Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
120–25K
1325–50K
1050–75K
375–100K
7100–150K
2150K+
47 reports with mileage · 34 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Wheels. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Structure. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
6 crash reports2 fire reports4 injury reports
What owners actually said
81 reports
106,000 miles · Apr 5, 2010
Power Train
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. HE WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS CONTAMINATED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. HE WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS CONTAMINATED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 106,000.
NHTSA ODI #10323802
65,056 miles · Apr 23, 2009
Wheels
RIMS ON 2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE WEAK, VERY CAREFULLY DROVE, HAD TO REPLACE ONE RIM AND OTHERS ARE ALL BENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10266537
87,334 miles · Apr 23, 2009
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER. AFTER PARKING HER VEHICLE, SHE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART IT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE HARNESS FOR THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE EXISTING RECALL APPLIED TO 2.4 ENGINES NOT 3.0. THE CONTACT…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER. AFTER PARKING HER VEHICLE, SHE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART IT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE HARNESS FOR THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE EXISTING RECALL APPLIED TO 2.4 ENGINES NOT 3.0. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RECALL NUMBER 00V299001 DOES NOT STIPULATE THE ENGINE SIZE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,334. UPDATED 5/26/09 *CN THE CONSUMER MENTIONED RECALL# 99V333001, BUT WAS TOLD HIS/HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE MANUFACTURED DATE. UPDATED 05/28/09.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10266528
65,000 miles · Dec 1, 2008
Power Train
THE CLUTCH IS WEARING OUT FAST, IT SEEMS EVERY 1500 MILES A NEW CLUTCH IS NEEDED, TO ME IT THE HORSEPOWER OF THE ENGINE CAN ONLY BE BROUGHT TO THE ROAD AT THE EXPENSE OF EXCESSIVE FLYWHEEL AND CLUTCH WEAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10250357
Mileage unknown · Nov 19, 2007
Exterior Lighting
ON MY 2001 ECLIPSE SPYDER, HEADLIGHTS BEGAN TO GO OUT, BUT MOVING WIRE CONNECTION ON BACK OF HEADLAMPS WOULD CORRECT THE PROBLEM MOMENTARILY. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED MORE AND MORE FREQUENTLY, AND ONE HEADLAMP STOPPED FUNCTIONING ALTOGETHER, AND NOW BOTH WENT OUT ON ME WHILE DRIVING ALMOST GETTING INTO A ACCIDENT. WHEN I CHECKED THE…
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ON MY 2001 ECLIPSE SPYDER, HEADLIGHTS BEGAN TO GO OUT, BUT MOVING WIRE CONNECTION ON BACK OF HEADLAMPS WOULD CORRECT THE PROBLEM MOMENTARILY. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED MORE AND MORE FREQUENTLY, AND ONE HEADLAMP STOPPED FUNCTIONING ALTOGETHER, AND NOW BOTH WENT OUT ON ME WHILE DRIVING ALMOST GETTING INTO A ACCIDENT. WHEN I CHECKED THE PROBLEM THE HEADLIGHT BOXES THAT CONNECT TO THE WIRES WERE MELTED AND EVENTUALLY BURNED OFF AND BROKE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10209290
30,000 miles · Oct 30, 2007
Structure
VEHICLE STATED CLEARLY ON WINDOW STICKER THAT VEHICLE INCLUDED A STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE ENTIRE SYSTEM IS NOW RUSTING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10207448
50,000 miles · Oct 30, 2007
Structure
BODY PAINT ON HOOD AND TRUNK ARE DETERIORATING TO THE POINT THAT THERE ARE HUGE WHITE PATCHES SHOWING THROUGH THE BLACK PAINT. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN WASHED AND WAXED AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH FOR THE PAST 6 YEARS. THE PAINT WAS OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE WHEN IT WAS APPLIED TO THE VEHICLE IN THE FACTORY. I CONTACTED MITSUBISHI AND THEY DECL…
