Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
Tl* - the contact owns a 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse. There was safety recall 98V069001 on the automatic transmission. He was told that the safety recall repairs had already been performed on the vehicle. Due to the present mileage on the vehicle the dealer refused to perform the safety recall repairs again. The vehicle was making loud noises, jerking and shaking . The dealer found no oil in the transfer case. The current and failure mileage were both 216,000 miles.
Tl contact owns a 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The contact stated that the automatic transmission would not shift into gear. He also heard a loud grinding noise while driving various speeds. The dealer stated that the vehicle showed signs of NHTSA campaign id number 98V069001 (power train:automatic transmission); however, the VIN was not included. The contact stated that oil was leaking from the vehicle. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 137,000.
Tl contact owns a 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the transfer case suddenly locked up. The vehicle was inspected by a mechanic who stated that the transfer case had leaked which caused the failure. The manufacturer stated that the repair for recall 98V069001 (power train: automatic transmission) had previouly been performed in 1998. The vehicle had not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 126,500.
Tl contact owns a 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse. While driving 50 MPH, the transfer case failed. The contact called the manufacturer in reference to NHTSA campaign id number 98V069001 (power train:automatic transmission) and the representative stated that she was unclear if the vehicle was previously repaired according to the recall; therefore, they would not assume responsibility for the repairs. The failure and current mileages were 105,000.
Tl contact owns a 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The transfer case leaks and when is placed into drive. The vehicle makes a loud noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer stated that his VIN was not included in recall 98V069001 power train: automatic transmission. Therefore he will need to pay for the repair. The failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 130,000.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle would not start and was towed to an independent repair shop where it was determined the transfer case seized. A NHTSA recall, #98V069001 was performed on the vehicle concerning the automatic transmission however, the recall did not remedy the problem. The dealership would not offer a second repair without charge under the recall.
Tl contact owns a 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The contact stated that his vehicle has manual transmission, but recall # 98V069001 (power train:automatic transmission) applies only to automatic transmissions. He stated that his transfer case has been leaking fluid since the vehicle was purchased. The current and failure mileages were 144,150.
On routine maintenance, transfer case oil leakage and dangerously low fluid level was detected on vehicle at 103,000 miles. Recall repair had been performed in 1999, however, the problem persists. The problem is identical to NHTSA campaign id number : 98V069001 , except the car is equipped with a manual transmission.
When driving at 35 MPH on highway in the fast lane clutch went completely out, causing loss of acceleration. Vehicle went into a coast. Consumer contacted dealer, dealer noted unusual signs when removing the clutch, and clutch was replaced. Please provide any further details.
Whiledriving on highway vehicle started to downshift to 2nd gear.and had to shut off the car to get the gears working again. This problem reoccur every time I pull out . I had chance the trasmision twice already.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Lockup of the transfer case can occur due to insufficient lubrication.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles for adequacy of the transfer case oil volume, transfer case oil leakage, and operational degradation of the transfer case mechanism.
NHTSA investigations
Transfer case leakage
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 which have been recalled for the same alleged defect.
Transmission complaints in other Eclipse years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
NHTSA has 48 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 16% of the model year's 307 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 98V069001 (automatic transmission, Mar 26, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 132,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.