Skip to content
KickTyres
Mitsubishi2017–2022 Critical issues documented

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (2017–2022) in New Zealand? We've documented 21 known faults for this model spanning brakes, electrical, transmission, and engine. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Every one is listed below with its symptoms and repair cost, and each has its own page with where to look and what to ask the seller. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

Type the plate for the free basics. The full record is a paid check from $13.49, one car at a time, no subscription.

No NZ plate yet, or buying in Australia? Pick the generation and engine and start a free check below. New to KickTyres? How the check works →

21

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$350–$950

Typical repair

7

Systems covered

Which Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross are you looking at?

2 generation variants documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

Petrol

1 variant documented

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Which engine is in it? These cover every year of this model.

1.5L petrol (4B40)· 1.5 litre petrol2.4 plug-in hybrid (PHEV)· 2.4 litre hybrid

Start your free check on this Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

Mitsubishi Eclipse CrossEngine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the Eclipse Cross came with 2, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

Free. The paid plate check is separate, and stays optional.

Can't confirm for this car

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Nothing has been narrowed yet, so nothing below is a claim about a particular car. Pick a year and an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

matched on no vehicle context

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Serious issue

    Inspect rear disc faces for a deep rust ridge at the outer edge of the swept area — a clear indicator the pads have not been contacting that zone.

    See why

    PHEV Rear Brake Caliper Piston Seizure (Regenerative Braking Underuse)

    On the Eclipse Cross PHEV the rear brakes are used sparingly because the regenerative braking system captures most deceleration energy through the rear motor. The rear hydraulic calipers can go many months without significant mechanical application, causing the piston seals and slides to corrode and seize in position. When the hydraulic brakes are eventually called upon in an emergency or during a WOF inspection, the seized piston either drags the pad against the disc or fails to apply at all.

    What you would notice

    • Rear brake drag felt as rolling resistance after the vehicle has sat parked for an extended period
    • Deep rust lip visible at the inner and outer disc edge where the pad never contacts
    • Uneven braking — vehicle pulls to one side under hard braking as one rear caliper applies and the other does not
    • Rear brake pads show near-zero wear despite high odometer reading due to regenerative braking dominance

    Typically $400–$1,200 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Charge the car to 100% and note the indicated EV range; under about 35 km on a 2021+ car is a red flag.

    See why

    PHEV drive battery capacity loss and shrinking EV range

    The Eclipse Cross PHEV shares its 13.8 kWh battery and twin-motor system with the Outlander PHEV, and owners in NZ and Australia report the indicated EV range dropping from the claimed ~55 km to 30-38 km within two to three years. Mitsubishi's 8-year/160,000 km battery warranty only guarantees 66-70% capacity retention and the company treats gradual degradation as normal chemistry, not a defect, so capacity-loss claims are routinely declined unless a cell has actually failed. A replacement pack outside warranty is a five-figure job, so buy on measured battery health, not the odometer.

    What you would notice

    • Full-charge EV range estimate well below 45 km
    • EV range dropping noticeably year on year
    • Petrol engine starting earlier and more often than expected
    • Charging errors or charge stopping early

    Typically $8,000–$20,000 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Check the dipstick with the engine cold before purchase and note the oil level precisely.

    See why

    Excessive Engine Oil Consumption — 4B40 1.5T Turbo

    Early-production 4B40 engines (predominantly 2018–2020) exhibit abnormally high oil consumption, with owners reporting up to 1 litre per 5,000 km or worse under normal driving. The root cause involves piston oil ring wear and turbocharger oil seal deterioration that allows oil to be drawn into the combustion chamber and exhaust, eventually fouling the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors. Mitsubishi dealers have acknowledged the issue on a case-by-case basis but no formal recall has been issued; post-warranty failures are common.

    What you would notice

    • Oil level drops noticeably between scheduled service intervals without visible external leak
    • Blue or grey exhaust smoke on cold start or hard acceleration
    • Oily residue inside intercooler pipes or air intake hoses
    • Catalytic converter overheating smell or oxygen sensor fault codes
    • Oil consumption exceeding 1 litre per 5,000 km

    Typically $300–$6,000 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Road-test on a flat road at a steady 70–90 km/h with light throttle in lockup zone.

