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2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse: problems, recalls and fuel economy
Brakes are the most reported problem on the 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse, with 102 of its 129 NHTSA complaints naming them[1][2]. Four recalls are on file, so check any car you are considering for open recalls before you buy[3].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 129 owner complaints on file for the 2007 Eclipse[1]. Of those, 19 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 15 injuries and 1 a death[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one component. Complaint counts are also not adjusted for how many cars were sold.
Brakes. 102 complaints name the brakes[2]. They include 12 crashes and 5 injuries, and the median mileage at failure is 77,000[2]. In the sample of complaints we read, owners describe two things. Some describe squealing or squeaking at light pedal pressure that dealers did not cure. Others describe a soft, spongy pedal or a sudden loss of pedal pressure, sometimes after a hard stop or a bump[2].
Air bags. 10 complaints name the air bags[5]. They include 8 crashes and 9 injuries, with a median mileage of 112,000[5]. In the sample we read, several owners say the air bags did not deploy in a crash[5]. These are the owners' own unverified accounts.
Structure. 8 complaints name structure, with 1 crash and 1 injury[6]. In the sample we read, owners describe a passenger-side dashboard cover that cracks or lifts off, and a broken door latch part that holds the door open[6].
Tires. 5 complaints name the tires[7]. In the sample we read, owners describe blowouts, tread separation or slow air loss[7].
Smaller groups are power train with 3 complaints[8], electrical system with 3[9], unknown or other with 3[10], and latches, locks and linkages with 2[11]. Counts this small do not point to a pattern.
Recalls
NHTSA lists four recalls for this model year, newest first[3]. A recall can cover only certain vehicles in the model range, so ask a dealer to check a specific car by VIN.
- ABS unit (15V337). Filed June 2, 2015, covering 74,836 potentially affected units[12]. Corrosion inside the anti-lock brake unit can make internal valves seize. That means longer pedal travel and weaker braking, which raises crash risk. The fix is free. Dealers inspect, flush and clean the ABS unit with brake fluid, and replace the unit if the valves may seize[12].
- Fuel tank strap bracket (08V454). Filed September 9, 2008, covering 45,988 units across several Mitsubishi models[13]. A bracket holding the left rear fuel tank strap may have a split from the stamping process. In a severe crash with a full tank, the bracket could break, the tank could drop and fuel could leak, which could cause a fire. Dealers inspect the bracket. Cars with moderate to severe splitting get a reinforcement cap, structural adhesive and a rivet[13].
- Key lock cable (06V414). Filed October 31, 2006, covering 1,772 units[14]. On certain automatic cars, the key lock cable may not lock into the shifter. The key could then be removed without the car in Park. If the parking brake is not set, the car could roll and crash. Dealers inspect the cable and replace it if needed[14].
- Front crossmember (06V334). Filed September 6, 2006, covering 1,516 units[15]. The front crossmember may have been stamped too thin and could break over time. A break could let the passenger-side lower control arm separate, causing loss of steering control and raising crash risk. Dealers inspect and replace the crossmember free[15].
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the engine and gearbox. The Eclipse and the Eclipse Spyder are rated separately. Annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.
| Model and engine | City / Hwy / Combined MPG | Annual fuel cost | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eclipse 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd[4] | 20 / 28 / 23 | $2,900 | Regular |
| Eclipse 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4)[16] | 20 / 26 / 22 | $3,050 | Regular |
| Eclipse 3.8L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd[17] | 16 / 25 / 19 | $4,350 | Premium |
| Eclipse 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5)[18] | 17 / 26 / 20 | $4,100 | Premium |
| Spyder 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd[19] | 19 / 26 / 22 | $3,050 | Regular |
| Spyder 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4)[20] | 19 / 26 / 22 | $3,050 | Regular |
| Spyder 3.8L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd[21] | 16 / 24 / 18 | $4,550 | Premium |
| Spyder 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5)[22] | 16 / 24 / 19 | $4,350 | Premium |
All versions are front-wheel drive[19]. The 4-cylinder cars use regular gas and the 6-cylinder cars use premium, and the 6-cylinder versions show higher annual fuel costs[17][18].
Safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings list the 2-door front-wheel-drive Eclipse as not rated[23]. A second NHTSA entry (C FWD) is also not rated[24]. That means there is no crash-test star score to compare.
Engine and size
Our data has two Eclipse Spyder variants. The figures below are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada.
| Variant | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spyder GS[25] | 180 in | 72 in | 54 in | 102 in | 3,472 lb |
| Spyder GT-P[26] | 180 in | 72 in | 55 in | 102 in | 3,759 lb |
EPA lists 2.4L 4-cylinder and 3.8L 6-cylinder engines for this model year[19][21].
How 2007 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 |
NHTSA has 129 complaints and 4 recalls for the 2007 Eclipse[3]. Among the model years from 2004 to 2012, that is the most complaints. The neighbors are 2006 with 99 and 2008 with 87[3]. Across all 18 listed years, 2007 sits in the middle[3]. Eight years have more complaints, including 2000 with 311, 1995 with 309 and 2001 with 290[3].
On recalls, 2007 ties with 1996, 1998, 2004 and 2006 at 4[3]. Only 1995 (5), 2000 (7) and 2001 (8) have more[3]. The 2008 and 2009 model years each have 1 recall[3].
Should you buy a used 2007 Eclipse?
The record is mixed. Brakes dominate the complaints, and the ABS recall is about braking performance[2][12]. Before buying, check that every recall has been done, and test the brake pedal feel on a long drive. The 6-cylinder versions show higher annual fuel costs and use premium fuel[17][18]. The car is not rated by NHTSA for crash safety[23], and complaint counts are unverified owner reports, so treat them as a reason to inspect, not as a verdict.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
- Brakes. 102 of the 129 complaints on file with NHTSA name the brakes[1][2]. Air bags (10 complaints) and structure (8) follow[5][6].
- Does the 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse have recalls?
- Four recalls are on file: ABS unit 15V337, fuel tank strap bracket 08V454, key lock cable 06V414 and front crossmember 06V334[3][12][13][14][15].
- What gas mileage does the 2007 Eclipse get?
- EPA combined ratings run from 18 to 23 MPG depending on model, engine and gearbox[19][20][21][22][4][16][17][18]. The 2.4L manual Eclipse is best at 23[4].
- Is the 2007 Eclipse safe?
- NHTSA lists no star ratings for it. Both NHTSA entries are not rated[23][24].
- Is 2007 a bad year for the Eclipse?
- It has the most complaints of the 2004 to 2012 model years, with 129, but eight earlier years have more[3].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 129 owner complaints on file for the 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse (19 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 15 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 102 complaints name the brakes component group (12 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 77,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 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
- 10 complaints name the air bags component group (8 crashes, 0 fires, 9 injuries, median mileage at failure 112,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 72,339). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the tires component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the latches/locks/linkages component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). 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 08V454, filed September 9, 2008: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 06V414, filed October 31, 2006: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 06V334, filed September 6, 2006: Structure › Frame And Members. 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
- EPA rating for Eclipse Spyder, 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Eclipse Spyder, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Eclipse Spyder, 3.8L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 24 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Eclipse Spyder, 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. 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 SPYDER 2DR CONV GS: 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
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ECLIPSE SPYDER 2DR CONV GT-P: length 180 in, width 72 in, height 55 in, wheelbase 102 in, curb weight 3,759 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov