Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
98V069001MITSUBISHI AMERICAfrom 05/15/1989 to 03/06/1998V (Vehicle)2427504/20/1998ODIMITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC.03/26/199806/16/1998
Defect SummaryVehicle description: passenger vehicles. lockup of the transfer case can occur due to insufficient lubrication.
Consequence SummaryThis condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective SummaryDealers 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 components will be replaced. if the transfer case shows operational degradation, the transfer case will be replaced.
NotesOwner notification is expected to begin april 20, 1998.owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
POWER TRAIN
TSB961302312/01/199650622Pcm programming summary and fuel recommendations. *tw05/27/1997
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
992301010/01/19996088731This bulletin contains recommended automatic transmission / transaxle maintenance information. *tt01/06/2000
9807012001209/08/1998602033Information on a/t shift cable kit installation tip. *yc09/08/1998
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
TSB991300102/01/1999604262Pcm reprogramming & replacement summary (420a engine). *tt04/21/1999
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
TSB972300606/01/199752611Ignition key difficult to remove. *tw08/21/1997
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
TSB982301510/01/1998602932Concerns with delayed transaxle engagement. *yc01/21/1999
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY - PEDAL/LINKAGE
TSB972301512/01/1997600571Information about improved automatic transaxle end clutch. *tt05/26/1998
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
8407/01/2002636929Subject regarding manual transmission fluid. *tt11/15/2002
8306/01/2002636895Vehicle technical information regarding manual transmission fluid. *tt11/15/2002
992200310/01/19996088726This bulletin contains recommended manual transmission / transaxle maintenance information. *tt01/04/2000
TSB962200511/01/199650606Additional manual transaxle shift lever operational inspection - service manual revision. *tw05/27/1997

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
RQ98007MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC.05/11/199808/28/1998TRANSFER CASE LEAKAGE98V069000
 The transfer case of the all wheel drive (awd), mitsubishi galant, allegedly leaks oil causing one or more wheels to lockup; or the inability to transmit engine power to the drive wheels.the vehicles have the same transfer case design as the eclipse vehicles which have been recalled for the same alleged defect.
RQ98007MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC.05/11/199808/28/1998TRANSFER CASE LEAKAGE98V168000
 The transfer case of the all wheel drive (awd), mitsubishi galant, allegedly leaks oil causing one or more wheels to lockup; or the inability to transmit engine power to the drive wheels.the vehicles have the same transfer case design as the eclipse vehicles which have been recalled for the same alleged defect.
RQ98007MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC.05/11/199808/28/1998TRANSFER CASE LEAKAGE98V168001
 The transfer case of the all wheel drive (awd), mitsubishi galant, allegedly leaks oil causing one or more wheels to lockup; or the inability to transmit engine power to the drive wheels.the vehicles have the same transfer case design as the eclipse vehicles which have been recalled for the same alleged defect.
RQ98007MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC.05/11/199808/28/1998TRANSFER CASE LEAKAGE98V168002
 The transfer case of the all wheel drive (awd), mitsubishi galant, allegedly leaks oil causing one or more wheels to lockup; or the inability to transmit engine power to the drive wheels.the vehicles have the same transfer case design as the eclipse vehicles which have been recalled for the same alleged defect.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
POWER TRAIN
01/01/19012
 1995 eclipse down shifted to 2nd gear. *ts *jb
04/01/1998
 98v069000; the transfer case was recalled, and took the vehicle to the dealer for repair. dealer checked vehicle for leaks, and stated that the problem was solved. the consumer states that the vehicle has a transmission warranty, and that the actual components of vehicle that have a possible leak are the yoke and sleeve. no recalls are currently listed on these items. *ak
01/02/19962
 Odometer malfunctioned.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
10/31/2010126500
 Tl- the contact owns a 1995 mitsubishi eclipse. the contact stated while traveling 30 mpg the transfer case locked up on the vehicle. the contact had a mechanic look at the vehicle and was told that the transfer case had leaked and that caused it to lock up. the manufacturer informed the caller that recall campaign number 98v069001, which deals with the transmission because of a leak in the transfer case, was repaired in 1998. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure mileage and current mileages was 126500.rl
11/01/2006100000
 Tl*the contact owns a 1995 mitsubishi eclipse. the transfer case leaks and when is placed into drive. the vehicle makes a loud noise. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the dealer stated that his vin was not included in recall 98v069001 power train: automatic transmission. therefore he will need to pay for the repair. the failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 130,000.
04/12/2009105000
 Tl*the contact owns a 1995 mitsubishi eclipse. while driving 50 mph, the transfer case failed. the contact called the manufacturer in reference to nhtsa campaign id number 98v069001 (power train:automatic transmission) and the representative stated that she was unclear if the vehicle was previously repaired according to the recall; therefore, they would not assume responsibility for the repairs. the failure and current mileages were 105,000.
