2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Safety Report

The 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross presents a generally strong safety profile based on its NHTSA crash test ratings, achieving an impressive 5-star overall rating, with 5 stars in both frontal and side crash tests, and a 4-star rollover rating. This indicates excellent performance in controlled crash scenarios. However, the vehicle has accumulated 5 total NHTSA complaints, including 1 reported crash and 1 fire, with no reported injuries or deaths. While the total complaint volume is low, some specific issues raise concerns. For instance, one complaint details an airbag failure to deploy in a head-on collision at 70 MPH, which directly contradicts the high frontal crash test rating. Another complaint describes a critical engine issue where the vehicle hesitated, stalled, and made a 'thumping sound' while driving at 60 MPH, indicating potential powertrain reliability concerns. There are no recalls issued for this model year, which is positive, but the low complaint count might also be attributed to the vehicle's market presence rather than an absolute lack of issues. Common complaint patterns, despite the low overall volume, point towards potential issues with the engine and safety systems. The engine component accounts for 2 of the 5 complaints, describing stalling, loss of motive power, and abnormal sounds. The airbag system is also highlighted by a critical failure to deploy in a high-speed crash. Additionally, an unusual complaint details the electronic emergency park brake engaging while driving due to a soda bottle, and another mentions the shifter inadvertently sliding into neutral without button engagement, suggesting potential design or ergonomic flaws that could lead to dangerous situations. The absence of recalls means these issues have not been deemed widespread enough by the manufacturer or NHTSA to warrant a recall campaign, but they are significant for the individual owners affected. In summary, while the 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross excels in official crash tests, the small number of owner complaints reveal some serious, albeit isolated, safety and reliability concerns. The discrepancy between crash test performance and a reported airbag non-deployment is particularly noteworthy. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported issues, especially concerning engine reliability and the functionality of critical safety features like airbags and the emergency brake system, despite the overall positive crash test scores.

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of isolated but critical complaints regarding airbag non-deployment and engine stalling; consider a pre-purchase inspection focusing on powertrain and safety systems.