The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Years to Avoid
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross by Alexander Migl - CC-BY-SA-4.0
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a crossover SUV created to blend popular SUV features, like ample cargo space, as well as more performance-focused components, like a turbocharged engine, into one excellent car. On top of that, it drew a lot of attention from consumers thanks to its user-friendly “infotainment” devices and integrated systems. However, the worst Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross years to avoid can make finding the right vehicle a little tricky.
If you’re interested in purchasing a new or used Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, you’ll want to know which years are best to maximize your value for money. Let’s break down all the different model years of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross in detail.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSS
For those searching for a two-row family hauler that doesn’t have a Honda or Toyota badge, the Eclipse Cross presents an alternative, especially as a second-hand car. But what are the most reliable Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross years?
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Years to Avoid
Whenever a new vehicle debuts on the market, its earliest iterations are more likely to have “teething problems” or avoidable hiccups that will be ironed out as the manufacturer learns critical lessons.
Thus, you should try to avoid the earlier years of Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross manufacturing, namely 2018 and sometimes 2019 (though the latter year is still reported to have produced some good cars).
Therefore, the newer Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vehicles are more likely to be worth your time and money, whether you are trying to buy new or used. If you purchase one of these later vehicles, you’ll be less likely to run into major maintenance issues within your first 50,000 miles or so.
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What Was the Worst Year for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?
While there are some good years for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, the worst model year is 2018, according to copilotsearch.com. This is partially because this early debut year saw Mitsubishi still working out the kinks for this particular vehicle.
In the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Crosses, there were a handful of common problems, such as:
- Frequent software updates for the engine control module
- Low heater out the temperatures when the vehicles were moved at low speeds
- Sound system issues
Therefore, if you have invested in a Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross from 2018, keep an eye out for these problems. You may need to get them repaired sooner rather than later. 2018 is the most important Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross year to avoid.
Best Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Years
If you’re looking to purchase a new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross or a used vehicle, you’ll want to make sure you purchase a model from the best years. Generally, the later years of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross are better than the earlier years. With that in mind, you’ll want to target vehicles from:
- 2020
- 2021
- 2022
In particular, 2022 is the best model year for the Eclipse Cross, according to many experts. It has very few issues, partially because Mitsubishi has fixed any issues that arose in earlier models by this point.
In addition, the 2019 and 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross models are particularly safe if you wish to purchase a used car. That’s because these years were designed with extra safety and have few owner complaints on record. Thus, these are more likely to continue to serve you well even if they have tens of thousands of miles already driven.
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How Many Miles Does a Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Last?
One of the key components of reliability in any vehicle is how many miles it will last before it breaks down or starts requiring more frequent maintenance. According to enginepatrol.com, the average Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross should last for approximately 100,000 miles before running into major issues.
In the long term, you may need to replace your Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross after 200,000 to 250,000 miles. That’s because, at this point, the costs of your repairs will probably outweigh the value of the vehicle if it is still running.
This is probably why Mitsubishi’s protective warranties go up to 100,000 miles. For example, caranddriver.com indicates that the Mitsubishi powertrain warranty for the Eclipse Cross goes up to 100,000 miles or 10 years.
Common Issues with the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
While the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has a number of beneficial features and great design elements, there are also some problems you can run into depending on the year you purchase.
According to repairpal.com, the most common issues drivers experience when using Mitsubishi Eclipse Crosses include but are unlimited to:
- Rattling noises from the clutch
- Difficulty shifting the manual transmission
- Brake pedal pulses
- The exterior door handle breaking
- Airbags not deploying as they are expected to
- Engine stalling or a filing
- Fluid leaking from the suspension stride
- Corrosion on the fuel filler door
- Vibration from the clutch when starting out from a stop position
Such problems are more common among the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross years to avoid. Of course, if you purchase a Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross from a better year, you’ll be more likely to avoid these issues entirely and have a great time with your vehicle.
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How Reliable is the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?
Long-term reliability for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross can vary depending on the year you purchase and drive. As an example, motorbiscuit.com states that some consumers give the Mitsubishi Equips Cross a 4.7 out of 5 rating. These were Mitsubishi Eclipse Crosses from some of the best years for this vehicle.
In fact, many Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross owners disagree with experts in terms of overall reliability, performance, and value for money. The most impressive features of the Eclipse Cross include the high-quality warranties, the fuel economy, and the performance.
Indeed, most owners of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross say that the engine has plenty of power compared to the experts. Some owners also find that the Eclipse Cross has better fuel mileage than is reported, though this likely depends on where exactly you drive the vehicle.
Final Thoughts
All in all, later Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vehicles are much better. On the other hand, you should note the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross years to avoid so you don’t end up purchasing a dud right off the bat.
If you purchase a newer vehicle, you’ll enjoy better gas mileage, smooth handling, and a powerful crossover SUV that can accomplish many different tasks. It could be a great choice as a commuter vehicle or as a vehicle for taking your family on vacation.
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