Model year

2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Hatchback, gasoline, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Dec 16, 2004 to Sep 20, 2021.

Recall campaigns covering this model year5624k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints14Below the median 2004 hatchback
Severity index57.12004 hatchbacks average 9.0
First 24 months3Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse peaked in 2005, with 3 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

01232004320062008201020122014201620182020202220242026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

36% of complaints about the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse name structure

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Structure
5
Airbags
3
Brakes
3
Fuel system
2
Steering
2
Electrical system
1
Engine and cooling
1
Wheels
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

5 recall campaigns cover the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
15V-338Jun 2, 2015In the affected vehicles, the passenger side sun visor may be folded down in such a position that, if the passenger frontal air bag deploys, the…Airbags443,442Repair or modification
06E-026Mar 23, 2006Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed aboveLighting61,944Refund or buyback
04V-428Sep 1, 2004Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, 'occupant crash protection.' the…Equipment100,432Part replacement
04V-312Jun 29, 2004On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel return line hose fitting on the electric fuel pump may be improperly moldedFuel system834Part replacement
03V-442Nov 4, 2003On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel return line hose fitting on the electric fuel pump may be restricted, causing excessive fuel pressure to…Fuel system17,087Repair or modification
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

14 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Sep 20, 2021Failure Sep 8, 2021Clearwater, FLElectrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Unknown or otherFire

    Electrical cable for Fuel Pump caught fire. My daughter was able to park and exit the car safely before it combusted but it took 8 minutes for the car to basically explode. I think this is very dangerous for a family with kids or someone that wouldn't be as fast as my kid to get out of the car. We found out the same car/year has a recall but this was not issued to my specific vehicle. https://www.kbb.com/mitsubishi/eclipse/2004/recall/ I requested Mitsubishi Motors to check the car and give me compensation and they denied. We have a case number with them. The car showed the check engine light but we changed spark plug cables and alternator. It seemed fine otherwise.

    NHTSA complaint 11433597
  2. Filed Sep 14, 2016Failure Sep 12, 2016146,000 milesNEW Market, VA, VAService brakesCrash

    BRAKES WILL INTERMITTEDLY NOT RESPOND TO THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. CAR HAS NOW BEEN INVOLVED IN TWO REAR END COLLISIONS IN 3 MONTHS. REPAIR SHOP CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM DESCRIBED. CAR WAS GOING 25 MPH BOTH TIMES IN TWO CITIES WHEN THE CAR FAILED TO BRAKE.

    NHTSA complaint 10906428
  3. Filed May 10, 2016Failure May 9, 2016Manteca, CAAir bagsCrash1 injured

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE THAT LED TO THE VEHICLE ROLLING OVER THREE TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WAS ONE INJURY REPORTED THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

    NHTSA complaint 10864166
  4. Filed Oct 6, 2015Failure Feb 10, 201563,000 milesFayetteville, NCService brakes

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO STOP. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 15V337000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); HOWEVER, THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.

    NHTSA complaint 10780005
  5. Filed Jul 2, 2013Failure Jul 1, 201383,000 milesRedwood Falls, MNAir bags, Engine, Body, WheelsCrash

    ROOMMATE DRIVING MY VEHICLE WITH MYSELF IN PASSENGER SEAT. STRUCK A DEAR MONDAY MORNING AT APPROXIMATELY 60MPH. VEHICLE WAS PUT INTO A DITCH AND ROLLED AT LEAST 1 TIME INTO A MARSH ON LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD. VEHICLE RECEIVED MAJOR: FRONT, BOTH SIDE, REAR AND ROOF DAMAGE. NOT ONE AIR BAG WAS DEPLOYED. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10522952
  6. Filed Oct 12, 2012Failure Sep 28, 201298,000 milesKingsford, MIFuel/propulsion system

    MY MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPUTTERS AND DIES WHEN THERE IS LESS THAN 1/2 TANK FUEL. MITSUBISHI 2004 HAS A RECALL ON THE FUEL RETURN LINE HOSE FITTING ON THE FUEL PUMP, WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE. MITSUBISHI CLAIMS MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED ON A DIFFERENT PRODUCTION LINE, THEREFORE, IT IS NOT THEIR PROBLEM. REALLY? *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10479881
  7. Filed Oct 28, 2009Failure Jul 18, 200736,000 milesWaikoloa, HIBody

    I HAVE A 2004 BLACK MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE THAT THE PAINT HAS BEEN FALLING OFF OF, JUST LIKE SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS. THE PAINT STARTED DELAMINATING ABOUT 3YEARS AGO AND JUST PROGRESSED FROM THERE. THE CAR LOOKS HORRIBLE! MITSUBISHI HAS BEEN DOWNRIGHT RUDE RE: THIS MATTER. THEY WILL NOT FIX THE PAINT ISSUE DUE TO CAR BEING OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10290170
  8. Filed Sep 7, 2009Failure Jan 28, 200740,000 milesKamuela, HIStructure

