2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse brakes problems

ABS modulator unit deteriorates internally, leaking brake fluid into the brake booster and causing sudden, intermittent loss of brake pressure. Pedal drops to floor during or after braking, especially on rough surfaces or hard stops. Pressure returns after hours or days, but problem recurs unpredictably.

When: 50,000–195,000 miles; typically 5–10 years of ownership; triggered by hard braking, bumps, or rough road braking

Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal travels to floor with little or no stopping power; Loss of pressure during or immediately after hard braking or emergency stops; Pressure loss triggered by hitting bumps or rough road surfaces while braking; ABS warning light illuminates during loss-of-pressure events; Brake pedal returns to normal after hours or days, then fails again later; Whistling or hissing sound when releasing brake pedal; Fluid leaks visible under vehicle in some cases

Codes mentioned: SR-15-004, NHTSA 15V337000

Repairs/costs cited: Recall requires replacement of ABS hydraulic unit (modulator). Repair time quoted as 2–4 hours evaluation plus 4 hours repair. One owner confirmed via test that the ABS modulator's internal cylinders were supplying pressure only to driver's front wheel, with other three circuits dead. Parts unavailable for months or longer after recall notice; some owners waited over a year. Many owners had master cylinders replaced (sometimes multiple times) before root cause was identified.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall SR-15-004 (NHTSA 15V337000) issued July 2015 for hydraulic brake system defect. Initial recall notices instructed owners to wait for further notice when parts became available. Owners reported dealers stating parts were unavailable within reasonable timeframe, with no estimated delivery dates. Some dealers refused to perform work on vehicles older than expected. Mitsubishi customer service was unable to provide estimated repair timelines or arrange loaner cars during multi-day repairs.

Brake pedal feels soft or spongy, requiring excessive pressure to achieve normal braking, often preceded by a hard stop or ABS engagement. Braking response is inconsistent—pedal may feel normal momentarily then become spongy again.

When: Onset often follows hard braking, ABS engagement, or hitting a bump; persists intermittently for days or indefinitely

Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal feels spongy or mushy when depressed; Requires excessive pedal pressure to achieve braking effect; Braking response is inconsistent or delayed; Pedal may feel normal briefly, then become spongy again; Whistling or squeaking sound when releasing pedal; Problem often follows hard braking, ABS engagement, or rough road surfaces

Codes mentioned: SR-15-004, NHTSA 15V337000

Repairs/costs cited: Often misdiagnosed as air in lines or worn master cylinder; bleeding the system provides temporary relief (3–4 days) before problem recurs. Master cylinder replacements (sometimes multiple) do not resolve issue if ABS unit is leaking. One owner replaced master cylinder and booster but problem recurred; another replaced all brake lines and did complete system bleed, yet pressure was still absent at three of four wheels post-ABS inspection.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall SR-15-004 addresses this as deterioration of ABS hydraulic unit. Dealers performed bleeding, fluid flushes, and master cylinder replacements as interim measures, but these do not resolve the underlying ABS unit failure. Recall repair (ABS unit replacement) was the intended fix but parts were unavailable for extended periods.

Complete brake failure during active driving, resulting in vehicle striking another car, pedestrian, or fixed object due to inability to stop.

When: Occurred at 25–98,000 miles; multiple incidents reported at speeds ranging 5–60 mph

Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes to floor with no stopping power; Vehicle fails to slow or stop when brake pedal is depressed; Driver forced to steer into alternate lane, ditch, or object to avoid collision; ABS may engage before complete pressure loss

Codes mentioned: SR-15-004, NHTSA 15V337000

Repairs/costs cited: Multiple owners reported crashes; one owner hit another vehicle at 30 mph (passenger sustained head injuries requiring medical attention), another hit a tree at 30+ mph (driver sustained injuries), another rear-ended stopped traffic. Police reports filed in at least two cases. Dealership and manufacturer were not always notified before or after incidents.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall SR-15-004 issued after known failures. One owner stated manufacturer was never made aware of failure despite crash occurring. Dealers often stated they could not reproduce the issue and provided no interim safety measures. No loaner vehicles, towing, or diagnostic fee waivers offered in most cases.

Brakes lock up or seize during normal driving, especially on startup or after engaging ABS. Vehicle becomes difficult to move or control until brakes unlock after repeated depression.

When: Reported on startup and during low-speed maneuvering; one case at 97,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Brakes lock or seize when vehicle is started or during low-speed driving; ABS warning light illuminates when braking locks up; Brakes unlock only after depressing pedal numerous times or slight acceleration; Front brake caliper slides/glide pins may seize onto rotor

Codes mentioned: SR-15-004, NHTSA 15V337000

Repairs/costs cited: One new vehicle (delivered from lot) had seized front left caliper slide pins locked onto rotor and could not be driven off lot until recall was completed. Dealership inspection identified locked caliper hardware.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Included in recall SR-15-004. One used-car dealer did not complete recall before vehicle was offered for sale.