
| TT195 Mar 2013 | Electrical System | This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers. | |
| TTIndex12 Mar 2013 | Equipment | This is an index of Tech Talk newsletter articles released in 2012. | |
| TT194 Feb 2013 | Steering | This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers. | |
| TSB-13-42A-002 Jan 2013 | Structure | This Technical Service Bulletin updates the door adjustment procedure in the Body Section of the applicable service manuals. | |
| TT193 Jan 2013 | Structure | This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers. | |
| TT192 Dec 2012 | Fuel System | This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers. | |
| TT191 Nov 2012 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers. | |
| 89 Dec 2002 | Fuel System | NO START. 1995-99 420A WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION. *TT | |
| 84 Jul 2002 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING MANUAL TRANSMISSION FLUID. *TT | |
| 83 Jun 2002 | Power Train | VEHICLE TECHNICAL INFORMATION REGARDING MANUAL TRANSMISSION FLUID. *TT | |
| 0255002 Mar 2002 | Equipment | SUBJECT REGARDING CORRECTED AIR CONDITIONER MAGNETIC CLUTCH SERVICE PROCEDURES. *JG | |
| 80 Mar 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING REPLACEMENT CRANK ANGLE SENSOR WIRE COLORS. *TT | |
| TSB0155003 Feb 2001 | Visibility | SERVICE MANUAL REVISION ON REVOLUTION PICK-UP SENSOR RESISTANCE. *JB | |
| TSB0052A010 Nov 2000 | Seats | THIS BULLETIN DESCRIBES HOW TO INSTALL THE NEW POWER SEAT SLIDE MOTOR. *TT | |
| TSB0011001 Feb 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION AND RELATED INSTALLATION PROCEDURES ABOUT A NEW, IMPROVED HEAD GASKET FOR VEHILCES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.0L, NON-TURBO, 420A ENGINE. *TT | |
| 9922003 Oct 1999 | Power Train | THIS BULLETIN CONTAINS RECOMMENDED MANUAL TRANSMISSION / TRANSAXLE MAINTENANCE INFORMATION. *TT | |
| 9923010 Oct 1999 | Power Train | THIS BULLETIN CONTAINS RECOMMENDED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION / TRANSAXLE MAINTENANCE INFORMATION. *TT | |
| TSB9911007 Jun 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION REGARDING CYLINDER HEAD GASKETS FOR REMANUFACTURED SHORT BLOCKS. *TT | |
| 48 Jun 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING CHRYSLER REPROGRAMMING CATRIDGE ROUND-UP. *TT | |
| TSB9942A004 Feb 1999 | Structure | VEHICLES EXHIBITING POPPING AND/OR CREAKING NOISE IN DOOR WINDOW GLASS. *TT | |
| TSB9934001 Feb 1999 | Suspension | CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF A SQUEAKING, A HARD RUBBING NOISE, AND / OR A LIGHT TAPPING OR KNOCKING SOUND FROM THE REAR SUSPENSION WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS. *TT | |
| TSB9913001 Feb 1999 | Power Train | PCM REPROGRAMMING & REPLACEMENT SUMMARY (420A ENGINE). *TT | |
| TSB9851004 Oct 1998 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE FRONT WINDSHIELD WASHER NOZZLE LEAKAGE. *YC | |
| TSB9823015 Oct 1998 | Power Train | CONCERNS WITH DELAYED TRANSAXLE ENGAGEMENT. *YC | |
| TSB9837A005 Oct 1998 | Steering | SUBJECT REGARDING POWER STEERING BELT ALIGNEMENT AND TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES. *YC | |
| 98070120012 Sep 1998 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON A/T SHIFT CABLE KIT INSTALLATION TIP. *YC | |
| 98070120025 Sep 1998 | Visibility | EXPERIENCING LEAKAGE FROM WINDSHIELD WASHER NOZZLE. *YC | |
| TSB9835004 Jul 1998 | Service Brakes | SERVICE MANUAL REVISION ON ABS DATA LIST REFERENCE AND ACTUATOR TEST REFERENCE TABLES. *YC | |
| TSB9854004 Jul 1998 | Electrical System | THIS BULLETIN CONTAINS CIRCUIT DIAGRAM CORRECTIONS FOR THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, STARTING SYSTEM & INTERIOR LIGHTING. *TT | |
| TSB9813005 Jun 1998 | Vehicle Speed Control | VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE LONG COLD START TIMES, SAG DURING WARM-UP, AND STALLING. *TT | |
| TSB9834001 May 1998 | Suspension | PROCEDURES FOR REPAIRING ABNORMAL NOISES FROM THE REAR SUSPENSION. *YC | |
| TSB9723015 Dec 1997 | Power Train | INFORMATION ABOUT IMPROVED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE END CLUTCH. *TT | |
| 97110113011 Nov 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT ON CORRECTED DTC P0443 TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES. *YC | |
| 97110154013 Nov 1997 | Equipment | INFORMATION CONTAINING ADDITIONAL GLASS ANTENNA CAUTIONS AND INSPECTION PROCEDURES. *YC | |
| 97090152B003 Sep 1997 | Equipment | SERVICE MANUAL REVISION ON SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS. *YC | |
| 97090154006 Sep 1997 | Exterior Lighting | REVISED HEADLIGHT AIMING ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES. *YC | |
| 97090199017 Sep 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT ON CYLINDER HEAD DISTORTION INSPECTION. *YC | |
| TSB9723006 Jun 1997 | Power Train | IGNITION KEY DIFFICULT TO REMOVE. *TW | |
| TSB9700005 Jun 1997 | Unknown Or Other | MUT-II SCAN TOOL WARRANTY. *TW | |
| TSB9716003 May 1997 | Electrical System | INTERMITTENT ENGINE MISFIRE. *TW | |
| TSB9716002 May 1997 | Electrical System | DTC 58 - INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR HARNESS. *TW | |
| TSB9726002 May 1997 | Unknown Or Other | DRIVESHAFT (FRONT AXLE) REMOVAL PROCEDURES - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TW | |
| TSB9716004 May 1997 | Unknown Or Other | GENERATOR STATOR REMOVAL - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TW | |
| 970401 Apr 1997 | Fuel System | INFORMATION CONTAINING THE CORRECT ILLUSTRATIONS FOR THE MFI (ASD) RELAY AND THE FUEL PUMP RELAY. *YC | |
| TSB9723002 Mar 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 2/4 CLUTCH PISTON RETAINER PARTS IDENTIFICATION (F4AC1 TRANSAXLE). *JD | |
| TSB9742A004 Mar 1997 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD WIND NOISE. *JD | |
| TSB9737A001 Mar 1997 | Steering | POWER STEERING BELT ALIGNMENT AND TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES. *JD | |
| TSB9711002 Feb 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | NEW VALVE LASH ADJUSTER NOISE CHECKING AND TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES. *JD | |
| TSB9713001 Feb 1997 | Fuel System | FUEL GAUGE TANK UNIT INSTALLATION PROCEDURE- SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *JD | |
| TSB9752B002 Feb 1997 | Air Bags | ADDITIONAL SRS AIR BAG TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES- SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *JD | |
| TSB9711001 Jan 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | REVISED VALVE AND VALVE GUIDE SPECIFICATIONS (420A ENGINE)- SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *JD | |
| TSB9742A002 Jan 1997 | Structure | SUNROOF SUNSHADE OPERATION. *JD | |
| TSB9633A005 Dec 1996 | Suspension | FRONT SUSPENSION NOISE DIAGNOSIS. *TW |
Showing 60 of 68 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Mitsubishi Eclipse →