NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 71 owner complaints for the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Most complaints involve service brakes (50) and service brakes, hydraulic (8). The EPA rates it 19–23 mpg combined.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 20, 2005, to February 13, 2009, and 2007-2009 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured December 23, 2005, to February 13, 2009. Due to corrosion inside the antil-lock brake system (ABS) unit, one or more of the internal valves may seize. In a braking event that uses the ABS, a seized valve would increase brake pedal travel and reduce braking ability.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Eclipse model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 168 |
| 1997 | 164 |
| 1998 | 151 |
| 1999 | 135 |
| 2000 | 311 |
| 2001 | 300 |
| 2002 | 104 |
| 2003 | 166 |
| 2004 | 14 |
| 2005 | 6 |
| 2006 | 99 |
| 2007 | 107 |
| 2008 | 71 |
| 2009 | 42 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 8 |
“MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE ECLIPSE, SHE TURNED ONTO A SIDE STREET AND THE CAR SPUN OUT OF CONTROL CAUSING HER TO HIT A PARKED CAR. THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE IS SIDEWAYS, I HAVE PICTURES OF THE CAR AFTER THE ACCIDENT. MY INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED THE CAR. THE POLICE ARE SAYING SHE WAS AT FAULT FOR THE ACCIDENT. THERE IS A RECALL ON THE VIN NUMBER.”
“The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH and descending an incline on the road, the contact depressed the brake pedal, and the brake pedal went to the floorboard. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact used the parking brake to slow down the vehicle. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer because the closest dealer was 2 hours away, and the brakes had failed. The contact was aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V337000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact had called the manufacturer and was advised to find a local independent mechanic, and the manufacturer would ship the parts needed to complete the recall repair. The manufacturer had not included a key computer tool to set the ABS system correctly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed about the lack of support. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.”
“The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, for unknown reasons, he veered off the road, traveled over a hill, and crashed into a dirt pile. The steering wheel air bag failed to deploy. The contact had previously unplugged, the passenger seat air bag. The air bag and check engine warning lights were illuminated. After the crash, the curtain and driver's seat air bag were deployed. The contact noticed the passenger's side rear tire was low and had a slash in the side wall. The contact sustained whiplash and pain, and medical attention was provided. The vehicle was towed to his residence. There was no reported fire or police report. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eclipse Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Eclipse Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Eclipse Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $4,000 | 444 |
| Eclipse Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 25 | 19 | $4,200 | 468 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 71 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (50), service brakes, hydraulic (8), air bags (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse at 19–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).