    See why

    CVT Shudder and Judder Under Sustained Load

    The Jatco JF016E CVT fitted to non-PHEV Eclipse Cross variants is susceptible to torque-converter lockup clutch shudder when the transmission fluid degrades. The factory service interval of 90,000 km is widely considered too long under NZ conditions involving towing, mountain passes, or stop-start urban use. Fluid breakdown causes the lockup clutch to engage and release rapidly rather than holding solid, producing a characteristic vibration between 60–100 km/h.

    What you would notice

    • Rhythmic shudder felt through the floor and seat between 60 and 100 km/h at light throttle during steady cruising
    • Vibration disappears when accelerating firmly or decelerating but returns in the cruise lockup zone
    • Fuel economy degrades noticeably as the lockup clutch fails to hold correctly
    • CVT fluid appears dark or smells burnt on inspection

    Typically $250–$3,800 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Scan for P0243, P0244, P0299.

    See why

    4B40 Turbocharger Wastegate Actuator Position Sensor Fault (P0243 / Limp Mode)

    The 4B40 1.5-litre turbocharged engine uses an electronic wastegate actuator with an integrated position sensor. The sensor feedback signal degrades due to heat cycling and connector corrosion at the actuator harness plug, causing the ECU to log P0243 (Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A) and default to limp mode capping boost. In some cases the actuator motor itself seizes, requiring full actuator replacement rather than sensor-only repair.

    What you would notice

    • Engine enters limp mode with reduced power above 2500 rpm, often triggered after a long highway run
    • MIL illuminated with P0243 stored; turbo boost gauge or live-data shows underboost or zero boost
    • Intermittent loss of power that clears after engine cool-down then returns with heat soak
    • Rough acceleration feel as boost cuts in and out during partial-throttle driving

    Typically $650–$1,400 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Scan for P0010/P0011/P0020/P0021 codes.

    See why

    4B40 MIVEC Oil Control Valve Sludge Failure

    The 4B40 1.5T MIVEC engine relies on narrow internal oil galleries to supply pressurised oil to the variable valve timing oil control valves (OCV) on both intake and exhaust camshafts. When oil change intervals are extended beyond factory specification or low-quality oil is used, thermal breakdown products accumulate as varnish and sludge within these galleries, causing the OCV solenoid pintle to stick in a fixed position or respond sluggishly. This prevents accurate cam phasing, triggering OBDII codes P0010, P0011, P0020, or P0021, and if ignored the stuck cam position can cause piston-to-valve contact under certain load conditions.

    What you would notice

    • Check engine light with VVT-related codes P0010, P0011, P0020, or P0021 on scan tool
    • Rough, hunting idle at warm-up that smooths once coolant temperature stabilises
    • Reduced throttle response and noticeable loss of mid-range torque under load

    Typically $350–$950 to put right.

See all 21 documented issuesEverything researched for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, including 1 rated critical.
Depends on which engine this Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has — 21Each of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling8

01CVT judder, hesitation and delayed take-off (1.5T with Jatco CVT8)

Test drive with repeated stop-start take-offs and a hill start; any shudder through the floor or rev flare without acceleration is CVT wear.petrol2017 onwardTransmission
OccasionalTransmission $400–$8,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 1.5 turbo Eclipse Cross uses Mitsubishi's Jatco-sourced CVT, which can develop shudder on take-off, delayed response when accelerating from a stop, and a droning or whining noise as the kilometres climb. The transmission is sensitive to fluid condition and needs a genuine-fluid CVT service roughly every 40,000 km, which many owners skip because Mitsubishi's schedule calls it an 'inspection'. Neglected units can slip and eventually need a valve body or complete CVT replacement, which costs more than an older Eclipse Cross is worth.

Symptoms to notice

  • Shudder or vibration pulling away from a stop
  • Hesitation then surge when accelerating from an intersection
  • Droning or whining noise that rises with road speed
  • RPM flaring without matching acceleration

What to check

  1. Test drive with repeated stop-start take-offs and a hill start; any shudder through the floor or rev flare without acceleration is CVT wear.
  2. Ask for invoices showing genuine Mitsubishi CVT fluid changes.
  3. Check for a CVT fluid leak at the transmission pan under the car.

