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2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems

The most common problem on the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse is body and structure, typically around 36,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Eclipse model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
81/100
Owner complaints
14
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
40
Worst area
Body
Fuel economy
21-23mpg

The worst 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems

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

  • Body
    5
  • Airbags
    3
  • Brakes
    3
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Steering
    2

Problems by type

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

  • Body
    5
  • Airbags
    3
  • Brakes
    3
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Steering
    2
  • Electrical
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls 4

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported June 2, 2015 · 443,442 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2000-2005 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 5, 1999, to December 17, 2004, 2001-2005 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured January 19, 2000, to March 18, 2005, 2001-2005 Chrysler Sebring vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 21, 2005, and 2001-2005 Dodge Stratus vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 22, 2005. In 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 passenger side sun visor may detach.
Risk
If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
Remedy
MMNA will notify their owners, and Chrysler will notify the Chrysler and Dodge owners. Dealers will install a tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1‑888‑648‑7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-15-005. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R30.

Recall number 15V338000 · Recall details

Equipment: other: labelsReported September 1, 2004 · 100,432 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, 'occupant crash protection.' the bilingual english/spanish removable air bag warning labels affixed to the dash and to the sunvisor do not meet the size requirements of the standard.
Risk
This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
Remedy
Mitsubishi caribbean will mail a customer notification letter containing a written description and a graphic of the bi-lingual dashboard air bag warning label. In addition, all current 2000-2004 nativa owners will also receive replacement air bag alert labels for the sun visors. This recall is expected to begin during march or april 2005. The notification to the nativa owners is expected to begin during april or may 2005. Owners should contact mitsubishi caribbean at 1‑787‑251‑8715.

Recall number 04V428000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported June 29, 2004 · 834 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel return line hose fitting on the electric fuel pump may be improperly molded.
Risk
Breakage could result in a leakage of fuel and in the presence of an ignition source, it could result a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pump. The recall began on july 26, 2004. Owners should contact mitsubishi at 1‑800‑222‑0037.

Recall number 04V312000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported November 4, 2003 · 17,087 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel return line hose fitting on the electric fuel pump may be restricted, causing excessive fuel pressure to build up in the fuel injection system. Excessive fuel pressure may result in a leak in the fuel return hose.
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the fuel pump pressure. Those vehicles exhibiting higher than normal fuel pump pressure will receive fuel pump modifications. The recall began december 3, 2003. Owners should contact mitsubishi at 1‑800‑222‑0037 or mitsubishi caribbean at 1‑800‑981‑0452.

Recall number 03V442000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse 40

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

See all 40 bulletins for the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse

2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.4L 4‑cylFWD19-2025-2821-23
3.0L 6‑cylFWD1825-2721

What 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 20, 2021 · Electrical, Fuel system · FL · fire

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.

Filed Sep 14, 2016 · Brakes · 146,000 miles · VA · crash

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.

Filed May 10, 2016 · Airbags · CA · crash · 1 injury

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.

Filed Oct 6, 2015 · Brakes · 63,000 miles · NC

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Jul 2, 2013 · Airbags, Body · 83,000 miles · MN · crash

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.

Filed Oct 12, 2012 · Fuel system · 98,000 miles · MI

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?

Filed Oct 28, 2009 · Body · 36,000 miles · HI

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.

Filed Sep 7, 2009 · Body · 40,000 miles · HI

Clearcoat peeling off mitsubishi-defective paint.

Filed Jan 19, 2009 · Steering · CA

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.

Filed Jan 27, 2006 · Body · 450 miles · MI

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.

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Questions about the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Is the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable?

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse, fewer than a typical Eclipse model year.

What is the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse year score?

The 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse scores 81 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mitsubishi Eclipse: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse?

Body and structure, with 5 complaints, typically around 36,000 miles. Next is airbags (3).

How many recalls does the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse have?

4 recalls, covering air bags, equipment and fuel system, gasoline.

What year does the Mitsubishi Eclipse have the most body problems?

The Mitsubishi Eclipse model years with the most body complaints are 2000 (41 complaints), 2003 (31 complaints) and 1999 (24 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse get?

Official estimates for the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse range from 21 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19-20 city and 25-28 highway.

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