2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Safety Report

2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: Low complaint volume but critical electrical and safety system issues, no NHTSA crash test ratings.

19Complaints
2Recalls
45/100Reliability Score
1Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
2Injuries
1Deaths
Most reported components: Engine (2)Electrical System (2)Power Train,Unknown Or Other,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Steering,Electrical System,Service Brakes (1)Steering,Electrical System,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Power Train (1)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (1)Lane Departure (1)Structure (1)Air Bags (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

The 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross presents a mixed safety picture, with a relatively low number of total complaints (19) but some severe reported incidents including 1 crash, 1 fire, 2 injuries, and 1 death. A significant concern is the lack of NHTSA crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover are all N/A), which makes it difficult to assess its structural safety performance. Common complaint patterns revolve around the electrical system, engine, and power train, often manifesting as unexpected vehicle shutdowns, steering lock-ups, and issues with advanced safety features. For instance, one complaint describes the car displaying all alarms, steering wheel locking, and brakes locking while driving. Another details the car stalling mid-drive on a busy road. The vehicle has also been subject to two recalls, both related to the electrical system and forward collision avoidance, which align with some of the reported issues. Specifically, one recall addresses potential unintended braking due to FCM-ECU software, and the other concerns the FCM system not functioning as intended, increasing crash risk. These recalls directly address critical safety systems, and their existence suggests known vulnerabilities in these areas. The reported death and injuries, while low in count, highlight the potential severity of some of these malfunctions.

Reliability Score

The 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Electrical System Malfunctions Leading To Vehicle Shutdown/Loss Of Power
Multiple complaints describe the vehicle losing all power, stalling mid-drive, or displaying numerous warning lights, sometimes accompanied by steering and brake lock-ups. This aligns with the 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' component being a top complaint and a recall.
High Occasional variable miles
Forward Collision Mitigation (Fcm) System Malfunctions
Complaints detail the FCM system engaging brakes unexpectedly or not functioning as intended, leading to rapid deceleration or increased crash risk. This is directly addressed by two recalls related to FCM software and functionality.
High Occasional variable miles
Steering Lock-Up
At least one complaint explicitly states the steering locked up while driving at 40mph, nearly causing a crash. This is a critical safety failure.
High Rare variable miles
Engine Stalling
Several complaints mention the engine stalling while driving, including one instance on a busy road. 'ENGINE' is a top complaint component.
High Occasional variable miles
Airbag Deployment Issues
One severe complaint describes the driver's airbag exploding on impact, causing injury and hearing damage, indicating a potential issue with airbag system performance.
High Rare variable miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross:

Engine 10% of complaints

Reported issues include stalling while driving and general engine problems, with one complaint mentioning engine issues since purchase.

Electrical System 10% of complaints

Frequent issues involve battery draining, complete loss of power, and various warning lights illuminating, often leading to vehicle immobility or shutdown. This is also linked to a recall.

Power Train 10% of complaints

Complaints include the vehicle rolling backward when parked despite shifting to park, and issues with acceleration and braking response.

Forward Collision Avoidance 15% of complaints

Problems with the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) systems, including unintended braking and inconsistent speed control, are noted and are subjects of recalls.

Steering 15% of complaints

Reports include the steering wheel locking up while driving, a critical safety concern.

Service Brakes 5% of complaints

Issues with brakes locking up or not responding, sometimes in conjunction with other electrical failures.

Air Bags 5% of complaints

One severe complaint details an airbag exploding and causing injury during a collision.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Is the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has a low number of total complaints (19) but includes severe incidents like 1 crash, 1 fire, 2 injuries, and 1 death. A major concern is the lack of NHTSA crash test ratings, making a comprehensive safety assessment difficult. There are two recalls related to critical electrical and forward collision avoidance systems, which align with some reported malfunctions like unexpected braking and vehicle shutdowns.

What are common problems with the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?

The most reported issues for the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross involve the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10.5% of complaints), ENGINE (10.5%), POWER TRAIN (10.5%), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (15.8%), and STEERING (15.8%). Specific problems include unexpected vehicle shutdowns, engine stalling, steering lock-ups, and malfunctions with the adaptive cruise control and forward collision mitigation systems, some of which are covered by recalls.

Are there any recalls for the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?

Yes, the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has two recalls. Both are related to the FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE system and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. One recall addresses the Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system not functioning as intended, increasing crash risk. The other concerns FCM-ECU software potentially activating the brake for longer than necessary, leading to rapid deceleration.

How does the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross perform in crash tests?

The 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross does not have NHTSA crash test ratings available for Overall, Frontal, Side, or Rollover categories. This lack of data makes it impossible to assess its performance in these critical safety areas based on NHTSA's standardized tests.

What are the most severe safety concerns for this vehicle?

The most severe safety concerns for the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross include reports of the steering locking up while driving, unexpected vehicle shutdowns or stalling mid-drive, and malfunctions of the Forward Collision Mitigation system leading to unintended braking or increased crash risk. There is also a report of an airbag exploding and causing injury during a collision, and incidents resulting in 1 death and 2 injuries among the 19 total complaints.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the lack of NHTSA crash test ratings and critical safety recalls related to electrical and forward collision systems, potential buyers should proceed with caution and thoroughly investigate the vehicle's service history, ensuring all recalls have been addressed.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. The data includes 19 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 2 reported injuries, and 1 fatalities associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.