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.
Power train
30 complaint records
"1) NONE 2) TRANSFER CASE BEGAN LEAKING (HASN'T LOCKED UP YET) 3) NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE, DEALER WILL NOT RECALL FOR A 2ND TIME...."- 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 →
Engine & cooling
23 complaint records1 fire report
"TENSIONER BOLT SNAPPED IN TWO IMMEDIATELY TIMING BELT SHREDDED, CAR DIED, AND EXTENSIVE DAMAGE REQUIRING TOTAL ENGINE REBUILD. *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 engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Air bags
18 complaint records2 fire reports17 crash reports
"WHEN VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END CRASH TRAVELING AT 65 MPH, THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS. *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 air bags 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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... |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04V428000 | Equipment | CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. | Normally free |
| 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 |
| 98V069001 | Power Train | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION. | Normally free |
| 98V045001 | Vehicle Speed Control | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE DASH PANEL PAD CAN SHIFT INTERFERRING WITH THE THROTTLE CABLE CONTROL. | 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 | Unknown Or Other | 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 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 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 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers. | |
| TT195 Mar 2013 | Wheels | 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 | Power Train | 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 | Fuel System | This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers. | |
| TT192 Dec 2012 | Visibility | 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. | |
| 0313005 May 2003 | Equipment | OBD-II DRIVE CYCLE. *TT | |
| 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 | |
| TSB0211002 Jun 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION ON CRANKSHAFT IDENTIFICATION MARKS - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *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 | |
| 01 May 2001 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1390 PCM RELEARN. *TT | |
| TSB0123004 Feb 2001 | Power Train | THIS BULLETIN CONTAINS CORRECTED DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 41 (SOLENOID CIRCUIT ERROR - LR) DIAGNOSIS CHARTS FOR REVISED SERVICE MANUAL PAGES. *JB | |
| TSB0155003 Feb 2001 | Visibility | SERVICE MANUAL REVISION ON REVOLUTION PICK-UP SENSOR RESISTANCE. *JB | |
| 67 Feb 2001 | Steering | SUBJECT REGARDING POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACEMENT. *JB | |
| TSB0052A010 Nov 2000 | Seats | THIS BULLETIN DESCRIBES HOW TO INSTALL THE NEW POWER SEAT SLIDE MOTOR. *TT | |
| 0013005 Aug 2000 | Equipment | THIS BULLETIN CONTAINS OBD-II DRIVE CYCLE PROCEDURES AND WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION FOR OBD-II DRIVE CYCLE ON AFFECTED VEHICLES. *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 | |
| TSB9942A003 Feb 1999 | Visibility | DELAMINATION OF SUNROOF SUNSHADE MATERIAL. *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 | |
| TSB9931002 Feb 1999 | Tires | THIS BULLETIN CONTAINS SNOW TIRE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CERTAIN CARS AND SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES. *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 | |
| 98070120002 Sep 1998 | Structure | INFORMATION ON DOOR/ WINDOW/ SUNROOF ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIRS. *YC | |
| 98070120004 Sep 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CONDITION WITH ENGINE OVERHEATING. *YC | |
| 98070120005 Sep 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION ON VALVE SPRINGS UPDATE. *YC | |
| 98070120008 Sep 1998 | Vehicle Speed Control | INFORMATION ON EVAP LEAK MONITOR TEST W/MUT-II. *YC | |
| 98070120013 Sep 1998 | Suspension | EXPERIENCING STEERING DRIFT. *YC | |
| 98070120017 Sep 1998 | Steering | EXHIBITING RAPID POWER STEERING BELT WEAR. *YC | |
| 98070120024 Sep 1998 | Structure | VEHICLE EXPERIENCING DOOR POPPING / KNOCKING NOISE. *YC | |
| 98070120025 Sep 1998 | Visibility | EXPERIENCING LEAKAGE FROM WINDSHIELD WASHER NOZZLE. *YC | |
| 98070120026 Sep 1998 | Structure | ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIRS ON DOORS AND WINDOWS. *YC | |
| 98070120027 Sep 1998 | Structure | INVESTIGATING SUNROOF NOISES, WATER LEAKS, AND ADJUSTMENT CONCERNS. *YC | |
| 98070120028 Sep 1998 | Structure | BRIEF INFORMATION ON ADHESION PROMOTERS. *YC | |
| 98070120030 Sep 1998 | Exterior Lighting | CONDITIONS WITH HEADLIGHT CONDENSATION. *YC | |
| TSB9823002R Jul 1998 | Power Train | EXPERIENCING POOR A/T SHIFT QUALITY. *YC | |
| TSB9813005 Jun 1998 | Vehicle Speed Control | VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE LONG COLD START TIMES, SAG DURING WARM-UP, AND STALLING. *TT | |
| TSB9813002 May 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT ON FALSE DTC 118/POOR DRIVEABILITY (A/T). *YC | |
| TSB9834001 May 1998 | Suspension | PROCEDURES FOR REPAIRING ABNORMAL NOISES FROM THE REAR SUSPENSION. *YC | |
| 98SR001 Apr 1998 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING TRANSFER CASE SAFETY RECALL CAMPAGIN. *TT | |
| TSB9823002 Apr 1998 | Power Train | EXPERIENCING POOR A/T SHIFT QUALITY. *YC | |
| TSB9835003 Apr 1998 | Service Brakes | INFORMATION ON DIAGNOSING THE ABS SYSTEM ON ALL-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS. *TT | |
| TSB9823006 Apr 1998 | Power Train | CORRECTED INFORMATION CONCERNING THE UNDERDRIVE ACCUMULATOR SPRING. *YC |
Showing 60 of 67 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 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 →