2018-2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Console Side Panel: A Buyer's Guide to Fitment and Replacement
This guide covers the crucial difference between console panels for manual and electric parking brakes, common damage, and how to replace them.
- This panel ONLY fits Eclipse Cross models with a manual hand-brake lever, not the electric parking brake switch.
- Failure is purely cosmetic; common issues are scratches and broken mounting tabs.
- When buying a used panel, the most important check is to ensure all mounting tabs on the back are intact.
- Replacement is a very easy DIY job, typically requiring only a plastic pry tool and about 15 minutes.
Critical Compatibility: Manual vs. Electric Parking Brake
Warning: The single most important factor when purchasing a replacement console side panel for a 2018-2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is the type of parking brake your vehicle has. These panels are NOT interchangeable between the two systems.
This article and the associated part numbers (8011B771XA, 8011B771ZZ, 8011B772XA, 8011B772ZZ) are ONLY for models equipped with a traditional manual parking brake lever. Higher trim levels often feature an Electric Parking Brake (EPB), which uses a small switch instead of a large lever, changing the entire shape of the center console.
Before ordering, look at your center console:
- If you have a large, physical hand-brake lever between the seats, this part is correct for your vehicle. 🎬 See a video review of the manual hand-brake console layout
- If you have a small electronic switch to engage the parking brake, this part will NOT fit.
Symptoms of a Damaged Console Side Panel
Failure of this part is purely cosmetic and does not affect the vehicle's operation. The main reasons for replacement are visible damage that detracts from the interior's appearance.
- Scratches and Scuffs: This is the most common issue. The plastic panels are located in a high-traffic area and can be easily scratched by keys, bags, shoes, or other items.
- Broken Mounting Tabs: The panels are held in place by plastic clips and tabs. If the panel was removed improperly or subjected to impact, these tabs can break, causing the panel to become loose, rattle, or fit poorly.
- Gouges or Cracks: A significant impact can cause deep gouges or even crack the plastic, which cannot be easily repaired.
- Stains or Discoloration: Spills or long-term exposure to cleaning chemicals can stain or discolor the plastic finish.
Pro Tip: A Reddit user noted that their interior trim was falling off but was replaced under warranty. If your vehicle is still under the factory bumper-to-bumper warranty, check with a Mitsubishi dealer before purchasing a replacement, as a loose or poorly fitting panel might be covered.
Buying a Used 2018-2026 Eclipse Cross Console Panel
Since these panels are cosmetic, a used OEM part is an excellent, cost-effective option. Unlike cheap aftermarket parts, a used original part guarantees a perfect fit, color match, and texture. Aftermarket options for this specific panel are generally limited to stick-on overlays rather than full replacements.
What to Inspect on a Used Part
- Verify Parking Brake Type: First and foremost, confirm the part came from a vehicle with a manual parking brake. Ask the seller for a photo of the center console from the donor car if possible.
- Check All Mounting Tabs: This is the most critical inspection. Carefully examine the back of the panel. All the plastic clips and mounting tabs must be intact. A single broken tab can prevent the panel from sitting flush and may lead to rattles.
- Assess Cosmetic Condition: Look at photos closely. Distinguish between minor surface scuffs, which may be buffed out or are barely noticeable once installed, and deep gouges that have removed plastic. Used parts will rarely be perfect, but many are in excellent condition.
- Confirm the Side: Ensure you are buying the correct side (Left/Driver or Right/Passenger) that you need to replace. Part numbers ending in 771 are for the left side, while those ending in 772 are for the right side.
Replacement Difficulty & Procedure
Replacing the center console side panel is a straightforward DIY job that requires minimal tools.
- Difficulty: 1/5 (Very Easy)
- Estimated Time: 15 minutes
- Tools Needed: Plastic trim removal tool kit, possibly a Phillips screwdriver. 🎬 Watch: How to use plastic trim removal tools safely
General Replacement Steps:
While no specific guide exists for just this panel, the procedure is similar to other interior trim removal.
🎬 Watch: This center console removal video shows the general process- Look for Screws: Check for any visible Phillips head screws holding the panel in place, often located at the front or rear ends of the panel. If any are found, remove them first.
- Pry Carefully: Using a plastic trim removal tool to avoid scratching adjacent surfaces, start at one end of the panel and gently pry it away from the center console. You will hear the clips pop as they release.
- Work Your Way Along: Continue to work your way along the length of the panel, releasing all the clips until the panel is free.
- Install the New Panel: Align the clips on the new panel with the corresponding holes in the console structure.
- Snap into Place: Press firmly and evenly along the panel until all clips snap securely into place. You should hear a satisfying click for each one. Reinstall any screws you removed.
Cost of Replacement
Prices for these panels can vary, but buying used offers significant savings.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM | $60 - $100 (per side) |
| Used OEM | $25 - $45 (per side) |
| New Aftermarket | Not commonly available (only stick-on covers) |
| Shop Labor | $50 - $75 |
Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins
There are no recalls, TSBs, or common known issues from Mitsubishi specifically related to the center console side panels. Several recalls exist for the 2018-2019 Eclipse Cross concerning software for the braking and forward collision mitigation systems, but these do not involve this interior trim part.
OEM Part Numbers
These part numbers are for the black trim panels found in models without the electric parking brake. The 'XA' and 'ZZ' suffixes typically denote color or minor revisions, but are functionally interchangeable.
- Left (Driver Side): 8011B771XA, 8011B771ZZ
- Right (Passenger Side): 8011B772XA, 8011B772ZZ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know for sure if I have a manual or electric parking brake?
Look at the center console next to the driver's seat. If you have a long lever that you pull up to engage the brake, you have a manual system. If you have a small, flat switch that you pull up or push down, you have an electric parking brake (EPB).
Can I repair a scratched panel instead of replacing it?
For very light surface scuffs, you might have some success with a plastic trim restorer or a very fine polishing compound. However, for deeper scratches or gouges where material has been removed, replacement is the only way to restore the original look.
Are these panels available in different colors?
The most common color is black, corresponding to the 'XA' or 'ZZ' in the part number. While other interior colors may exist in global markets, the standard U.S. market interior is predominantly black. Always try to match the part number or verify the color from the donor vehicle when buying used.
Will a panel from a 2018 model fit a 2025 model?
Yes, as long as the parking brake type is the same (manual). The part numbers cover the entire 2018-2026 model year range, indicating no change in the part's shape or fitment during this generation.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 8011B771XA 8011B771ZZ 8011B772XA 8011B772ZZ
Material: Molded Plastic. Fitment: For models without electric parking brake ONLY.
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- Critical Compatibility: Manual vs. Electric Parking Brake
- Symptoms of a Damaged Console Side Panel
- Buying a Used 2018-2026 Eclipse Cross Console Panel
- What to Inspect on a Used Part
- Replacement Difficulty & Procedure
- General Replacement Steps:
- Cost of Replacement
- Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins
- OEM Part Numbers
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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