    CLEARCOAT PEELING OFF MITSUBISHI-DEFECTIVE PAINT. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10283044
  9. Filed Jan 19, 2009Failure Nov 14, 2006Arcadia, CASteering

    PROBLEM: HARNESS. EVERY TIME I LIFT THE STEERING WHEEL UP, THE ENGINE TURNS OFF. I HAVE TRIED TO GO TO THE MITSUBISHI DEALER AND TO HONDA SIERRA WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR (USED) AND THEY DIDN'T WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT. I WAS LIKE A TENNIS BALL, SO, I GOT TIRED OF IT. I EVEN SEND A LETTER TO HONDA SIERRA TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM BECAUSE I BOUGHT IF DEFECTIVE. UNFORTUNATELY, I DID NOT GET A RESPONSE. REPAIR COST MORE THAN 300 DOLLARS. I DON'T HAVE MONEY YET, AND IM STILL HOPEFUL THAT EITHER OF THE TWO PARTIES ARE WILLING TO WORK WITH THE PROBLEM. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10255583
  10. Filed Jan 27, 2006Failure Jun 3, 2005450 milesFreeland, MIDoor, Body

    ON SECOND DAY OF OWNERSHIP I HEARD A VERY LOUD METAL CRACKING SOUND WHILE SITTING IN THE CAR PREPARING TO DRIVE. CAR WAS NOT STARTED OR MOVING). UPON INSPECTION THERE WAS NO VISIBLE DEFECT. ABOUT A WEEK LATER I HAD AN IDENTICAL EXPERIENCE. THIS TIME I NOTICED A CRACK IN THE BODY SEAM LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE DOOR WOULD NO LONGER CLOSE PROPERLY , AND I IMMEDIATELY SCHEDULED A REPAIR APPOINTMENT. THE DEALERSHIP ADJUSTED THE DOOR AND ASSURED ME THAT THE CRACK IN THE FRAME WAS ONLY COSMETIC. THE CRACK WAS FILLED AND PAINTED AND SEEMS TO BE HOLDING, BUT THERE IS A LEAK IN THE DOOR THAT LEAVES WATER ON THE DOOR SILL PLATE EVERY TIME IT RAINS OR I WASH THE CAR. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING ADDITIONAL REPAIRS FOR THAT NOW.*AK

    NHTSA complaint 10148878
  11. Filed Oct 29, 2005Failure Oct 25, 200523,000 milesNEW Gloucester, MEStructure1 injured

    THE RUBBERS ON MY 2004 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER IS ALWAYS LEAKING WATER INTO THE CAR, CREATING A MOLD SMELL, DESTROYING THE SPEAKERS, ECT. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THEM ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO OR LESS, AND THEY ARE LEAKING AGAIN ON THE CONVERTIBLE TOP, MAKING MY SEAT BELT WET, WHICH I BELIEVE IS A HAZARD IF IN A ACCIDENT, MY SEAT, AND FLOORS, NOT TO MENTION IT IS LEAKING INTO THE DOOR PANELS. MY SON HAS FALLEN OUT OF THE CAR SLIPPING ON THE WATER ON THE DOOR PANEL, NOT THAT HE NEEDED A AMBULANCE BUT GOT A FAT LIP WHEN HE PUT HIS TEETH INTO THEM WHEN HE FELL, ALSO GETTING A BRUISED LEG. *JB

    NHTSA complaint 10141192
  12. Filed Aug 24, 2005Failure Jul 25, 2005Athens, OHAir bagsCrash1 injured

    MY MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER 2004 [XXX], DONE NEARLY 21,000 MILES MET WITH AN ACCIDENT ON JULY 25, 2005. IT VEERED OFF THE ROAD, WENT DOWNHILL FOR OVER TWENTY FEET AND COLLIDED HEAD-ON WITH A TREE TO COME TO A HALT. THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. DESPITE THE FRONT-ENDED CRASH, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO INFLATE. THE SEVERITY OF THE CRASH IS EVIDENT FROM THE FACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CATEGORIZED AS A "TOTAL LOSS" BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY. I BELIEVE THE AIR BAG SHOULD HAVE GONE OFF AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT. UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 10134086
  13. Filed Jul 7, 2005Failure Jul 5, 20057,600 milesEngelwood, COService brakes, Hand control/valveCrash

    CAR WAS PARKED WITH EBRAKE PULLED UPWARDS TO HOLD CAR IN PLACE. THE 04 ECLIPSE GT ROLLED BACKWARDS OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT AND JUMPED THE CURB HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE. 04 ECLIPSE TAKEN TO MITSUBISHI ON 7/7/05 AND THEY ADJUSTED THE EBREAK SAYING TI WAS LOOSE.

