2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse brakes problems

Brake pedal sinks to the floorboard when pressed, requiring multiple pump strokes to restore stopping ability. Happens intermittently, often triggered by bumps, dips, or hard braking. Owners report they must exert abnormal pressure or pump repeatedly to slow or stop the vehicle.

When: Reported across 31,000 to 118,000 miles; onset can be early in vehicle life and worsens over time

Symptoms owners cite: Pedal travels all the way to floorboard; Loss of brake pressure requiring multiple pump cycles; Delayed or extended brake response; Soft or spongy brake feel; Pedal requires abnormal pressure to stop vehicle; Hissing or whining noise when pedal pumped; Grinding noise when brakes applied

Repairs/costs cited: Master cylinder seal failure, brake booster destroyed by fluid leak, ABS hydraulic unit failure requiring replacement, internal valve damage to brake module. Repairs cited at $650–$2,000 depending on scope. Multiple owners report repairs failed or recurred within months.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V337000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); also referenced as 15V370000. Recall issued July 2015. Mitsubishi initially lacked repair parts for extended periods (months), delaying fixes. Some owners report dealerships requested vehicle roadtest to 'reproduce' failure before covering recall repair under warranty. Temporary remedies performed at some dealerships when permanent parts unavailable. At least one owner reports recall remedy failed and brakes failed again after 'repair.'

ABS hydraulic unit develops internal corrosion or valve sticking, causing fluid leaks into the brake booster or loss of system pressure. Brake fluid level drops rapidly, requiring frequent refilling. Owners describe fluid leaking from the ABS pump or internal seal failures allowing brake fluid to enter the booster.

When: Reported at mileage from 52,000 to 111,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Rapid brake fluid level loss (refill needed weekly or multiple times monthly); Brake fluid leaking from ABS pump; Internal seal failure in master cylinder; Brake booster destroyed by fluid contamination; ABS warning light illumination

Repairs/costs cited: ABS hydraulic unit replacement; master cylinder and brake booster replacement often required due to secondary damage from fluid intrusion. Costs cited at nearly $2,000 for some vehicles. One owner reports dealership refused additional warranty work after initial 'repair.'

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 15V337000 identifies ABS pump corrosion as known defect. Mitsubishi Corporate initially refused to cover some repairs under recall because narrative stated 'leaking' rather than 'sticking valves' as listed in recall scope. Parts availability delays meant vehicles remained unsafe and unfixed for months. One owner's vehicle developed brake fluid leak after recall repair was performed.

Brake system fails intermittently without warning light or predictable trigger. Vehicle may stop normally one moment, then lose braking on the next application. Failures can recur multiple times or progress in frequency over weeks or months.

When: Reported across vehicle life from 15,000 to 101,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Brakes fail intermittently without warning; No warning light or predictable trigger; Failure recurs more frequently over time; Some failures require emergency brake to stop; Rear-end collisions resulted (at least two reported)

Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanics unable to diagnose or replicate failures. Dealerships unable to schedule repair until second recall notice issued or parts became available. Multiple owners report multiple visits to different shops with no resolution.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 15V337000 issued, but parts shortages prevented timely diagnosis and repair. Mitsubishi advised some owners to 'keep driving until problem occurs' to allow dealer to reproduce failure. At least one owner reports dealership unable to replicate failure and declined to cover repair.

Mitsubishi issued recall in July 2015 but lacked parts for repair through at least early 2016 (6+ months delay). Dealerships could not schedule repairs, and owners were left driving vehicles with known brake defects. Some dealerships demanded owners pay out-of-pocket and submit reimbursement claim, or told owners to return when second recall letter arrived.

When: Recall issued July 2015; parts unavailable through early 2016 (documented through multiple narrative dates)

Symptoms owners cite: Recall parts on backorder indefinitely; Dealerships unable to schedule recall repair; Owners told to wait for second recall letter; No loaner vehicles provided during recall delays; Some dealerships refused to perform repair pending availability

Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed during extended delay. One owner report states parts never became available and vehicle remained unrepaired.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V337000. Mitsubishi Corporate stated parts were unavailable and would notify owners of second recall when parts ready. Mitsubishi Customer Relations Center told some owners they could pay independently and submit bills for reimbursement, which owners found unacceptable. Service manager at one dealership told owner corporate office would not provide loaner car because recall scope did not specifically mention 'leaking,' only 'sticking valves.' No evidence of Mitsubishi providing alternate transportation or expediting parts shipment.