CarBrief

Brakes are the component group named most often in complaints on file for the 2008 Eclipse. 66 of the 87 NHTSA complaints name the brakes[1][2], and one ABS recall applies to the car[3].

87owner complaints[1]
1recalls[4]
19–23MPG combined (EPA)[5]

Reported problems

NHTSA has 87 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Eclipse[1]. 13 mention a crash and 6 mention injuries[1]. None mention a fire or a death[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one component.

Brakes. 66 complaints name the brakes group[2]. 9 of them mention a crash and 2 mention injuries[2]. The median mileage at failure is 70,000[2]. In the sample of brake complaints we read, owners describe weaker braking than normal. Owners describe a soft or spongy pedal, a pedal that sinks a long way or to the floor, and a loss of braking pressure. Some also describe a hissing or whistling sound from the pedal area. Some say that shop work such as bleeding the brakes or replacing the master cylinder did not cure it[2]. This is similar to the defect described in the ABS recall below[3].

Air bags. 8 complaints name the air bags group[6]. 3 mention a crash and 3 mention injuries[6]. The median mileage at failure is 33,500[6]. In the sample we read, the texts are a mix. Owners describe a warning light, some air bags not deploying in a crash and a dashboard seam splitting near the passenger air bag[6].

Everything else is small. The other groups have 4 or fewer complaints each: electrical system (4), engine (4), unknown or other (4), seat belts (2), latches, locks and linkages (2) and visibility (2)[7][8][9][10][11][12]. In the small samples we read, the electrical and engine texts cover unrelated things, such as a starter, overheating, an emissions code and a convertible-top warning[7][8].

These counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Recalls

NHTSA lists one recall for this model year[4].

In the complaint sample we read, 2 owners said the repair part was not available when they were notified of this recall[7][8]. Ask a Mitsubishi dealer whether a particular car has had the work done.

Fuel economy

The EPA lists four versions of the coupe and four of the Spyder convertible. The 2.4L 4-cylinder runs on regular[5]. The 3.8L 6-cylinder is listed with premium[13] and has a higher estimated yearly fuel cost[14].

Version City / Hwy / Combined MPG Est. annual fuel cost
Eclipse 2.4L, Manual 5-spd[5] 20 / 28 / 23 $2,900
Eclipse 2.4L, Automatic (S4)[15] 20 / 26 / 22 $3,050
Eclipse 3.8L, Manual 6-spd[13] 16 / 25 / 19 $4,350
Eclipse 3.8L, Automatic (S5)[14] 17 / 25 / 20 $4,100
Spyder 2.4L, Manual 5-spd[16] 19 / 26 / 22 $3,050
Spyder 2.4L, Automatic (S4)[17] 19 / 26 / 22 $3,050
Spyder 3.8L, Manual 6-spd[18] 16 / 25 / 19 $4,350
Spyder 3.8L, Automatic (S5)[19] 16 / 24 / 19 $4,350

All versions are front-wheel drive. The EPA cost estimate uses current fuel prices, not the price when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings list the 2008 Eclipse coupe as not rated[20]. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings list the 2008 Eclipse as not rated for both body types it shows, 2 DR FWD[20] and C FWD[21].

Engine and size

The EPA lists a 2.4L 4-cylinder and a 3.8L 6-cylinder for this model year[5][13]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Eclipse GS coupe[22] 180 in 72 in 55 in 102 in 3,274 lb
Eclipse GT-P coupe[23] 180 in 72 in 55 in 102 in 3,472 lb
Spyder GS convertible[24] 180 in 72 in 54 in 102 in 3,472 lb
Spyder GT-P convertible[25] 180 in 72 in 55 in 102 in 3,671 lb

How 2008 compares with other years

1995: 309 complaints, 5 recalls19951996: 164 complaints, 4 recalls1997: 156 complaints, 3 recalls19971998: 145 complaints, 4 recalls1999: 131 complaints, 2 recalls19992000: 311 complaints, 7 recalls2001: 290 complaints, 8 recalls20012002: 97 complaints, 2 recalls2003: 151 complaints, 3 recalls20032004: 20 complaints, 4 recalls2005: 8 complaints, 3 recalls20052006: 99 complaints, 4 recalls2007: 129 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 87 complaints, 1 recalls8720082009: 49 complaints, 1 recalls20092010: 1 complaints, 0 recalls2011: 1 complaints, 0 recalls20112012: 8 complaints, 0 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Eclipse model year. The 2008 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19953095
19961644
19971563
19981454
19991312
20003117
20012908
2002972
20031513
2004204
200583
2006994
20071294
2008871
2009491
201010
201110
201280

NHTSA has 87 complaints and 1 recall on file for the 2008 Eclipse[4]. Eleven of the 18 model years in the data have more complaints[4]. These are 1995 to 2003, 2006 (99) and 2007 (129)[4]. Six years have fewer: 2004 (20), 2005 (8), 2009 (49), 2010 (1), 2011 (1) and 2012 (8)[4].

For recalls, 2008 has 1, the same as 2009[4]. Every model year before 2008 has more, from 2 to 8[4]. The 2010, 2011 and 2012 model years have none[4]. The ABS recall also covers the 2006, 2007 and 2009 Eclipse[3]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat this as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2008 Eclipse?

Brakes are the thing to look at. 66 of the 87 complaints name them[2], and the ABS recall describes a defect that can reduce braking[3]. Confirm with a dealer that the recall work was done, and have the brakes checked before you buy. Fuel cost depends on the engine, with the 2.4L listed at $2,900 to $3,050 a year and the 3.8L at $4,100 to $4,350 on premium[5][15][13][14]. Complaint counts are unverified reports, and the car has no NHTSA crash rating[20][21].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on a 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Brakes have the most complaints, with 66 of 87 on file with NHTSA[1][2]. Air bags are next with 8[6].
Does the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse have any recalls?
Yes. Recall 15V337 covers corrosion inside the ABS unit, which can reduce braking. Dealers inspect, flush and clean the unit for free and replace it if the valves may seize[3].
What gas mileage does a 2008 Eclipse get?
The EPA lists 19 to 23 combined MPG depending on engine, transmission and body[16][18][5][13]. The best is 23 for the 2.4L coupe with a manual[5].
Does the 2008 Eclipse need premium gas?
The 3.8L 6-cylinder versions are listed with premium fuel[18][13]. The 2.4L versions are listed with regular[5][16].
Is the 2008 Eclipse a more problematic year than others?
With 87 complaints, 11 other model years have more complaints than 2008 and 6 have fewer[4].[4]. The counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 87 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse (13 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 6 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 66 complaints name the brakes component group (9 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 15V337, filed June 2, 2015: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit / Module . NHTSA recall database
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every Mitsubishi Eclipse model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. 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
  6. 8 complaints name the air bags component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 33,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 4 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 4 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 4 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 2 complaints name the seat belts component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 2 complaints name the latches/locks/linkages component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 2 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 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
  14. EPA rating for Eclipse, 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. EPA rating for Eclipse Spyder, 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
  19. 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
  20. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  21. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, C FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ECLIPSE GS 2DR COUPE: length 180 in, width 72 in, height 55 in, wheelbase 102 in, curb weight 3,274 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ECLIPSE GT-P 2DR COUPE: length 180 in, width 72 in, height 55 in, wheelbase 102 in, curb weight 3,472 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  24. 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
  25. 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 3,671 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.