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 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On August 8, 2003, my son purchased a 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 97037 miles, from [redacted]-owner, south bay auto-[redacted]. We purchased the car for $8,849.21. On August 11, 2003, the engine blow because there was no oil in the car, and the dealer stated that the car had been serviced and it was in good mechanical condition. Just this week the warranty investigator said that the oil leak was there before we purchased the car, and that they will not be replacing the engine, and that the car is the dealers problems. Needless to say, the dealer does not want to do the moral thing and give us back our hard earned money, nor does he wants to replace the engine. This same dealer, loan us an unsafe car that we found out that it has been declared by the state of california as a salvaged. The car is a 1991 Honda, VIN #[redacted]. …
I have owned my care for 3 years. In that time I have had a leaking sunroof, broken passenger rear view mirror, broken passenger window "wont roll up", numerous tire changes, bad vibration, horrible noises when turning wheel, have replaced 2 transmissions, both tie rod ends, 1 lower ball joint and control arm suspension bar"more info on this below", alternator, both headlights, 4 differant seats of breaks, 2 seats constintly running low on oil, replaced the fuel filter, seat belts don't stop, battery cables keep caroding, replace spark plugs atleast 3 to 4 times a year, vibrates when going down road. Those are just the things off the top of my head that I have done to this car. Now to the accident. …
October 20, 2003 I purchased a 1997 Eclipse gst from city limit auto in johnston, ri. March 14, 2004 I was driving home when a small click formed in 1st and 2nd gear after reaching 3,500 rpms. With-in minutes the click developed into what sounded like a small hole in the exhaust, probably the cat. Not wanting to risk it I pulled off the next exit to bring the car to my friend's house and have it towed. A street away from his house (doing 10mph in 1st gear), the noise grew into a loud constant electrical buzzing or clicking noise, no high oil presue on the dash light or gauge and no overheating according to gauge, with-in 5 seconds the oil pan blew, white billows of smoke puffed out and the engine seized. I tried to turn the car over, but all it did was clink, and when I got out I found a large oil puddle under my car. I went back to the dealer, but he refuses to fix it. …
Consumer noticed oil in the driveway. Vehicle was taken to a mechanic to detect where the oil was leaking from. Mechanic determined that the head gasket blew out. Head gasket has was revised twice by the manufacturer before they had one that worked. Defective head gasket was replaced with the revised head gasket. However, leak hasn't recurred.
Driver noticed smoke coming from under vehicle. Driver stopped vehicle/ put vehicle in park/ looked under car and saw oil was leaking. When pressing gas consumer could see a flame of fire. Took vehicle to dealer, and they stated that vehicle needed a head gasket.
Squealing belts at startup, inconsistent small leaks of coolant, hesitation at 2K RPM were only pre-cursors. Out of nowhere, while driving on highway, I looked at gauges for no particular reason....noticed the temperature was rising, eventually going as far as it could above h. So I look for smoke in rear view....nothing. I turn down the radio to listen for noises......nothing. Everything seems fine. Hoping that air through the radiator would cool the engine......not working. I decided I better pull over.....the second I safely stopped, huge puffs of white smoke billowed out the hood edges. I jumped out, opened the hood......huge clouds of smoke and smell of burning rubber, I thought the car was on fire. Once the smoke settled, oil could be seen splattered all over the engine. Tow truck comes and while putting on flatbed.....oil drained out like a water faucet. …
Well, its one of the defaults that Mitsubishi is hiding. Its a failure in the crank bearing which causes the clutch not to work properly and a very annoying taping sound when the clutch is pressed. The main dangerous problem is that you cannot shift properly while driving making it unsafe and frustrating. I took my car to the dealer and they said I need to replace the whole engine(shortblock) and it will be under my cost around $3500. The workers there addmitted to me that its a default that they dont have a recall on. I bought the car under the intention that Mitsubishi makes very reliable products. Unfortunatly I was very mistaken especially after the few incidents on the news. Please help me because I am losing a lot of money with this problem. Thank you.
1 and 1/2 years after I bought my "brand new" car, the check engine light went on. I was told that my water pump and gasket needed to be replaced. One week later I experienced a problem with the power steering, I was told the power steering pully, bracket and belt had gone and would need to be replaced. Since then I have had the brake pads and the roters resurfaced more times then I care to remember. On July 26, 1999, I had noticed a problem with my transmission. I immediately brought it to the dealership, they told me that the trans was "operating to manufacture's specs". On November 3, 1999 the dearlership advises me I need a new trans.
The car is missing and makes a knocking sound, hard vibration when idle and car jerks, does not seem to shift up to next gear, engine light comes on. Have taken care into dealership for repair for same problem at least 7 times. Dealership claims they cannot duplicate the problems I report to them. Windows are loose, rattle, and leak. I have had them tightened several times. I sent a letter to dave mckenzie (vp of service and engineering at Mitsubishi) in 10/98. I have not received a response.
About a week after purchasing the car, it sat for 3 days while I was away on navy business. When I returned, I had to sit in heavy traffic. I noticed the engine temp gauge was full hot. I finally got to a road to let the engine breath, and the gauge didn't go down. I took the car to kelly Mitsubishi the next day and told them what happen. I also told them that the heater didn't put out hot air. They replaced the thermostat and everything was fine. No problems since then.
Engine complaints in other Eclipse years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 30% of the model year's 136 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse, though it has 3 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 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 97,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 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.