Where to look: Transmission, under the engine bay between the front wheels

Parts involved: Mechatronic / valve body, Turbocharger.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the CVT fluid ever been changed, and with genuine fluid?”
  • “Has the car ever been back to Mitsubishi for transmission software updates?”
  • “Has it ever towed near its limit?”

02Excessive Engine Oil Consumption — 4B40 1.5T Turbo

Check the dipstick with the engine cold before purchase and note the oil level precisely.petrol2017–2021EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

03CVT Shudder and Judder Under Sustained Load

Road-test on a flat road at a steady 70–90 km/h with light throttle in lockup zone.petrol2017 onwardTransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

04PHEV High-Voltage Battery Coolant Pump Failure

Check for any active EV system or hybrid system warning lights on the dashboard.hybrid2021 onwardCooling
OccasionalCooling $950–$2,800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Eclipse Cross PHEV uses a dedicated electric coolant pump to circulate fluid through the high-voltage traction battery's thermal management circuit. The pump's impeller or internal motor can fail prematurely, stopping coolant flow through the battery pack. Without active cooling the battery management system (BMS) limits charge and discharge rates to prevent thermal damage, reducing EV range and triggering warning lights. Owner reports from the community document pump control cable failures and complete pump failures requiring dealer replacement of the pump assembly.

Symptoms to notice

  • EV system warning light or hybrid system alert illuminated on the instrument cluster
  • Significantly reduced electric-only driving range, well below stated specification
  • Battery temperature warning displayed via the remote app or instrument panel
  • Reduced charging speed or refusal to charge to full capacity
  • Audible absence of the electric coolant pump running sound when ignition is first switched on

What to check

  1. Check for any active EV system or hybrid system warning lights on the dashboard.
  2. On a fully charged battery, verify that EV-only range matches the published specification — significantly reduced range can indicate the BMS is throttling the pack due to thermal management faults.
  3. Ask the dealer to check the EV coolant reservoir level (separate from the engine coolant) and scan for HV system DTCs.
  4. Listen for the electric pump running when the ignition is switched on.

Where to look: EV battery cooling circuit — pump typically located in the engine bay near the firewall or underneath the rear seat battery pack

Parts involved: Water pump.

Ask the seller

  • “Has any EV system, hybrid system, or battery temperature warning ever appeared on the dashboard?”
  • “Has the EV battery coolant been checked or flushed, and has the electric coolant pump been inspected?”
  • “What is the current displayed EV-only range on a full charge compared to when the vehicle was new?”

054B40 Turbocharger Wastegate Actuator Position Sensor Fault (P0243 / Limp Mode)

Scan for P0243, P0244, P0299.petrol2017 onwardEngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

064B40 MIVEC Oil Control Valve Sludge Failure

Scan for P0010/P0011/P0020/P0021 codes.petrol2017 onwardEngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

074B40 1.5T turbo inlet hose split at boost clamp

With engine cold, trace the turbo charge-air hose from the compressor outlet through the intercooler to the throttle body.petrol2017 onwardEngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

084B40 Intercooler Boost Pipe Cracking at Connection Collars

petrol2017 onwardEngine
OccasionalEngine $180–$480 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 4B40 1.5T turbocharged engine uses a front-mounted air-to-air intercooler connected to the turbocharger outlet and throttle body inlet by reinforced rubber hoses with moulded plastic end collars. These connection collars are subject to repeated thermal cycling between ambient temperature and elevated boost temperatures, which causes the plastic to embrittle and crack radially at the clamp seats or hose barb edges. A cracked boost pipe creates a metered leak downstream of the mass airflow sensor, causing the engine to run lean under boost, triggering OBDII code P0299 (underboost) or P0171 (system lean), and in severe cases unmetered air ingestion can cause adaptive fuel trim faults and rough running.

Symptoms to notice

  • Audible hiss or whistle from the engine bay under hard acceleration, particularly at mid-range RPM where boost pressure peaks
  • Check engine light with P0299 underboost or P0171 system lean code, accompanied by reduced power and sluggish throttle response under load

What to check

With the engine cold, inspect both the inlet and outlet intercooler pipes at the clamp collar connections for fine radial cracks in the plastic or rubber. Squeeze the hoses near each collar and look for any movement or hissing. With the engine warmed up under boost, a helper can listen for a hiss or whistle from the engine bay while the driver applies full throttle briefly. Scan for P0299 or P0171 codes as supporting evidence.