    NHTSA complaint 10127847
  14. Filed Dec 16, 2004Failure Nov 21, 200410,000 milesGlen Burnie, MDAnti-theft deviceCrash1 injured

    WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH AND TRYING TO GO AROUND ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE STEERING LOCKED. THIS WAS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE WHERE THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED, CAUSING A COLLISION. *AK ........DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 10104963
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

40 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • DEALER LETTER Jul 21, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
  • TSB-23-00-004 Apr 24, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.
  • TSB-23-00-001 Apr 24, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more than 1.5 percent of the vehicle's gross vehicle weight ratin…
  • DEALER LETTER Apr 21, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
  • TSB-22-54-003 Apr 7, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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.
  • TSB-13-42A-002 Jan 29, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Technical Service Bulletin updates the door adjustment procedure in the Body Section of the applicable service manuals.
  • TT197 May 21, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
  • TT194 Feb 6, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
  • TTIndex12 Mar 5, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is an index of Tech Talk newsletter articles released in 2012.
  • TT193 Jan 15, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
  • TT195 Mar 5, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
  • TT192 Dec 7, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
  • TT191 Nov 1, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
  • TT218 Aug 28, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
  • TT217 Jul 22, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
  • TSB-15-54-004 Jul 29, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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.
  • TT253 Nov 26, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
  • TSB-19-00-008 Jul 30, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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 26, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
  • MEDICUpdate517 Feb 27, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a message sent to dealers, to inform them that an update for MEDIC will be available.
  • TSB-12-35-002 Sep 1, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    MITSUBISHI: ON SOME VEHICLES, AN ACTIVE STABILITY CONTROL (ASC) STEERING WHEEL SENSOR HAS BEEN INSTALLED, REPLACING ORIGINAL SENSOR. NEW SENSOR NOT TO BE ROTATED BEFORE INSTALLATION. MODELS 2007-12 OUTLANDER, 2008-11 LANCER EVOLUTION, 2010-12 LANCER/LAN…
  • 137 May 1, 2007 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    REPROGRAMMING THE PCM DRIVABILITY OR SENSITIVITY ISSUES CAN BE CORRECTED. *KB
  • 0617001 Jan 1, 2006 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM CHECKS - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT
  • 42A Dec 1, 2004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    DOOR GLASS ALIGNMENT. MITSUBISHI. TECH TALK. *TT
  • 0522003 Oct 1, 2005 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CLUTCH RELEASE BEARING INSTALLATION. *TT
  • 0523004 Jul 1, 2005 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    2-3 SHIFT FLARE. *TT
  • 0513006 Apr 1, 2005 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ALTERNATOR FR TERMINAL VOLTAGE - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT
  • 0513004 Mar 1, 2005 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) REPROGRAMMING FOR COLD ENGINE MISFIRE / HOT SOAK RESTART / ROUGH IDLE. REVISION. *TT
  • 09012004 Sep 1, 2004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BEARING INSPECTION. *EH
  • 0454003 Aug 1, 2004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM INFORMATION UPDATE (2004 MODELS). *TT
  • 0442A001 May 1, 2004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (ALL 2004 MODELS). *TT
  • 0413003 Mar 1, 2004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) REPROGRAMMING FOR HIGH SPEED MISFIRE, SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT AND (DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0300 - P0306). *TT
  • 0314002 Dec 1, 2003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CORRECTED SPECIFIED ENGINE COOLANT - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT
  • 0342A005 Dec 1, 2003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    THE SUNROOF MAY JUDDER OR VIBRATE DURING OPENING/CLOSING OPERATION. *TT
  • 0355008R Oct 1, 2003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    DEBRIS (SUCH AS LEAVES, ETC.) ENTERING THE FRONT COWL AREA MAY CLOG THE EVAPORATOR HOUSING DRAIN TUBE. IF THIS OCCURS, THE EVAPORATOR HOUSING MAY FILL UP WITH CONDENSATION AND OVERFLOW INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, AND INTO THE BLOWER MOTOR THROUGH THE C…
  • 0355008 Oct 1, 2003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    DEBRIS (SUCH AS LEAVES, ETC) ENTERING THE FRONT COWL AREA MAY CLOG THE EVAPORATOR HOUSING DRAIN TUBE. IF THIS OCCURS, THE EVAPORATOR HOUSING MAY FILL UP WITH CONDENSATION AND OVERFLOW INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, AND INTO THE BLOWER MOTOR THROUGH THE CO…
  • 0355006R Oct 1, 2003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    AIR CONDITIONING REFRIGERANT PIPE REPLACEMENT. *TT
  • SC03002 Oct 1, 2003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    VEHICLE EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION (VECI) LABEL SERVICE CAMPAIGN. 2004 MODELS. *TT
  • 0355006 Jul 1, 2003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    AIR CONDITIONER REFRIGERANT PIPE REPLACEMENT. *TT
  • 0300010 Jul 1, 2003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS. *TT
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.