01/27/2008137000101/26/2008
 Tl*the contact owns a 1995 mitsubishi eclipse. the contact stated that the automatic transmission would not shift into gear. he also heard a loud grinding noise while driving various speeds. the dealer stated that the vehicle showed signs of nhtsa campaign id number 98v069001 (power train:automatic transmission); however, the vin was not included. the contact stated that oil was leaking from the vehicle. the vin was unknown. the failure and current mileages were 137,000.
02/21/2006132000106/01/2000
 Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle would not start and was towed to an independent repair shop where it was determined the transfer case seized. a nhtsa recall, #98v069001 was performed on the vehicle concerning the automatic transmission however, the recall did not remedy the problem. the dealership would not offer a second repair without charge under the recall.
04/10/2005160000206/15/1998
 Whiledriving on highway vehicle started to downshift to 2nd gear.and had to shut off the car to get the gears working again. this problem reoccur every time i pull out . i had chance the trasmision twice already.*ak
04/24/2002
 Transmission was not working correctly, it would not shut corretly. then, while consumer was driving transmission went out. contacted dealer. *ak
04/01/2002
 When in park position and truning on the air conditioner transmission will jump into gear, and try to move. contacted dealer. *ak
06/15/20010
 While driving on highway vehicle started to downshift to 2nd or 3rd gears. also had to shut off car to get gears to operate properly. then, same problem will reoccur. consumer has contacted dealer. please provide any further information.*ak
01/01/2000
 While driving vehicle will jump out of gear down to 2nd by itself. *ak
10/01/1994
 There is something wrong with my transmission. i had it serviced as required at the appropriate time. i filled out the above questionaire as much as i could. i contacted nhtsa and they told me to file a complaint by filing out this questionaire. i hope you will look into this problem. i don't have very many miles on this car. the transmission should not need major work or replaced. thank you- *ak
07/01/1998
 No summary.
01/01/1999
 Car has a hesitation/miss when cruising under 2300 rpms (35 mph). causes the transmission to shift up and down. *ak
02/13/19953
 Transmission leaks. *sd
01/02/19962
 Vehicle hesitates when shifting gears.
04/19/1995
 Automatic transmission sticking when placed in drive gear, vehicle hesitates and then lurches forward. tt
 The gear hard to go into the right gear the electrical system having problem . tt
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
10/24/1996105/01/1995
 Plastic around the transmission handle makes noise/sticks.
08/21/19951
 Gear shifter noisy and vibrated in 3rd gear.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - COLUMN SHIFT
05/05/2002
 Recall on transfer case was done in 1998, at this time transfer case is leaking again.*ak
07/01/2000
 While driving at 20 mph and 40 mph a grinding noise comes from the transfer case. seal on the transfer case was replaced under recall # 98v069001 about 2 years ago. transfer case is leaking oil. this problem has been reported to the dealership. the dealership was unable to remedy this problem free of charge. please provide any further informaton. *ak
 Recall # 98v069001 mitsubishi/transfer case. dealer is not willing to correct defects that occurred because of recall. part to correct recall will not be available until september. also dealer will not furnish a rental to owner. owner's vehicle is not driveable. *ak
10/14/1998
 Received recall notice in the mail (98v069001). called dealer for appointment. was informed no parts available for transfer case. been calling every week & still no parts. *ak
04/01/1998
 98v069000; the transfer case was recalled, and took the vehicle to the dealer for repair. dealer checked vehicle for leaks, and stated that the problem was solved. the consumer states that the vehicle has a transmission warranty, and that the actual components of vehicle that have a possible leak are the yoke and sleeve. no recalls are currently listed on these items. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
09/01/2000
 Consume r was traveling about 35mph on highway both front ball joints broke. also, both left and right front axles broke . has contacted the manufacturer. there were no injuries.*ak
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
07/01/2001104/27/2001
 Consumer stated th clutch failed. nlm
2
 My '95 mitsubishi eclipse gsx at 50k(1/99) had a problem with the clutch and shortblock. well it was under warranty and was fixed. now i have 80k(8/22) and i'm having the exact same problem. i've spoken with the dealership and i was told by todd mason that it's a known problem with turbo eclipse's. mitsu only offered to pay for a new shortblock but left me to pay the labor which would be in the thousands. they said it's no longer under warranty. the problem i have is that 30k is not enough miles or time for the clutch and shortblock to break down again and it's the exact same problem. i feel it's a mitsu defect in design. i do not want to pay big buck every time this happens. if it's a known problem i say they should do a recall on it. help what do i do? how do i argue my point??? everybody seems to agree with me, co-workers, dealership, mitsu customer service person. everybody but the dealer rep who has to authorize the work. i've kept the car in good condition and have had all my regularly scheduled maintance done.
