1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse: 5 recalls, 46 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
.jpg){kind=link}
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #89V128000 · 1989 · 5,510 vehicles
What's wrong: Wiring harness for the headlamps May break due to the stress created by the headlamp pop up devices.
Why it matters: Breakage of the wiring harness causes loss ofheadlamp illumination which could have a potential for an accident.
The fix: Headlamp wiring harness routing will be modified and damaged wires repaired.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #90V056002 · 1990 · 367 vehicles
What's wrong: Operation of sunroof in "non-standard" manner May cause male hinge disengagement from the roof hinge receiver.
Why it matters: The sunroof glass could detach from the roof and result in injury to occupants or persons in the vicinity, especially if this occurs while the vehicle is in motion.
The fix: Replace male hinge with a modified version to increase roof hinge receiver retention ability.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #90V106002 · 1990 · 26 vehicles
What's wrong: Diluted primer May have been used on the windshield opening flanges prior to windshield glass installation which would not provide the retention required by fmvss 212.
Why it matters: Windshields would not prevent ejection of vehicleoccupants during a vehicle crash, which causes serious injuries and fatalities.
The fix: Replace windshields, associated parts, and primer.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #95V103004 · 1995 · 658,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." if a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.
Why it matters: The safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Owners should promptly check the condition and operation of both front safety belt buckles and carefully inspect the red release button for any breaks or cracks. They should ensure that both buckles are operating properly by inserting each latch plate into its buckle, tugging on the belt to make…
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #98V069001 · 1998 · 24,275 vehicles
What's wrong: Lockup of the transfer case can occur due to insufficient lubrication.
Why it matters: This condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicles for adequacy of the transfer case oil volume, transfer case oil leakage, and operational degradation of the transfer case mechanism. If oil volume is insufficient, the appropriate amount of oil will be added. If there is transfer case oil leakage, affected…
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E065000 · 2006 · 3,593 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aj motorsport combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Aj motorsport will notify owners and offer reimbursement for the lamps. The recall began on July 31, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (25): the most common themes are leaks (12), noise or vibration (3).
- Seat belts (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine & cooling (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse has 46 owner complaints, ranking #15 of 23 Eclipse model years for complaints (well below the 93 average). Complaints peaked in 1998 (13 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old. Neighboring years: 1991 (54 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 23 | 20 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems?
Owners have filed 46 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (25), seat belts (6), engine & cooling (6).
What gas mileage does the 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (1.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.