Affordable AWD crossover with a mega warranty
The Eclipse Cross is Mitsubishi's compact coupe-styled crossover SUV, positioned between the ASX and Outlander. It targets buyers wanting SUV practicality with sportier styling, though it competes in a crowded segment against the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage. It has a loyal following but remains a niche choice in the UK market.
We track 3 known issues across the Mitsubishi Eclipse range, with 1 classified as significant. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Mitsubishi Eclipse? Enter the reg to see which of our 3 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
GK2A (2017–2021) — Engine options included the 1.5 Turbo. We track 3 known issues on this generation, with 1 classified as significant. The most significant concern is CVT transmission juddering (£3,000–£4,500 to address).
The Jatco CVT8 continuously variable transmission fitted to the Eclipse Cross is known for developing juddering and hesitation, particularly during low-speed acceleration or when pulling away from standstill. This is a documented issue across multiple Mitsubishi models using this transmission. Early symptoms include rubber-band sensation during acceleration and hesitation when setting off from traffic lights.
CVT transmission failure requires complete unit replacement at £3,000-5,000 including labour. Early intervention with fluid changes and software updates may extend life, but severe juddering typically indicates internal wear that cannot be repaired. The vehicle remains driveable but continued use may accelerate failure.
Test the automatic gearbox extensively in slow traffic, car parks and on hill starts. Feel for any juddering, hesitation or clunking during gear changes. Try repeated low-speed manoeuvres as this is where problems are most apparent.
The failure rate peaks between 60,000-80,000 miles and affects all mileage bands from 20,000 miles upward. This suggests premature wear of suspension components, likely related to the vehicle's higher centre of gravity as a crossover SUV and potentially softer bush compounds used for ride comfort.
Worn suspension components affect vehicle handling, increase tyre wear, and will result in MOT failure. Left unrepaired, severely worn bushes can allow excessive wheel movement under braking or cornering. Typical repair involves replacing worn bushes, drop links, or ball joints at £150-400 per corner depending on which components have failed.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
MOT data shows this model fails brake pad thickness tests at 3.0-3.4 times the fleet average, with failures occurring from as low as 20,000 miles. The pattern suggests the brake pads consume faster than typical for the vehicle class, possibly due to the vehicle's weight, aggressive initial pad compound, or brake system calibration optimised for stopping performance over longevity.
Worn brake pads must be replaced immediately when they reach the wear indicator or 1.5mm minimum thickness to pass MOT. If driven with worn pads, the metal backing will damage the brake discs requiring replacement at significantly higher cost. Typical pad replacement costs £120-250 per axle.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
For the full breakdown of all 3 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Mitsubishi Eclipse common problems page.
Based on 40k real DVSA MOT tests, the Mitsubishi Eclipse fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is headlight fault at 55x the fleet average, followed by front or rear fog lamp switch inoperative or no... (37x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Mitsubishi Eclipse MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 13k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
The bigger-ticket items to budget for include cvt transmission fluid (£200–£300).
See the full Mitsubishi Eclipse service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a reasonable used buy provided you check for the issues outlined above. None of the problems we track are insurmountable, but they do reward buyers who inspect thoroughly and verify the service history before committing. 2020 onwards are the ones to buy, as Mitsubishi resolved early reliability niggles and introduced a comprehensive facelift with improved interior, better infotainment, and sharper styling. Avoid the 2018 first-year models which had the most reported complaints.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Mitsubishi Eclipse, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 3 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 3 known Mitsubishi Eclipse issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.