Where to look: Intercooler boost pipes run across the front of the engine bay from the turbocharger (right side of engine) to the front-mounted intercooler and return to the throttle body inlet

Parts involved: Turbocharger.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the car ever shown a check engine light related to boost or air-fuel mixture codes?”
  • “Have you noticed a hissing noise from the engine bay under hard acceleration?”
  • “Has the power output felt reduced or inconsistent when driving uphill or overtaking?”
Electrical6

01PHEV drive battery capacity loss and shrinking EV range

Charge the car to 100% and note the indicated EV range; under about 35 km on a 2021+ car is a red flag.hybrid2021 onwardElectricalRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02PHEV Onboard Charger (OBC) Failure — AC Charging Inoperative

The Eclipse Cross PHEV's onboard AC charger unit converts single-phase mains supply (Mode 2 or Mode 3) into DC to charge the traction battery.hybrid2021 onwardElectrical
OccasionalElectrical $2,500–$6,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Eclipse Cross PHEV's onboard AC charger unit converts single-phase mains supply (Mode 2 or Mode 3) into DC to charge the traction battery. OBC failures have been documented where the unit stops accepting an AC charge input, leaving the owner dependent on the combustion engine to maintain HV battery state-of-charge. The failure manifests as the charge port light not illuminating or a charging-not-started alert via the connected app. Mitsubishi's diagnostic system requires the MUT (Mitsubishi proprietary scan tool) to read OBC-specific fault codes, so a standard OBD-II reader may not detect the fault.

Symptoms to notice

  • Charge port inlet light does not illuminate when charging cable is connected
  • Vehicle refuses to begin charging from AC mains supply (Mode 2 or Mode 3)
  • Mitsubishi remote app reports charging error or charging-not-started notification
  • EV system warning or EV service required message on the instrument cluster
  • HV battery state-of-charge gradually declining with no AC charge accepted

What to check

Before purchase, plug in a compatible Type 2 or domestic charging cable and confirm the charge port light activates and charging commences within 2 minutes. Check the Mitsubishi remote app for charging history and any past charging-error notifications. Ask the seller whether AC home charging has been working consistently. If the dealer performs a pre-purchase inspection, request a MUT scan of the OBC module for stored fault codes.

Where to look: Onboard charger unit — typically located in the engine bay near the HV junction box

Ask the seller

  • “Has AC home or public charging worked reliably throughout ownership, or has there ever been a refusal to charge?”
  • “Has a 'charging error' or EV system warning ever appeared via the app or on the dashboard?”
  • “Can you demonstrate a successful AC charging session before purchase?”

03PHEV Front Motor Inverter Overheating — EV System Error Warning

Check Mitsubishi MUT-III diagnostic codes P1A15 and U0100.hybrid2022 onwardElectrical
OccasionalElectrical $900–$4,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Eclipse Cross PHEV (2022-present YL3 variant) uses a liquid-cooled front motor inverter. Under repeated high-load acceleration cycles or sustained motorway driving in EV mode with a degraded coolant circuit, the inverter module exceeds its thermal threshold and triggers an EV System Error, disabling front-motor drive and reverting to rear-engine-only propulsion. In documented cases the root cause is a partial blockage in the inverter cooling loop, not a failed inverter unit itself.

Symptoms to notice

  • Orange EV System Error warning triangle illuminates on the instrument cluster after sustained hard acceleration
  • Front-wheel drive contribution drops to zero in EV mode; only rear combustion drive available
  • Charging behaviour changes — charger accepts power normally but EV range is reduced on next trip
  • Inverter coolant reservoir cap shows milky residue indicating heat-induced pressure cycling

What to check

  1. Check Mitsubishi MUT-III diagnostic codes P1A15 and U0100.
  2. Inspect inverter coolant reservoir level and check for discolouration indicating contamination.
  3. Verify inverter cooling pump operation at idle using live data.
  4. Road-test with repeated 0–80 km/h EV-mode pulls and monitor inverter temperature channel; any reading above 85°C at ambient below 25°C suggests cooling restriction.

