DecodedCars2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Minicompact Cars
- Body styles
- Gs 2dr Coupe, GT-P 2dr Coupe, Spyder 2dr Conv Gs, Spyder 2dr Conv GT-P
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.8L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 179.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,274–3,671 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse is a minicompact car offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.8L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 180 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,274 lb (Gs 2dr Coupe).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway), 4% better than the 2012 minicompact car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Eclipse — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Eclipse →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gs 2dr Coupe | 179.9 in | 72.4 in | 54.7 in | 101.6 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 3,274 lb | 59/41 |
| GT-P 2dr Coupe | 179.9 in | 72.4 in | 54.7 in | 101.6 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 3,543 lb | 59/41 |
| Spyder 2dr Conv Gs | 179.9 in | 72.4 in | 54.3 in | 101.6 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 3,472 lb | 59/41 |
| Spyder 2dr Conv GT-P | 179.9 in | 72.4 in | 54.7 in | 101.6 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 3,671 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eclipse Spyder | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +4% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Eclipse | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +6% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Eclipse | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +6% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Eclipse | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -8% | $4,100 | 444 |
| Eclipse Spyder | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -14% | $4,350 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Similar 2012 minicompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Air Bags — 3 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Service Brakes — 2 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 89,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Eclipse years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Eclipse | 23 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 Eclipse | 23 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2009 Eclipse | 23 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 43 |
| 2008 Eclipse | 23 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 71 |
| 2007 Eclipse | 23 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 96 |
| 2006 Eclipse | 23 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 52 |
| 2005 Eclipse | 23 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mitsubishi. How we calculate this →