1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Common problems & what to know before you buy
Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Recalls on the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Suspension: lower ball joint
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.
Power train: automatic transmission
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.
Seats: head restraint
THE HEADREST GUIDE BRACKET WAS IMPROPERLY WELDED TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BACK ASSEMBLIES ONLY.
9 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.
Source: NHTSA
What 170 owners reported
Source: NHTSA
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse at a glance
- Trims
- GSGS-TGSXRSSpyder GSSpyder GS-T
- Engine
- 2.0L 4-Cylinder, 2.0L 4-Cylinder Turbo, 2.4L 4-Cylinder
- Transmission
- Automatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd
- Drivetrain
- FWD, AWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Body style
- Coupe
Other Mitsubishi Eclipse years
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Frequently asked questions
What are the common problems with the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Owners have filed 170 complaints about the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse with NHTSA, most often about the engine and engine cooling. There are 12 recall campaigns covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.
Is the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable?
Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 12 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.
Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.
Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.