Where to look: Front motor inverter unit, under bonnet forward of the petrol engine

Ask the seller

  • “Has the orange EV System Error light ever appeared on the dashboard?”
  • “Has the car been into a Mitsubishi dealer for any hybrid system work?”
  • “Do you know if the inverter cooling loop has been flushed or serviced?”

04PHEV 12V Auxiliary Battery Parasitic Drain and Failure

Measure 12V battery resting voltage — below 12.4V at rest after 8 hours is marginal; below 12.0V indicates a failing battery.hybrid2022 onwardElectricalRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

05Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) camera faults and false emergency braking

Run the VIN through the Mitsubishi NZ recall checker to confirm the FCM recall and any software updates have been completed.petrol2017–2020Electrical
OccasionalElectrical $0–$600 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Early Eclipse Cross models were recalled in Australia and NZ because the FCM camera system could malfunction, either failing to detect obstacles or triggering the autonomous emergency braking when nothing was there. A sudden unexpected brake application at open-road speed is genuinely dangerous, and the fix was a free software reflash at a Mitsubishi dealer. Any car that has not had the recall done can still show the fault, and worn or badly refitted windscreens (after a replacement) can also upset the camera calibration.

Symptoms to notice

  • FCM warning light or 'FCM service required' message on the dash
  • Autonomous braking triggering with no obstacle present
  • Forward collision warnings going off randomly

What to check

Run the VIN through the Mitsubishi NZ recall checker to confirm the FCM recall and any software updates have been completed. On the test drive watch for FCM warning lights after start-up. If the windscreen has been replaced, ask whether the camera was recalibrated.

Where to look: Camera module at the top of the windscreen behind the rear-view mirror

Ask the seller

  • “Have all outstanding recalls been completed? Can you show the dealer paperwork?”
  • “Has the windscreen ever been replaced, and was the camera recalibrated?”
  • “Has the emergency braking ever activated by itself?”

06PHEV Traction Battery Cooling Fan Blockage

With the car powered on in ready mode, listen for the cooling fan under the rear seat.hybrid2022 onwardElectrical
OccasionalElectrical $80–$400 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Eclipse Cross PHEV draws cabin air through the traction battery pack cooling system via an inlet duct located under the rear seat. Leaf litter, carpet fibre, and pet hair accumulate at the intake screen over time, progressively reducing airflow. Reduced cooling causes the battery management system to limit charge and discharge rates to protect cell temperatures, reducing both EV range and regen braking capacity. In severe cases the BMS generates a thermal protection fault and may permanently reduce capacity until the fault is cleared after cooling.

Symptoms to notice

  • EV range drops significantly over successive charge cycles without a corresponding cold-weather explanation
  • Battery charge rate slows or the charger terminates early with the battery not reaching 100 percent
  • Audible fan noise from under the rear seat is absent or significantly quieter than usual
  • BMS warning on the display citing battery temperature or a charge limitation message

What to check

With the car powered on in ready mode, listen for the cooling fan under the rear seat; an absence of audible fan noise or significantly reduced airflow at the outlet duct (boot area) confirms blockage. If a workshop inspection is possible: Connect diagnostic tool and check battery inlet temperature versus ambient — a reading more than 8°C above ambient at rest indicates restricted airflow. Remove the rear seat cushion and locate the cooling fan inlet grille — inspect for blockage with debris.

Where to look: Traction battery cooling fan inlet duct under the rear seat base

Ask the seller

  • “Has the EV range reduced noticeably since you have owned the car?”
  • “Has the battery cooling inlet under the rear seat ever been cleaned?”
  • “Has the car shown any battery warning messages or charge limit notifications?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior7

01PHEV Rear Brake Caliper Piston Seizure (Regenerative Braking Underuse)

Inspect rear disc faces for a deep rust ridge at the outer edge of the swept area — a clear indicator the pads have not been contacting that zone.hybrid2022 onwardBrakes
OccasionalBrakes $400–$1,200 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

On the Eclipse Cross PHEV the rear brakes are used sparingly because the regenerative braking system captures most deceleration energy through the rear motor. The rear hydraulic calipers can go many months without significant mechanical application, causing the piston seals and slides to corrode and seize in position. When the hydraulic brakes are eventually called upon in an emergency or during a WOF inspection, the seized piston either drags the pad against the disc or fails to apply at all.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rear brake drag felt as rolling resistance after the vehicle has sat parked for an extended period
  • Deep rust lip visible at the inner and outer disc edge where the pad never contacts
  • Uneven braking — vehicle pulls to one side under hard braking as one rear caliper applies and the other does not
  • Rear brake pads show near-zero wear despite high odometer reading due to regenerative braking dominance

