1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Problems

Above Average Complaints

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse.

19961998
Complaints
185
Crashes
30
Fires
7
Injuries
21
Fatalities
1
Recalls
0

Worst 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#117 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline

Fires:1
#215 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Avg mileage:110,313 mi
Fires:1
#312 complaints

Air Bags:Frontal

Crash-related:12
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
17
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
15
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
110,313
Air Bags:Frontal
12
complaints
Crashes
12
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Automatic Transmission
6
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
158,065
Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars
6
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball Joint
6
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
95,766
Engine & Cooling
5
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
93,000
Suspension Failures
5
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
120,618
Unintended Acceleration
5
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Tire Defects
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Sunroof/Moonroof
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Wheel Issues
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Power Train:Axle Assembly
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Power Train:Clutch Assembly
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Manual Transmission
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
—
Power Train:Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive)
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
3
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Wheels:Rim
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Airbags
2
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Ignition:Module
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Radiator Assembly
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Steering Defects
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Pump
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension:Front
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Arm
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Upper Ball Joint
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Other Mitsubishi Eclipse Years

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1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable?
Verdict: Above Average Complaints. The 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse has 185 NHTSA complaints, 30 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline with 17 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Top reported problems: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline (17 complaints); Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine (15 complaints, avg 110,313 mi); Air Bags:Frontal (12 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 114,751 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
NHTSA complaints for the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse include 30 crash-related reports, 7 fire reports, 21 injuries, and 1 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse as of the latest data sync. Verify by VIN for the most current status — new recalls can be issued years after a model year ships.
Should I buy a 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Slightly worse than average. Most owners are fine; problem clusters are concentrated around specific components. Check the issues table below and match against the specific car's mileage.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Mitsubishi Eclipse reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

Check Your Specific 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse

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