2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse recalls and problems

The 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse has 4 safety recalls and 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mitsubishi dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
14
Crashes / fires
6 / 1
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse recalls

Recall 15V-338: Air Bags

Reported Jun 2, 2015 · 443,442 vehicles affected · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Problem: 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 affected vehicles, the passenger side sun visor may be folded down in such a position that, if the passenger frontal air bag deploys, the passenger side sun visor may detach.

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

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. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-15-005. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R30.

Recall 04V-428: Equipment

Reported Sep 1, 2004 · 100,432 vehicles affected · MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN

Problem: 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.

Risk: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.

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 expected to begin during march or april 2005. The notification to the nativa owners is expected to begin during april or may 2005. Owners should contact mitsubishi caribbean at 1-787-251-8715.

Recall 04V-312: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jun 29, 2004 · 834 vehicles affected · MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel return line hose fitting on the electric fuel pump may be improperly molded.

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

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

Recall 03V-442: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Nov 4, 2003 · 17,087 vehicles affected · MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

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.

2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Structure6
Air Bags3
Steering2
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Service Brakes2
Service Brakes, Air1
Wheels1
Engine1
Electrical System1
Unknown or Other1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 3
  • Steering › Column Locking › Anti-Theft Device — 1
  • Service Brakes, Air › Controls › Hand Control/Valve — 1
  • Structure › Body › Door — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 40,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Sep 20, 2021
Electrical cable for Fuel Pump caught fire. My daughter was able to park and exit the car safely before it combusted but it took 8 minutes for the car to basically explode. I think this is very dangerous for a family with kids or someone that wouldn't be as fast as my kid to get out of the car. We found out the same car/year has a recall but this was not issued to my specific vehicle. https://www.kbb.com/mitsubishi/eclipse/2004/recall/ I requested Mitsubishi Motors to check the car and give me compensation and they denied. We have a case number with them. The car showed the check engine light…
Service Brakes · at 146,000 miles · reported Sep 14, 2016
Brakes will intermittedly not respond to the brake pedal being depressed. Car has now been involved in two rear end collisions in 3 months. Repair shop cannot duplicate the problem described. Car was going 25 MPH both times in two cities when the car failed to brake.
Air Bags · reported May 10, 2016
The contact owns a 2004 mitsubishi eclipse. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle crashed into another vehicle on the driver side that LED to the vehicle rolling over three times. The air bags failed to deploy. There was one injury reported that required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. The VIN was not provided.
Service Brakes · at 63,000 miles · reported Oct 6, 2015
The contact owns a 2004 mitsubishi eclipse. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle hesitated to stop. The failure recurred multiple times. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 15v337000 (Service brakes, hydraulic); however, the part was unavailable to perform the repairs. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000.
Structure · at 83,000 miles · reported Jul 2, 2013
Roommate driving my vehicle with myself in passenger seat. Struck a dear monday morning at approximately 60mph. Vehicle was put into a ditch and rolled at least 1 time into a marsh on left side of the road. Vehicle received major: front, both side, rear and roof damage. Not one air bag was deployed.

Other Mitsubishi Eclipse years

Compare all Mitsubishi Eclipse years · All Mitsubishi models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse: 15V-338 (air bags), 04V-428 (equipment), 04V-312 (fuel system, gasoline), 03V-442 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse?

Owners report structure problems most often (6 reports), followed by air bags (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 40,000 miles.

Are Mitsubishi recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mitsubishi dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.