Mitsubishi Eclipse GST 4G63T

The Mitsubishi Eclipse GST 4G63T has a reliability score of 47/100, rated "RISKY". Legend engine, aging platform needs constant attention

The most frequently reported issues are Head Gasket Failure, Fuel Tank Gasket Fuel Leak, Piston Ring Wear and Blowby, Front Suspension Lower Ball Joint Failure, among others. See the Known Issues section above for symptoms, affected mileage, and repair costs.

Yes, this is a documented issue on the 4G63T, typically appearing around 100,000-180,000 km. The 7-bolt 4G63T head gasket is a well-documented weakness. Oil leaks from the head gasket are common, and coolant/oil mixing is a known failure mode on high-mileage or modified examples. The oil port from block to head can also develop restrictions, starving the head of lubrication. Typical repair cost: €600-1,800. DIY difficulty: Hard.

Yes, this is a documented issue on the 4G63T, typically appearing around 0-150,000 km. NHTSA recall issued for incorrectly installed fuel pump and/or gauge unit gaskets allowing fuel or fumes to escape from the fuel tank. On 25-30 year old examples, gaskets may have deteriorated regardless of recall completion. Typical repair cost: €150-500. DIY difficulty: Moderate.

Yes, this is a documented issue on the 4G63T, typically appearing around 120,000-200,000 km. Higher mileage 4G63T engines are prone to piston ring wear leading to blowby. Worn or improperly fitted rings allow combustion gases past the pistons, causing oil consumption, crankcase pressure, and power loss. Common on unrestored high-mileage examples. Typical repair cost: €1,200-3,500. DIY difficulty: Hard.

Yes, this is a documented issue on the 4G63T, typically appearing around 80,000-160,000 km. NHTSA recall issued for damaged rubber boots on lower lateral arm ball joints of the front suspension. Damaged boots allow contamination leading to ball joint failure, which can cause loss of steering control. Typical repair cost: €200-600. DIY difficulty: Moderate.

Yes, this is a documented issue on the 4G63T, typically appearing around 80,000-180,000 km. NHTSA recall for the headlamp support panel developing fatigue cracks where the ABS hydraulic unit is attached, which can allow the unit to move or fail. On vehicles of this age, the panel should be inspected even if recall work was completed. Typical repair cost: €300-900. DIY difficulty: Moderate.

Yes, this is a documented issue on the 4G63T, typically appearing around 100,000-160,000 km. The 4G63T distributor is known to cause issues and enthusiasts frequently seek alternatives. On ageing examples, distributor wear leads to misfires, hard starting, and inconsistent running. Typical repair cost: €150-450. DIY difficulty: Easy.

The 2G DSM 4G63T is a genuine icon, the engine itself is extraordinarily capable and has one of the strongest enthusiast support networks of any 4-cylinder ever made. However, buying a 25-30 year old turbocharged performance car requires eyes wide open: three active NHTSA recalls relevant to this FWD GST (ball joints, ABS mount, fuel tank gaskets), a fragile 7-bolt head gasket, and an ageing cooling system make pre-purchase inspection non-negotiable. Prioritise well-documented, stock or lightly modified examples with service history over heavily modified cars with unknown build quality. Budget €1,500-3,000 beyond purchase price for immediate safety and reliability work unless the seller can prove everything has been addressed.

Before buying, check: Run the VIN through NHTSA to confirm the three recalls relevant to FWD GST models (ball joints, ABS mount, fuel tank gaskets) have been completed. Note the separate transfer case recall applies only to AWD GSX/Talon AWD variants, not this FWD GST; Perform a wet and dry compression test on all four cylinders, any cylinder below 150 psi or more than 10% variation signals ring or gasket wear; Check coolant for brown discolouration or oily residue and oil cap for white milky deposits, both indicate head gasket compromise; Verify timing belt replacement history, if unknown or overdue, budget €300-600 immediately as this is an interference engine with catastrophic failure risk; Smell around the fuel tank and fuel pump area for any petrol odour, and inspect for fuel staining indicating gasket deterioration or incomplete recall work.

There's no fixed mileage limit, it depends on maintenance. The parts worth budgeting for proactively are: Head Gasket (7-bolt) (150,000 km), Timing Belt and Tensioner (90,000 km or every 4 years), Fuel Tank Gaskets (Any km, inspect immediately on purchase), Coolant System (Radiator, Thermostat, Hoses) (120,000 km). Engines that clear these checkpoints with documented maintenance commonly continue well beyond typical ownership periods.

Damaged rubber boots on lower lateral arm ball joints allow contamination leading to ball joint failure and potential loss of steering control Remedy: Inspect and replace damaged ball joint boots or complete ball joint assemblies

Headlamp support panel fatigue crack allows ABS hydraulic unit to detach or move, compromising brake system integrity Remedy: Inspect and reinforce or replace headlamp support panel; re-secure ABS unit

Incorrectly installed fuel pump and/or gauge unit gaskets allow fuel or fumes to escape, creating fire risk Remedy: Inspect and replace fuel pump and gauge unit gaskets with correctly installed components

Estimated ownership cost is €4,500-12,000 over 3 years depending on condition, modification level, and whether major deferred maintenance (timing belt, head gasket, recall work) needs addressing at purchase, based on known issues and typical service needs.

Owners report real-world fuel consumption of around 11.3 L/100km.

Community-reported real-world usage suggests changing oil every 5,000 km using 5W-30 or 10W-30 full synthetic; DSM community strongly recommends 5,000 km intervals maximum due to turbo heat cycling and age of engine seals, often more conservative than the official service schedule.

The 4G63T is also found in: Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T (1G DSM, 1990-1994), Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX (AWD), Eagle Talon TSi, Eagle Talon TSi AWD, Plymouth Laser RS Turbo, Mitsubishi Galant VR-4, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution I-IX (related 4G63 variants, different internals and turbo).

Legend engine, aging platform needs constant attention The biggest recurring complaint is Head Gasket Failure. Highly passionate ownership community with deep respect for the 4G63T's performance potential. Sentiment is realistic about the platform's age and complexity, owners treat it as a project car requiring ongoing investment rather than a reliable daily driver. Stock examples are increasingly rare and valued; modified examples are viewed with healthy scepticism unless build documentation is provided.