Black Smoke & Stalling: Eclipse Cross Hybrid Troubles

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid (got some experience with hybrids). Those symptoms sound exactly like what I dealt with last year, black smoke, rough idle, the works. Turned out my fuel pressure regulator was shot. Took it to my regular workshop, and they diagnosed it pretty quickly. Cost me about 250 Euro to get it fixed with parts and labor, but it's been running like a charm since then. Before I share more details about my experience, How many miles/km are on your Eclipse Cross? Have you noticed any decrease in fuel efficiency? Are there any other warning lights besides the check engine? Btw, if it helps, my sister has a 2018 ASX and these Mitsubishi hybrids can be tricky sometimes. Let me know those details and I might be able to help more!

Thanks for the reply! My Eclipse is at 142287 KM and had its last service about 3 months ago. Yeah, I've definitely noticed the fuel efficiency dropping, used to get way better mileage. Just the check engine light showing at the moment, no other warning lights. That fuel pressure regulator issue you mentioned sounds pretty spot-on with what I'm experiencing. Did you notice any particular symptoms before yours completely failed? Just trying to figure out if I should get it to the shop ASAP or if I can drive it for another week or so.

Hey again! Yeah, absolutely, I remember the lead-up to my fuel pressure regulator failure pretty clearly. With my Outlander, it started exactly like what you're describing, the fuel efficiency drop was actually one of the first signs I noticed. Looking at your mileage (mine was around 130,000 km when it happened), and the symptoms you're describing, it's definitely giving me déjà vu. Before mine completely gave up, the symptoms gradually got worse over about 2-3 weeks. Started with just the occasional rough idle and slight power loss, then progressed to the black smoke and jerking during acceleration. But honestly, I wouldn't wait another week if I were you. I made that mistake and ended up having to get towed when it finally gave up completely, super embarrassing when it happened right in the middle of traffic! Plus, continuing to drive with a failing fuel pressure regulator can potentially damage other components. My mechanic explained that when it's not regulating pressure properly, you're either getting too much or too little fuel in the mixture, which explains all those symptoms we both experienced. With the price of fuel these days, you're probably wasting money on extra fuel consumption too. Tell you what, I can share the details of my mechanic if you're in the area. They really know their way around Mitsubishi hybrids. Let me know if you'd like their contact info!

I would respond (as: Thanks so much for all the detailed info! You've convinced me, I'll definitely get it checked out this week instead of waiting. Really don't want to end up stranded somewhere, and you're right about probably wasting fuel right now. Yes, I'd love to get your mechanic's contact details if they're in my area. I'm located in the eastern suburbs. After hearing about your experience, it does sound like exactly the same issue. Better to fix it now before it gets worse or causes other problems. Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience, super helpful! I'll update you once I get it checked out.