The 2004 Eclipse is a sporty coupe with two distinct personalities: the 2.4L I4 is moderately reliable but plagued by automatic transmission failures, while the 3.0L V6 suffers catastrophic crankshaft bearing failures that destroy engines. Both share weak transmission mounts and fuel system quirks.
4-Speed Automatic Transmission Failure (F4A42)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: harsh 2-3 shift or slipping between gears, shuddering during acceleration, transmission overheating, burning smell, no forward gears after warm-up
Fix: Internal clutch pack and solenoid failures, often exacerbated by clogged transmission oil cooler. Requires rebuild or replacement. 8-12 labor hours for R&R and rebuild, plus cooler flush/replacement mandatory to prevent repeat failure.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800
3.0L V6 Crankshaft Bearing Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: heavy knocking from lower engine block, sudden oil pressure drop, metallic debris in oil filter, engine seizes without warning in severe cases
Fix: The 6G72 V6 chews through main and rod bearings, especially if oil changes were delayed. Requires complete teardown: crank polishing or replacement, new bearings, often pistons and rings. 18-24 labor hours for short block replacement or full rebuild.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500
Transmission Mount Collapse
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: severe clunking when shifting from Park to Drive, engine rocks excessively during acceleration, vibration at idle that disappears in gear, visible tear or separation in rubber mount
Fix: The front transmission mount tears and allows drivetrain to sag. Simple replacement but access requires removing airbox and sometimes battery. 1.5-2.5 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $180-350
Fuel Pump Failure and Clogged Fuel Filter
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 100,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: hard starting after sitting, especially when hot, stumbling or cutting out under hard acceleration, loss of power uphill or at highway speeds, intermittent stalling that gets progressively worse
Fix: In-tank pump wears out, and the non-serviceable internal filter clogs. Tank drop required. Factory never scheduled filter replacement, so debris accumulates. 2-3 labor hours for pump replacement.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Head Gasket Failure (2.4L I4 4G64)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: white smoke from exhaust on cold start, coolant loss with no external leaks, oil contaminated with coolant (milky on dipstick), overheating and bubbling in overflow tank
Fix: The 4G64 develops head gasket leaks between cylinders or into coolant passages. Requires head removal, resurfacing, new gasket set, timing belt replacement while apart. 10-14 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800
Passenger Airbag Inflator Recall (NHTSA)
Common · high severitySymptoms: airbag warning light may or may not illuminate, inflator propellant degrades over time in humid climates, risk of explosive airbag deployment with metal shrapnel
Fix: Takata airbag inflator recall affects many 2004 models. Dealer replacement is free but parts availability has been spotty. Check VIN for open recalls before purchase. 1-2 labor hours for dealer service.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall)
The 2.4L with a manual transmission is a decent budget sporty car if transmission mounts and timing belt are current; avoid the automatic and the V6 unless you're prepared for expensive engine or transmission work.
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.