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2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse: problems, recalls and fuel economy
Brakes are the most reported problem on the 2006 Eclipse, with 71 of 99 NHTSA complaints[1][2]. Three of its recalls are about the brake system[3][4][5].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 99 owner complaints for the 2006 Eclipse[2]. Nine mention a crash, none a fire, and 5 mention injuries[2]. No deaths are reported[2]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts.
Brakes. 71 complaints name the brakes[1]. They include 5 crashes and 1 injury, with a median mileage of 80,000 at failure[1]. In the sample of complaints we read, owners describe a pedal that sinks to the floor or brakes that do not respond. Others describe squealing pads and a vibration from the rear rotors[1].
Air bags. 11 complaints name the air bags[8]. They include 7 crashes and 5 injuries, with a median mileage of 80,000[8]. In the sample we read, owners describe air bags that did not deploy in a crash. Some of those crashes began with a brake failure[8].
Power train. 6 complaints name the power train, with no crashes or injuries and a median mileage of 18,250[9]. In the sample we read, owners describe clutches that wore out or failed early. Some say the dealer called the clutch a wear item[9].
Other groups. Tires and structure have 5 complaints each[10][11]. Electrical system and engine have 3 each[12][13]. Wheels have 2[14]. In the structure sample, owners describe peeling paint, water leaks and a split dashboard[11]. With counts this small, we do not call any of these a common problem.
Recalls
NHTSA lists four recalls for this model year. Newest first:
- ABS unit (15V337). Corrosion inside the anti-lock brake unit can make a valve seize. That means a longer pedal travel and weaker braking when the ABS is used, which raises the risk of a crash. Dealers inspect and clean the unit and replace it if the valves may seize, free of charge. The recall began July 21, 2015[3].
- Fuel tank strap bracket (08V454). A bracket that holds a fuel tank strap may have a split from the stamping process. In a severe crash with a full tank, it could break and let the tank drop, which may leak fuel and cause a fire. Dealers inspect it and reinforce badly split brackets[15].
- Master cylinder (05V299). A seal inside the master cylinder may have been installed wrong. That can lengthen the pedal stroke and braking distance, which could lead to a crash. Dealers replace the master cylinder free of charge[4].
- Brake booster (05V247). A defective booster could come apart and cause a total loss of braking, which could lead to a crash. Dealers inspect and repair it free of charge. Owners were first told by phone to stop driving and were offered a loaner[5].
These recalls cover certain vehicles, not every car. Ask a dealer whether the work was done on the car you are looking at.
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the engine and transmission. The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.
| Setup | City / Highway / Combined MPG | EPA annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd[7] | 20 / 28 / 23 | $2,900 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4)[16] | 20 / 26 / 22 | $3,050 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd[17] | 16 / 25 / 19 | $4,350 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5)[18] | 17 / 26 / 20 | $4,100 |
The 6-cylinder versions list premium fuel. The 4-cylinder versions list regular[7][16][17][18]. All four are front-wheel drive[7][16][17][18].
Safety ratings
NHTSA lists the 2-door front-wheel-drive Eclipse as not rated in its 5-Star program[19]. The Eclipse Spyder listing is not rated either[20]. That is not a bad score. It means there is no star rating to compare.
Engine and size
Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.
| Trim | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coupe GS[21] | 180 in | 72 in | 54 in | 102 in | 3,274 lb |
| Coupe GT[22] | 180 in | 72 in | 54 in | 102 in | 3,472 lb |
The EPA lists a 2.4L 4-cylinder and a 3.8L 6-cylinder[7][17].
How 2006 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 309 | 5 |
| 1996 | 164 | 4 |
| 1997 | 156 | 3 |
| 1998 | 145 | 4 |
| 1999 | 131 | 2 |
| 2000 | 311 | 7 |
| 2001 | 290 | 8 |
| 2002 | 97 | 2 |
| 2003 | 151 | 3 |
| 2004 | 20 | 4 |
| 2005 | 8 | 3 |
| 2006 | 99 | 4 |
| 2007 | 129 | 4 |
| 2008 | 87 | 1 |
| 2009 | 49 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 | 0 |
| 2011 | 1 | 0 |
| 2012 | 8 | 0 |
The 2006 model year has 99 complaints and 4 recalls[6]. Complaints are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat this as a rough guide.
- More complaints than 2002 (97), 2004 (20), 2005 (8), 2008 (87), 2009 (49) and 2010 to 2012 (1, 1 and 8)[6].
- Fewer complaints than 2007 (129), 2003 (151) and the 1995 to 2001 years, which range from 131 to 311[6].
- The 4 recalls[6] match 1996, 1998, 2004 and 2007[6]. The 2000 year has 7 and 2001 has 8[6]. The 2000 year has 7 and 2001 has 8[6].
Should you buy a used 2006 Eclipse?
The complaint file leans heavily toward brakes, and three of the four recalls involve the brake system[1][3][4][5]. If you are shopping, ask for proof that the recall work was done, especially the ABS unit recall, whose remedy has been available since 2015[3]. Have the brakes inspected before you buy. Owners of manual cars in our sample also describe early clutch wear, so ask about clutch history[9]. The complaint counts are modest next to several other Eclipse years, but they are unverified and not adjusted for sales[6].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
- Brakes have the most complaints, 71 of 99 on file with NHTSA[1][2]. Air bags have 11 and the power train has 6[8][9].
- Does the 2006 Eclipse have any recalls?
- Yes, four: ABS unit (15V337), fuel tank strap bracket (08V454), master cylinder (05V299) and brake booster (05V247)[3][15][4][5].
Facts and sources
- 71 complaints name the brakes component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA has 99 owner complaints on file for the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse (9 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 5 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 15V337, filed June 2, 2015: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit / Module . NHTSA recall database
- Recall 05V299, filed June 27, 2005: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 05V247, filed June 2, 2005: Service Brakes, Hydraulic. NHTSA recall database
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Mitsubishi Eclipse model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Eclipse, 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 11 complaints name the air bags component group (7 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 6 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 18,250). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the tires component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the wheels component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 08V454, filed September 9, 2008: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Eclipse, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Eclipse, 3.8L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Eclipse, 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 26 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, C FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ECLIPSE COUPE 2DR COUPE GS: length 180 in, width 72 in, height 54 in, wheelbase 102 in, curb weight 3,274 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ECLIPSE COUPE 2DR COUPE GT: length 180 in, width 72 in, height 54 in, wheelbase 102 in, curb weight 3,472 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov