2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

The 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.

Symptoms: Whine or whistling from the gearbox under acceleration, Judder or shudder when pulling away...

Est. repair cost: £200-£3,500

Mitsubishi 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.

Symptoms: Brakes activating without warning, Driver-assist warning lights illuminated...

Est. repair cost: £0 (free recall)

DVSA 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.

Symptoms: Scraping or grinding noise when braking, Brake pedal vibration or pulsation...

Est. repair cost: £90-£250