The first-gen DSM Eclipse (1990-1994) is a tuner favorite, but the 4G63 turbo models especially are either babied survivors or blown-up project cars. Non-turbo 1.8L and 2.0L variants are more reliable but still suffer common Mitsubishi transmission and electrical gremlins.
Crankshaft Walk (4G63 Turbo)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Clutch slipping or engagement point changing over weeks, Metallic grinding from bellhousing at idle, Transmission input shaft seal leaking, Difficulty shifting into reverse or first gear
Fix: Crankshaft moves axially due to worn thrust bearings, eventually damaging the crank snout and input shaft. Repair requires full engine-out rebuild with thrust bearing replacement and crank machining or replacement. 18-25 labor hours for complete fix.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000
Automatic Transmission Failure (F4A33/W4A33)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh or delayed 2-3 upshift, especially when cold, Slipping under throttle in third or fourth gear, No reverse or erratic reverse engagement, Burnt ATF smell, dark red or brown fluid
Fix: These 4-speed automatics are notoriously fragile, especially behind the turbo motor. Third and fourth clutch packs burn up. Rebuild or replacement required; used units often have same issues. 12-16 hours labor for R&R and rebuild.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800
Head Gasket Failure (4G63 Turbo)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust on cold start, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Oil milkshake in cap or dipstick, Overheating under boost or highway driving
Fix: Factory multi-layer steel gaskets fail, often between cylinders 2-3. ARP studs and upgraded MLS gasket recommended during repair. Head machining typically needed. 14-18 labor hours including valve train inspection.
Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800
Transfer Case and Rear Differential Leaks (AWD)
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear oil drips under center of car or rear axle, Whining noise from rear end during turns, Clunking when engaging AWD or launching hard, Visible oil on exhaust creating smoke smell
Fix: Transfer case output seals and rear diff pinion seal commonly leak. If caught early, seal replacement is 3-4 hours. Neglect leads to bearing damage requiring full diff rebuild at 8-12 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $400-1,200
Engine Harness and Connector Corrosion
Common · medium severitySymptoms: Intermittent no-start or crank-no-fire, Check engine light with random misfire codes, Tachometer bouncing or dying at idle, Fuel pump cycling erratically or not priming
Fix: Main engine harness runs along firewall and over valve cover, gets oil-soaked and heat-cycled. Connectors at ECU, coil packs, and fuel pump relay corrode. Often requires full harness replacement or extensive pin repair. 6-10 hours diagnostic and repair labor.
Estimated cost: $600-1,500
Power Steering Pump and Rack Leaks
Occasional · low severityTypical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Groaning or whining when turning at low speed, Fluid drips on subframe or inner fender, Intermittent heavy steering effort, especially cold, Low reservoir level requiring frequent top-off
Fix: Pump seals and rack end seals leak. Pump replacement is 2-3 hours; rack is 5-7 hours due to subframe drop. Often both go within 20k miles of each other.
Estimated cost: $500-1,400
Buy a non-turbo 5-speed if you want cheap reliable transport; buy a turbo only if you're ready to wrench or have receipts proving recent bottom-end rebuild.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.