MotorDeets

2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse: 4 recalls, 14 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.

4vehicle recalls
14owner complaints
6mention a crash
23best combined mpg
2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Fuel system Vehicle recall #03V442000 · 2003 · 17,087 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel return line hose fitting on the electric fuel pump May be restricted, causing excessive fuel pressure to build up in the fuel injection system. Excessive fuel pressure May result in a leak in the fuel return hose.

Why it matters: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

The fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel pump pressure. Those vehicles exhibiting higher than normal fuel pump pressure will receive fuel pump modifications. The recall began December 3, 2003. Owners should contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037 or Mitsubishi caribbean at 1-800-981-0452.

Fuel system Vehicle recall #04V312000 · 2004 · 834 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel return line hose fitting on the electric fuel pump May be improperly molded.

Why it matters: Breakage could result in a leakage of fuel and in the presence of an ignition source, it could result a fire.

The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump. The recall began on July 26, 2004. Owners should contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.

Equipment Vehicle recall #04V428000 · 2004 · 100,432 vehicles

What's wrong: Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 208, 'occupant crash protection.' the bilingual english/spanish removable air bag warning labels affixed to the dash and to the sunvisor do not meet the size requirements of the standard.

Why it matters: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.

The fix: Mitsubishi caribbean will mail a customer notification letter containing a written description and a graphic of the bi-lingual dashboard air bag warning label. In addition, all current 2000-2004 nativa owners will also receive replacement air bag alert labels for the sun visors. This recall is…

Airbags Vehicle recall #15V338000 · 2015 · 443,442 vehicles

What's wrong: Mitsubishi motors north america, Inc. (mmna) is recalling certain model year 2000-2005 eclipse vehicles manufactured April 5, 1999, to December 17, 2004, 2001-2005 eclipse spyder vehicles manufactured January 19, 2000, to March 18, 2005, 2001-2005 Chrysler sebring vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 21, 2005, and 2001-2005 Dodge stratus vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 22, 2005. In the…

Why it matters: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.

The fix: Mmna will notify their owners, and Chrysler will notify the Chrysler and Dodge owners. Dealers will install a tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015.

1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles

What's wrong: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.

Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.

The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Body & structure5
Airbags3
Steering2
Fuel & propulsion2
Brakes2
Brakes (air)1
Wheels1
Engine1

What owners describe

The 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse has 14 owner complaints, ranking #19 of 23 Eclipse model years for complaints (well below the 93 average). Complaints peaked in 2005 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 38,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (124 complaints, 3 recalls), 2005 (6 complaints, 3 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.4 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive202823Regular
2.4 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive192521Regular
2.4 L 4-cylAutomatic (S4)Front-Wheel Drive192521Regular
3.0 L 6-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive182621Premium
3.0 L 6-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive182721Premium
3.0 L 6-cylAutomatic (S4)Front-Wheel Drive182521Premium

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 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse manual

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FAQ

Does the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse, plus 1 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 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems?

Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (5), airbags (3), steering (2).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse get?

EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.4 L, Manual 5-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2004 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.

Other Eclipse years

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