What to check

  1. Inspect rear disc faces for a deep rust ridge at the outer edge of the swept area — a clear indicator the pads have not been contacting that zone.
  2. Manually push each rear piston with a caliper wind-back tool; a piston requiring more than normal force is seizing.
  3. Check rear pad thickness is not dramatically uneven side-to-side.
  4. Inspect caliper slide pins for corrosion and seizing under their rubber boots.

Where to look: Rear brake calipers, both sides

Parts involved: Brake disc and pads.

Ask the seller

  • “Does the car pull to one side when braking hard?”
  • “Have the rear brakes ever been serviced or calipers replaced?”
  • “Has a mechanic or WOF inspector ever commented on rear brake condition?”

02Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear

Inspect rubber boot for cracking or grease contamination.petrol2017 onwardSuspension
CommonSuspension $450–$950 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Eclipse Cross front suspension uses a MacPherson strut configuration with a forged steel lower control arm whose ball joint is a pressed-in, non-serviceable unit. Road contamination — particularly salt, grit, and standing water common in New Zealand conditions — ingresses past the rubber boot, accelerating wear of the steel ball stud within the polymer socket. Once the axial and radial clearance exceeds tolerance, the joint produces audible knocking over road irregularities and allows wheel camber to shift dynamically under braking and cornering loads, compromising steering accuracy and causing accelerated inner tyre wear. Continued use with a worn ball joint risks catastrophic joint separation.

The front wheel of a car splayed outward with the lower control arm hanging down after a ball joint separation.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A separated lower ball joint: the control arm has dropped and the wheel has splayed out under the guard.

Elfix · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Clunking or knocking noise from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or dipping into driveways
  • Steering wander or pull under braking, and uneven tyre wear concentrated on the inner shoulder of the front tyres

What to check

  1. Inspect rubber boot for cracking or grease contamination.
  2. Look for inner edge tyre wear as a secondary indicator.
  3. If a workshop inspection is possible: With vehicle on a hoist, grip the front tyre at 3 and 9 o'clock and attempt to rock it; lateral movement indicates ball joint wear.
  4. Check for excessive downward deflection by levering under the tyre with a pry bar — more than 2 mm of vertical play is outside Mitsubishi specification.

Where to look: Front lower control arm ball joint, inboard pivot to subframe with outboard ball joint connecting to steering knuckle — inspect from beneath front of vehicle

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the vehicle had a wheel alignment or suspension inspection recently, and was any play found in the front end?”
  • “Have you noticed any knocking noise from the front when going over speed bumps or driveway lips?”
  • “Has the car been driven regularly on gravel or unsealed roads?”

03Front lower control arm bush wear

Check the rear eccentric bush in particular for splits in the rubber element and separation from the outer steel shell.petrol2017 onwardSuspension
CommonSuspension $350–$950 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Eclipse Cross YA shares its front suspension geometry and lower control arm bush specification with the Outlander ZK platform from which it is derived. The front pivot bush and rear eccentric alignment bush use the same rubber compound and press-fit specification as the Outlander. NZ-registered Eclipse Cross models sourced as Japanese domestic market imports show the same accelerated bush wear pattern as the Outlander due to NZ road surface conditions including gravel, potholes, and sealed roads with large aggregate chip. The rear eccentric bush is the primary failure point, splitting along its axis under combined cornering and braking loads after approximately 80,000-110,000km. The Eclipse Cross YA's firmer suspension calibration compared to the Outlander increases instantaneous load magnitude on the bushes, potentially advancing the failure timeline relative to equivalent-mileage Outlanders.

The front wheel of a car splayed outward with the lower control arm hanging down after a ball joint separation.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A separated lower ball joint: the control arm has dropped and the wheel has splayed out under the guard.

