The 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse is a small car that came with a choice of 2.0L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl engines. At 30 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
| Body style | Minicompact Cars, Subcompact Cars |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl (turbocharged versions available) |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline, Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 17–21 city / 23–29 highway / 19–24 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,900–$4,350 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 370–468 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 10 configurations: Eclipse Convertible, Eclipse |
| Age | 30 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls covering the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the rubber boots on the lower lateral arm ball joints of the front suspension were damaged during assembly, dirt and water can intrude. Also, mmc has added the potential of leaking moisture, which can cause the ball stud to corrode.
Risk: This condition could cause the lower lateral arm ball joint to separate, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. This campaign supercedes mmc's previous safety recall campaign, see 99v-066.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the rubber boots on the lower lateral arm ball joints of the front suspension were damaged during assembly, dirt and water can intrude.
Risk: This condition could cause the lower lateral arm ball joint to separate, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Lockup of the transfer case can occur due to insufficient lubrication.
Risk: This condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fuel tank gaskets for the fuel pump and/or gauge unit gasket could have been incorrectly installed allowing fuel or fumes to escape.
Risk: If an ignition source were present, the fuel leakage could result in a fire.
Owners have filed 159 complaints about the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse with NHTSA. 25 reports involved a crash and 5 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 10 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Manufacturers have filed 82 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused
This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin supersedes TSB-18-00-003, issued April, 2018, to add updated information for Carrying Capacity Reduced
This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA opened 4 defect investigations covering the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Lower contrtol arm ball joint
There is no summary currently available
Transfer case leakage
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.
Transfer case lockup
Transfer case lockup
Alleged drivetrain failure that can lead to lock-up of the rear or all wheels.
‹ Sell a 1995 Eclipse · Sell a 1997 Eclipse › · All Mitsubishi Eclipse years
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Yes. We buy 1996 Eclipses that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.