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1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems

The most common problem on the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse is transmission and drivetrain, typically around 147,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Eclipse model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
54
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
9
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
18-24mpg

The worst 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Transmission
    19
  • Seat belts
    12
  • Engine
    8
  • Suspension
    6
  • Brakes
    4
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Wheels
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Tires
    1

Recalls 2

Power train: automatic transmissionReported March 26, 1998 · 24,275 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Lockup of the transfer case can occur due to insufficient lubrication.
Risk
This condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. If oil volume is insufficient, the appropriate amount of oil will be added. If there is transfer case oil leakage, affected components will be replaced. If the transfer case shows operational degradation, the transfer case will be replaced.

Recall number 98V069001 · Recall details

Seat belts: front: buckle assemblyReported May 24, 1995 · 658,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." if a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.
Risk
The safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Owners should promptly check the condition and operation of both front safety belt buckles and carefully inspect the red release button for any breaks or cracks. They should ensure that both buckles are operating properly by inserting each latch plate into its buckle, tugging on the belt to make sure the latch is securely locked, and then pressing the release button. The latch plate should pop out of the buckle when the button is pressed. If either release button shows a sign of breaking or cracking or if either buckle fails to operate properly, owners should promptly contact their authorized dealer to schedule an appointment to have the buckle replaced or repaired, free of charge. The manufacturer is developing a remedy designed to prevent failure of the buttons that are not currently broken.

Recall number 95V103004 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Defect investigations

Transfer case leakageOpened May 11, 1998, closed August 28, 1998

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.

RQ98007

Transfer case lockupOpened January 30, 1998, closed April 30, 1998

EA98002

Transfer case lockupOpened September 4, 1997, closed January 30, 1998

Alleged drivetrain failure that can lead to lock-up of the rear or all wheels.

PE97040

Takata seat belt buckle failureOpened March 10, 1995, closed August 1, 1995

There is no summary currently available

EA95004

Technical service bulletins for the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse 9

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 9 bulletins for the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse

1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.8L 4‑cylFWD2128-2923-24
2.0L 4‑cylFWD17-1922-2619-22
2.0L 4‑cyl4WD16-1819-2318-20

What 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 10, 2015 · Transmission · 147,000 miles · FL

Transfer case is damaged due to lack of fluid. I contacted mitsubishi concerning the recall on this vehicle for this defective part. The company representative denied that this vehicle was included in any recalls. The referenced recall, 98v168000, included all mitsubishi eclipse gsx models from 1990-1998. My 1991 gsx would be included in this recall. Seeking advice on how to proceed with having the vehicle serviced under the terms of this recall.

Filed Jul 20, 2012 · Transmission · 180,000 miles · AK · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1991 mitsubishi eclipse. The contact stated that while driving 68 MPH, he heard a loud noise. He pulled over on the side of the road when he noticed smoke coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. The dealer advised that they needed to have the transfer case and the transmission replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised the contact that the recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 98v069001 (power train) was closed and there was nothing they could do to assist the contact. The failure mileage was 180,000 and the current mileage was 253,000.

Filed Mar 29, 2010 · Wheels · 97,000 miles · GA

Tl * the contact owns a 1991 mitsubishi eclipse. While driving the vehicle at a speed of 50 MPH, all four wheels locked up which caused a loss of vehicle control. The vehicle was no longer in drivable condition and was towed to a local mechanic. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired at the time of the complaint. The vehicle identification number was unavailable at the time of the complaint. The current and failure mileages were approximately 97,000.

Filed Feb 18, 2006 · Transmission · 113,094 miles · VA

Transfer case recall - 98v069001 safety recall was refused on the car. Transfer case is making an incredible whining sound. Local dealership and mitsubishi offices said there is no warranty on the recall due to the recall already being performed, even if the car was just inspected and no changes made.

Filed Oct 21, 2004 · Transmission · 152,000 miles · TN

The owner stated that the vehicle had an outstanding recall and when the vehicle was taken to the dealer, the dealer refused to perform the service. The owner later contacted the manufacturer who told the owner that the recall for that vehicle had been performed previously. The owner is telling the manufacturer that the problem still exist. The manufacturer responded by saying "deal with it". Provide further details.

Filed Apr 8, 2004 · Transmission · TN

While shifting gears over drive light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. A loud clicking noise was heard coming from underneath dashboard. Consumer took vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic was not able to duplicate or resolve the problem.

Filed Dec 19, 2003 · Transmission · 140,000 miles · MN

Consumer noticed that transfer case was leaking. Dealer indicated there was no recall.

Filed Nov 17, 2003 · Seat belts · 128,000 miles · WA

Consumer complained about a retractable shoulder harness problem. Automated seat belts work intermittently.

Filed Aug 30, 2002 · Wheels · TX

Exact cause of bent wheel unknown unless it was a speed bump I took at low speed. The tire went flat overnight and I saw the damage the next morning.

Filed Feb 15, 2002 · Transmission · VA

While driving vehicle suddenly came to a sliding stop. Oil was everywhere in the engine compartment. Vehicle was towed to a mechanic. Mechanic stated that transfer case locked up. Please provide any further information.

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Questions about the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Is the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable?

Owners have filed 54 complaints about the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse, fewer than a typical Eclipse model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 19 complaints, typically around 147,000 miles. Next is seat belts (12).

How many recalls does the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse have?

2 recalls, covering power train and seat belts.

Was there a recall on the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 98V069001. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Mitsubishi Eclipse have bad transmission?

The Mitsubishi Eclipse model years with the most transmission complaints are 1995 (48 complaints), 1998 (29 complaints) and 1990 (25 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse get?

Official estimates for the 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse range from 18 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.8L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21 city and 28-29 highway.

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