Elfix · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Clunking or thudding from the front suspension over speed bumps and potholes
  • Vague steering feel or mild tramlining on coarse chip-seal roads
  • Pulling or deviation to one side under braking
  • Uneven tyre wear across the front axle
  • WoF rejection for front suspension play or deteriorated bushes

What to check

Check the rear eccentric bush in particular for splits in the rubber element and separation from the outer steel shell. Walk alongside during a slow test drive over a speed bump and listen for any knock or clunk from either front corner. If a workshop inspection is possible: With the vehicle raised on a hoist, grasp the lower arm and push and pull it fore and aft while watching the front pivot and rear eccentric bush for movement or visible rubber cracking.

Where to look: Front suspension lower arms, subframe mounting bushes at the front pivot and rear eccentric positions on both sides

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the suspension been checked or had any bushes replaced?”
  • “Do you hear any clunking over bumps from the front of the car?”
  • “Has the vehicle been used on gravel or unsealed roads?”

04Rear Trailing Arm Compliance Bush Collapse

Attempt to move the trailing arm fore-and-aft by hand; any free movement beyond light compliance indicates bush failure.petrol2017 onwardSuspension
OccasionalSuspension $420–$850 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The multi-link rear suspension on the Eclipse Cross GK1W (AWD) and GK1K (FWD) uses a trailing arm with large-diameter rubber-bonded compliance bushes that locate the arm longitudinally against the rear subframe. The rubber element in these bushes is susceptible to hydrolytic degradation in wet climates — the rubber loses its bond to the steel inner and outer sleeves, causing the bush to collapse axially. Collapsed rear trailing arm bushes allow the rear axle to move fore-and-aft under braking and acceleration loads, producing misalignment that cannot be corrected by standard wheel alignment adjustment, leading to tyre scrub, handling instability, and in severe cases a pulling sensation under braking.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rear-end wander or instability on motorway driving, with the vehicle appearing to track inconsistently
  • Pronounced inner edge wear on rear tyres and inability to bring rear wheel alignment within specification

What to check

Attempt to move the trailing arm fore-and-aft by hand; any free movement beyond light compliance indicates bush failure. Check for abnormal inner rear tyre wear and confirm whether rear alignment has been checked at the last service. If a workshop inspection is possible: With the vehicle on a hoist, inspect the trailing arm forward bushes for rubber cracking, de-bonding from the sleeve, or visible collapse — the bush should appear symmetrical and firm.

Where to look: Rear trailing arm, at the forward pivot mount where the arm attaches to the rear subframe — visible under rear of vehicle on both sides

Ask the seller

  • “Has the rear wheel alignment ever been flagged as out of specification?”
  • “Have you noticed the car wandering or feeling unsettled at motorway speeds?”
  • “Is there unusual wear on the inner edge of either rear tyre?”

05Front Brake Caliper Guide Pin Seizure

Attempt to slide the caliper body laterally by hand with the pads removed; it should move freely with light effort.petrol2017 onwardBrakes
CommonBrakes $150–$420 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The front brake calipers on the Eclipse Cross use sliding-pin design calipers where two hardened steel guide pins — coated in high-temperature grease and protected by rubber boots — allow the caliper body to float laterally as the pads wear. In the New Zealand environment, road salt, water ingress from failed boots, and insufficient maintenance intervals cause the pins to corrode within their aluminium caliper bracket bores, seizing the pin and preventing the caliper from sliding freely. A seized guide pin holds one pad permanently against the disc while the opposing pad retracts, causing severely uneven pad wear, brake drag, disc overheating, and pulling to one side during braking. Prolonged seizure causes disc scoring, premature pad consumption, and can overheat the caliper piston seal.

Symptoms to notice

  • Vehicle pulls to one side under braking, particularly under moderate to heavy brake application
  • Significantly uneven brake pad wear between inner and outer pad on the same caliper, or between left and right front corners

What to check

Attempt to slide the caliper body laterally by hand with the pads removed; it should move freely with light effort. Inspect guide pin rubber boots for cracking or missing grease. Check both front discs for unilateral scoring or blue heat discolouration indicating drag from one pad only. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove front wheels and inspect both brake pads on each side — uneven thickness between inner and outer pad on the same corner confirms guide pin seizure.

Where to look: Front brake calipers, guide pins located at upper and lower caliper mounting brackets on both front corners — inspect from behind the front wheels

Parts involved: Brake disc and pads.