 When driving at 35 mph on highway in the fast lane clutch went completely out, causing loss of acceleration. vehicle went into a coast. consumer contacted dealer, dealer noted unusual signs when removing the clutch, and clutch was replaced. please provide any further details.*ak
 When trying to change gears the clutch stuc, replaced the clutch three times under the warranty . *ak
12/04/1995
 Manual transmission and clutch locks the front wheels on front wheel drive vehicle. tt
01/25/1995
 Clutch is getting stuck, results in high rpm's. tt
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY - PEDAL/LINKAGE
02/09/2001102/01/2000
 Motor just stopped the car always lost t clutch pedal $3500 to fix bad trust bearing. *ak
08/21/19951
 Noisy clutch pedal
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
05/31/2007144150105/31/2007
 Tl*the contact owns a 1995 mitsubishi eclipse. the contact stated that his vehicle has manual transmission, but recall # 98v069001 (power train:automatic transmission) applies only to automatic transmissions. he stated that his transfer case has been leaking fluid since the vehicle was purchased. the current and failure mileages were 144,150.
04/05/2007216000102/02/2006
 Tl* - the contact owns a 1995 mitsubishi eclipse. there was safety recall 98v069001 on the automatic transmission. he was told that the safety recall repairs had already been performed on the vehicle. due to the present mileage on the vehicle the dealer refused to perform the safety recall repairs again. the vehicle was making loud noises, jerking and shaking . the dealer found no oil in the transfer case. the current and failure mileage were both 216,000 miles.*ak
02/02/2001110/01/2000
 Manual transmission leaking. *ak
05/28/2000111/01/1997
 Vehicle came to a jarring stop, upon checking the vehicle noticed the trasmission blew out of its cas 2 gears, three pieces of the transmission housing.
 Driver turning on curve, making grinding noises, bearings/transmission locked up on vehicle, broke something while getting it into gear, spun vehicle around.*ak
 While driving, at approx. 40mph, suddenly transmission developed hole, then blew apart all over road, fluid and pieces, standard 5 speed, no prior warning.*ak
02/24/1996
 While traveling 65 mph, 5 spd-transmission failed while shifting w/parts dropping off and trans fluid leaking excessively. please describe details. *ak
12/04/1995
 Manual transmission and clutch locks the front wheels on front wheel drive vehicle. tt
POWER TRAIN - TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
04/05/2007216000102/02/2006
 Tl* - the contact owns a 1995 mitsubishi eclipse. there was safety recall 98v069001 on the automatic transmission. he was told that the safety recall repairs had already been performed on the vehicle. due to the present mileage on the vehicle the dealer refused to perform the safety recall repairs again. the vehicle was making loud noises, jerking and shaking . the dealer found no oil in the transfer case. the current and failure mileage were both 216,000 miles.*ak
01/23/2007112/20/1995
 I was driving my car today and out of nowhere all of my wheels lock up and i lose control of the car. luckily i stopped and didn't hit anything but it could have been much much worse if other cars would have been around. this problem was supposedly fixed several years ago but it obviously wasn't. the recall says that fluid leaks out of the transfer case and causes lock up, this is exactly what happened. there is a recall that never expires for this until it is fixed once. since it shows as fixed the recall no longer shows as open for my vin, mitsubishi refuses to admit there is a problem. a transmission shop advised me that this fluid should never leak out once, so surely not twice in 84,000 miles. i went to the dealer and called mitsubishi directly and nobody cares that it could possibly happen again and someone could be hurt. i do not have the money to fix it and i have no choice but to refill it with fluid and drive it again. this is the second time it has happened in this car since we purchased it brand new in 1995. it also happened to me in my eagle talon tsi that is the same car as this and it was fixed under the recall so i know this issue well and all occurrences are identical. this is an extremely dangerous issue and i no longer feel comfortable riding in a mitsubishi if they are unwilling to admit when there is a problem. i believe my transfer case should be replaced since the issue obviously wasn't fixed correct the first time since the exact same thing happened again. *jb
10/05/2006180000109/25/2005
 I was in a crash. my transfer case locked up which caused me to lose control of my vehicle and hit a guardrail. *nm
04/15/2005103000104/03/2003
 On routine maintenance, transfer case oil leakage and dangerously low fluid level was detected on vehicle at 103,000 miles. recall repair had been performed in 1999, however, the problem persists. the problem is identical to nhtsa campaign id number : 98v069001 , except the car is equipped with a manual transmission.*ak
02/04/2004101/12/2004
 Consumer stated that transfer case was leaking oil. this could cause the gears to lock up. *ak
890001
 After recall 98v069001 repairs for transfer case was performed the defect recurred, and transfer case was leaking. there was a metal piece in the oil. *ak
01/21/200355432101/07/2003
 Dealer refuses to aknoweldge the transfer case recall on my 1995 mitsubishi eclipse gsx
09/12/1997109/14/1994
 The transfer case locked up causing vehicle to go into a 180 degree spin. a leak in the transfer case causes the lockup.
12/12/1997109/14/1994
 Transfer case locked up causing vehicle to go into a 180 degree spin.