Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Common Problems

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a small SUV sold here from early 2018 until stock ran out in 2025, when Mitsubishi dropped it rather than re-engineer it for new emergency braking rules. It is a single generation. The petrol model uses a 1.5-litre turbo (4B40, 110 kW) with an eight-step CVT, in front-wheel drive or S-AWC all-wheel drive. The 2021 facelift dropped the split rear window and added an 8-inch touchscreen. A plug-in hybrid joined from late 2021, using the Outlander PHEV's 2.4 petrol engine, two electric motors and a 13.8 kWh battery. Few faults are widely reported for this model. Most complaints are about the CVT, driver-assist software and infotainment, so treat the list below as things to check rather than known failures.

CVT hesitation and cold-start jerkiness (1.5 turbo CVT, 2018 to 2025)

Some owners report the CVT hesitating under moderate throttle and feeling jerky when the car is very cold. Its close relative in the Outlander and ASX draws similar comments about droning and slow response. No widespread failure has been reported, but CVTs dislike overheating and old fluid. Dealers usually start with a software check and a fluid service, a few hundred dollars. A replacement CVT outside warranty could cost several thousand dollars, so a smooth test drive and service records matter.

Driver-assist software faults and false alerts (all models, 2018 to 2025)

Early cars were recalled for two software faults. On 2018 cars, forward collision mitigation could brake when it was not needed, and a stability control software fault could temporarily switch off adaptive cruise, collision mitigation, brake auto hold, hill start assist and the AWD control. Some owners have since reported false collision warnings on open roads, and some plug-in hybrid owners report rear cross-traffic alerts going off at traffic lights. Make sure the software is up to date before deciding the car is faulty.

Slow or glitchy infotainment (pre-facelift touchpad system, 2018 to 2020)

The pre-facelift Smartphone Link Display Audio system is slow, awkward to use with its touchpad and has no built-in navigation. Some owners report phone mirroring dropping out. The 2021 facelift's larger touchscreen is an improvement, though plug-in hybrid owners note there is no wireless phone mirroring. There is no cheap fix for the slow system, so try it with your own phone before buying.

Rattles, squeaks and sunroof noise (all models, 2018 to 2025)

A few owners report rattles from the rear of the cabin traced to loose sunroof assembly bolts, a squeaky steering wheel and other trim noises. These are usually simple fixes for a dealer who can find them, but one owner needed a second dealer. A firm ride over sharp bumps is a design trait rather than a fault, but it makes rattles more noticeable.

Charging errors and short real-world range (PHEV, 2021 to 2025)

At least one owner reports an "EV service required" error during DC fast charging that stopped the car starting and needed a tow. A software update in 2025 was reported to fix it. More common is a real electric range well below the 55 km claim: one road test saw around 50 km on a mild run and closer to 20 km in cold, hilly driving. The battery also charges more slowly than many rivals. As on the Outlander PHEV, the battery loses capacity with age, so ask for a battery health check on higher-kilometre cars.

Recalls and safety

Recall themes include the two 2018 software campaigns above, covering forward collision mitigation and the stability control system. Some 2020 to 2022 remote keys were also recalled because they lacked the required button battery warnings. The car's five-star safety rating dates from 2017 and has since expired, and it does not meet the newer emergency braking rule that ended its sale. Have a Mitsubishi dealer check the VIN for open recalls, and see our recalls page.

Buying a used Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross? What to check

• CVT feel: Drive from cold if you can, then accelerate gently and firmly. Judder, flaring revs or a pause before it pulls needs checking.
• Software updates: Ask the dealer whether the safety system and transmission software is current, and whether the 2018 recalls were done.
• Driver aids: On the test drive, watch for false collision or cross-traffic warnings and check every camera and sensor works.
• Infotainment: Pair your phone, run phone mirroring and confirm it stays connected.
• Rattles: Drive over rough roads with the radio off and listen around the sunroof, rear cabin and steering wheel.
• PHEV charging: Charge the car on a home cable and, if you can, a DC fast charger, and look for EV system warnings.
• PHEV battery: Ask for a battery health report and check the electric range shown when fully charged.
• Service book: Mitsubishi's extended 10-year warranty depends on dealer servicing, so check every stamp to see what cover remains.

Run a Carify VIN check before you buy, and use our Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross buying checklist on the inspection.

The verdict

The Eclipse Cross has a fairly clean record, so condition and service history matter more than model year. A 2021 to 2025 facelift is the better buy, with the bigger touchscreen and better rear vision. The petrol turbo is the simpler and cheaper choice, as long as the CVT feels smooth. The PHEV suits buyers who can charge at home and drive short daily trips, but get a battery health check. Pre-facelift 2018 to 2020 cars are fine value if the recall work and dealer servicing are documented.