Ask the seller

  • “Does the car pull to one side when braking, even under normal stopping conditions?”
  • “When were the brake pads last inspected or replaced, and were both sides found to be equally worn?”
  • “Has the car ever had a brake service that included cleaning and re-greasing the caliper guide pins?”

06Infotainment (Smartphone Display Audio) freezes, reboots and climate control glitches

Spend five minutes working the touchscreen: pair a phone, run CarPlay/Android Auto, use the reversing camera several times, and switch audio sources.2017 onwardInterior
CommonInterior $300–$2,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The most common owner complaints on the Eclipse Cross are software-related: the Smartphone Display Audio head unit freezing or rebooting mid-drive, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto dropping out, and occasional climate control display errors. Dealers fix most cases with software updates, but persistent faults need a replacement head unit which is expensive out of warranty. It is an annoyance rather than a breakdown risk, but a bargaining chip on price.

Symptoms to notice

  • Touchscreen freezing or rebooting while driving
  • CarPlay/Android Auto disconnecting randomly
  • Reversing camera slow to display or black screen
  • Climate control display errors

What to check

Spend five minutes working the touchscreen: pair a phone, run CarPlay/Android Auto, use the reversing camera several times, and switch audio sources. Any freeze or reboot during a short test is a sign of a unit that misbehaves regularly.

Where to look: Centre dash touchscreen head unit

Ask the seller

  • “Has the head unit software ever been updated by the dealer?”
  • “Does CarPlay/Android Auto stay connected on long drives?”

07Electric Power Steering Rack Rattle and Knocking

The Eclipse Cross uses a column-assist electric power steering system.2017–2022Suspension
CommonSuspension $150–$900 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Eclipse Cross uses a column-assist electric power steering system. Owners and independent workshops report a rattle or knock from the steering column and rack area under light steering inputs at low speeds, particularly on rough urban roads. The noise originates from wear in the EPS coupling or from loose rack mounting bushes and is exacerbated by road vibration transmitting through the column. Mitsubishi issued a technical service bulletin for a rack bushing update on early production units.

Symptoms to notice

  • Knocking or rattling sound from the steering column area on rough roads or when manoeuvring at parking speeds
  • Vibration felt through the steering wheel over expansion joints and coarse chip seal surfaces
  • Noise changes with temperature — more pronounced when cold, reduces after the EPS motor warms
  • Slight dead-spot feel on centre as the column coupling exhibits free play

What to check

With the vehicle stationary, rock the steering wheel left and right sharply through a small arc while listening for clicking or knocking — a loose coupling or worn rack mount produces a distinct clunk. Have an assistant move the steering at low speed on a rough surface while you put a hand on the column to feel vibration transmission. Check rack-to-subframe mounting bolts for correct torque.

Where to look: Electric power steering rack and column coupling, front chassis

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

  • “Have you noticed any rattling or knocking from the steering, especially on rough roads?”
  • “Has the steering rack or column ever been looked at by a dealer?”
  • “Has any technical service bulletin work been done on this vehicle?”

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross faults in detail

Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

4B40 1.5T turbo inlet hose split at boost clampMajor · Engine4B40 MIVEC Oil Control Valve Sludge FailureMajor · Engine4B40 Turbocharger Wastegate Actuator Position Sensor Fault (P0243 / Limp Mode)Major · EngineCVT Shudder and Judder Under Sustained LoadMajor · TransmissionExcessive Engine Oil Consumption — 4B40 1.5T TurboMajor · EnginePHEV 12V Auxiliary Battery Parasitic Drain and FailureMajor · ElectricalPHEV drive battery capacity loss and shrinking EV rangeMajor · Electrical

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Other Mitsubishi models

Mitsubishi Outlander47 documented faultsMitsubishi Lancer39 documented faultsMitsubishi Pajero39 documented faultsMitsubishi Delica D:519 documented faultsMitsubishi Delica18 documented faultsMitsubishi Galant Fortis18 documented faults

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross buyer questions

Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 21 documented faults for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, the recurring problem areas are brakes, electrical, and transmission. A Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.

What are the most common problems with a used Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?

We've catalogued 21 known faults for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, covering brakes, electrical, and transmission. All 21 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?

Most single repairs on the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross fall between $350–$950 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 21 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?

Yes. A Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.