Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was getting on the freeway when I lost control of my vehicle out of no where, luckily I was in the middle of the on ramp and not in freeway traffic yet. My vehicle pulled toward the drive side, I quickly pulled e-brake turned my wheel opposite of traffic and braked. The car started fish tailing right to left because of the drive side pulling and me trying not to allow the car to spin out or go off the side of the on ramp. When the vehicle came to a stop I made sure my family and I were safe and no other vehicle were involved. Got out to the vehicle to find my drive side tire bent in my fender my axles in half and tire blown, I called for a tow and paid out of pocket for tow and parts plus repairs. I also have fuel pressure problems, SRS light, secondary air injection malfunction. …
Crankshaft walk. 1995 mits. Eclipse 2wd turbo. My son bought this car directly from having the bottom end rebuilt. Within 200 miles of drive time the crankshaft sensor went out. The mechanic that did the rebuild said he did not replace the sensor so no warranty. After spending another 160.00 on a new crankshaft sensor and interrupter plate. It lasted for approximately. Another 200 miles and died at 60 miles an hour on the freeway. It went back to the mechanic who replaced the crank bearings plate and sensor. It only took him 8 weeks. We picked up the car on Thursday the 20th of March. This time it lasted 30 miles and the plate is again hitting the sensor. We have now paid almost 3000.00 and the car is back in the shop. I have read complaints from other consumers who have had the same problem. There is no reason that the crankshaft should be able to walk. …
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 25 MPH the vehicle started smoking under the hood. It was pulled to the side of the road where the engine stalled. The fire department was called to the scene but no report was filed. They determined there was not a fire, but there was a leak of oil and antifreeze due to a busted hose. The vehicle was towed to the contacts home. Although the dealer was alerted no other inspections were made.
(1) ticking noise from the crankshaft pulley area with the clutch depressed. Kind of a swooshing tickey noise. This is the crankshaft position sensor trigger plate rubbing on the crankshaft position sensor. (2) stalling when the clutch is depressed. The trigger plate and crankshaft have been moving so much that the trigger plate is wearing through the sensor. Car lost power steering and put me and my family in danger.
Car stops running unexpectedly. Won't restart right away / must way about an hour. Unexpected engine halting causes loss of power steering and power brakes making steering and stopping of vehicle difficult and dangerous. The unexpected engine halting occurs weekly making the vehicle not dependable transportation.
Upon driving my vehicle 5/12/99 the drivebelt began shredding. 5/13/99 the problem fixed with both belts being replaced. While driving on 5/14/99 a belt fell off, resulting both belts gone and loss of A/C as well as power steering. Problem fixed again with mechanic suggesting that belts May not have fit properly and replaced with factory parts. 5/25/99 while driving I noticed a loss in power steering and A/C again I immediately inspected and saw the belts once again missing. Frusterated I went the nearest dealership and asked what May be wrong with the car. The service advisor brought to my attention that there is a bulletin regarding that one of the pulleys on the drive system losses alignment and causes the belts to fall off. The remedy is to apply shimms to bring all pulleys in alignment at a cost of approximatley $200.00 for labor. …
After three visits to the dealer (sometimes by tow truck), they repeatedly indicated they could not duplicate the problem. On the fourth visit, the engine control unit was replaced. The car would shut down while driving at varying speeds with no prior warning. The problem reoccurred in November of 2000. The car is currently at the dealer where they once again claim they can not duplicate the problem. The engine oil gasket cover was replaced on 12/29/98. Subsequent complaints of an oil leak were dismissed as not causing the presenting problem or I was told there was no oil leak despite providing documentation from other repair establishments. However, after the warranty period, an oil leak was diagnosed on 9/19/00. These are serious safety concerns that must be addressed.
I am one of many who have experienced the walking crankshaft problem which requires the replacement of the engine at a cost of approx $4000.00. I have tried to establish a class action lawsuit against Mitsubishi for this problem but to no avail. You can call me at [redacted] if you have questions. I hope this problem is settled someday. Thank you. Parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 U.S.c. 552(b)(6).
While driving at 65mph, the engine died. I luckily was safely able to pull to the side. My dealership thinks it is the control unit. It now starts, but the dealership recommends replacing this item to prevent it from happening again. I have noticed on message boards that this same difficulty has been experienced by other people with 1995 eclipses. It is a very dangerous (and expensive)condition which would not likely occur in other vehicles without a pre-existing problem with manufacturing.
Engine completely failed at 75000 miles. Records kept and maitained according to manufacturer. They would not replace it. I had to 1300+ to get it fixed. Now I have been told I need a new head gasket and I know it had been replaced 2 times since I have had it. I am having major problems with the brake system. I have had 2 new sets of rotors put on, rotors turned numerous times and it still shakes badly. Need to have them recall this problems, cause everyone I have talked to has the same problem.
Engine complaints in other Eclipse years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
NHTSA has 60 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 20% of the model year's 307 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (29 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 112,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.