Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a compact crossover SUV that Mitsubishi UK launched in early 2018, slotting between the ASX and the Outlander in the brand's SUV range. It arrived at UK dealers from around £21,275 with a single powertrain: a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine (163PS) with a six-speed manual or CVT automatic, and front-wheel drive or Mitsubishi's S-AWC four-wheel-drive system. No diesel or plug-in hybrid was ever sold here. Rivals included the Nissan Qashqai, SEAT Ateca and Mazda CX-5. Mitsubishi pitched the Eclipse Cross on rugged Dynamic Shield styling, generous standard equipment and strong expected reliability, helped by a five-year/62,500-mile warranty. UK sales ended in 2021 when Mitsubishi contracted its new-car range, so every used example is now out of that warranty. It is a straightforward family SUV, but used buyers should check the CVT autos, outstanding brake recalls and the infotainment trackpad.
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Common Faults & Reliability
These are the most common documented problems for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, sorted by their typical impact and frequency.
CVT judder, shudder and belt slip (automatic)
high severityThe Jatco CVT fitted to automatic Eclipse Cross models can develop whine, judder or shudder, particularly when hot, and in severe cases slip into limp mode. Fault data logs CVT belt slip or overheating as a high-risk issue typically appearing from around 50,000 miles, starting with a fluid change or valve-body work and ending in a costly rebuild. Honest John owners describe the CVT as noisy under acceleration, and Car Magazine's long-term testers named the gearbox among the car's main irritants, preferring the manual. As the Eclipse Cross was petrol-only in the UK, every automatic example has this CVT.
Unresolved brake and FCM recall campaigns
high severityMitsubishi ran three UK recall campaigns on the Eclipse Cross: in November 2018 the brake hydraulic unit could be interrupted and the forward-collision-mitigation camera could trigger the brakes unnecessarily (DVSA R/2018/285 and R/2018/286), and in November 2021 the front wheel-arch moulding could detach at speed (R/2021/334). Remedies are free, but on a used car the work may never have been done. Auto Express reported up to 17,633 cars potentially affected by the brake software campaigns, and all campaigns are searchable by registration on GOV.UK.
Brake pads and discs wearing thin
low severityDVSA MOT data for 2024 shows brakes as an above-average failure area for the Eclipse Cross, with worn brake lining or pads below 1.5mm the single most common failure item, appearing in about 30% of failed tests. As a relatively heavy SUV often used on short urban trips, pads and discs can wear faster than expected, and rear discs can corrode where the car sits idle. Scraping or grinding under braking, pedal vibration or pulling to one side are the warning signs; pads are cheap, but discs left too long cost more.
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