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BODY PAINT ON HOOD AND TRUNK ARE DETERIORATING TO THE POINT THAT THERE ARE HUGE WHITE PATCHES SHOWING THROUGH THE BLACK PAINT. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN WASHED AND WAXED AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH FOR THE PAST 6 YEARS. THE PAINT WAS OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE WHEN IT WAS APPLIED TO THE VEHICLE IN THE FACTORY. I CONTACTED MITSUBISHI AND THEY DECLINED TO TAKE ACTION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10207444
95,262 miles · Oct 16, 2007
StructureVisibility
I. THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE ARE: 1. I WASHED AND WAXED MY CAR ON A REGULAR BASIS. 2. I DROVE MY CAR ON THE HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 70 MILES PER HOUR. *TR II. FAILURE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES: 1. THE PASSENGER SIDE MOLDING ON THE FRONT WINDSHIELD OFFICIALLY CALLED THE A PILLAR SEPARATED FORM THE BOLTS WHI…
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I. THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE ARE: 1. I WASHED AND WAXED MY CAR ON A REGULAR BASIS. 2. I DROVE MY CAR ON THE HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 70 MILES PER HOUR. *TR II. FAILURE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES: 1. THE PASSENGER SIDE MOLDING ON THE FRONT WINDSHIELD OFFICIALLY CALLED THE A PILLAR SEPARATED FORM THE BOLTS WHICH HELD IT TO THE FRAME OF THE CAR AND FLEW OFF STRIKING AND DENTING THE PASSENGER DOOR. 2. THE BOLDS THAT HELD THIS MOLDING TO THE FRAME ARE STILL ATTACHED TO THE CAR SHOWING THAT THERE WAS A BREAKDOWN OF THE ADHESIVE MATERIAL THAT ORIGINALLY HELD THIS PART TO THE BOLTS. III. WHAT WAS DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE? NOTHING 1. AFTER GOING TO THE DEALER, THEY CONTACTED THE FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE, NOTHING WAS DONE. 2. AFTER SPEAKING TO A CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE FROM MITSUBISHI MOTORS OF NORTH AMERICA, NOTHING WAS DONE. 3. AFTER WRITING TO THE PRESIDENT OF MITSUBISHI MOTORS OF NORTH AMERICA ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2007, I HEARD NOTHING. 4. ON OCTOBER 8, 2007, I SENT A SECOND LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF MITSUBISHI MOTORS OF NORTH AMERICA AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. I COINCIDENTALLY RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE FROM MITSUBISHI MOTORS OF NORTH AMERICA THE SAME DAY WHO SAID THAT MY SITUATION HAD BEEN REVIEWED AND THE DECISION WAS THE SAME. TO DO NOTHING. 5. I HAVE WRITTEN TO THE PRESIDENT AGAIN ON OCTOBER 10, 2007. AS OF TODAY I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM ANYONE. 6. TO THIS DAY NO ONE, INCLUDING THE FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE, HAS INSPECTED MY VEHICLE TO SEE WHAT CAUSED THIS FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI #10205899
43,000 miles · Sep 20, 2007
Unknown Or Other
I HAVE A 2001 MITS ECLIPSE SPYDER CONVERTIBLE. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH LEAKS SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2005. HAD IT FIXED ONCE NOW THE CAR LEAKS FROM ALL OVER INTO MY FLOOR BOARDS FRONT AND BACK. MY RADIO HAS MALFUNCTIONED. THE CAR IS BECOMING UNDRIVABLE DUE TO THE FLOODING. I HAVE INSURANCE WHICH WILL NOT COVER THIS AND MITSU…
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I HAVE A 2001 MITS ECLIPSE SPYDER CONVERTIBLE. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH LEAKS SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2005. HAD IT FIXED ONCE NOW THE CAR LEAKS FROM ALL OVER INTO MY FLOOR BOARDS FRONT AND BACK. MY RADIO HAS MALFUNCTIONED. THE CAR IS BECOMING UNDRIVABLE DUE TO THE FLOODING. I HAVE INSURANCE WHICH WILL NOT COVER THIS AND MITSUBISHI WILL NOT FIX IT WITHOUT PAYING MORE THAN THE CAR IS OWED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10203524
51,998 miles · Sep 9, 2007
Exterior LightingFire
ONE AFTERNOON I GOT INTO MY CAR AND STARTED IT UP, WHEN SUDDENLY I SAW SMOKE ARISE FROM THE FRONT OF MY ENGINE AND SMELLED A SWEET SMELL, BUT THE SMOKE AND SMELL SOON DISSIPATED, HOWEVER I THEN NOTICED THAT MY DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT WAS GOING DIM AND SHORTLY THEREAFTER I HAD NO HEADLIGHTS! I AM CURRENTLY WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS MAK…
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ONE AFTERNOON I GOT INTO MY CAR AND STARTED IT UP, WHEN SUDDENLY I SAW SMOKE ARISE FROM THE FRONT OF MY ENGINE AND SMELLED A SWEET SMELL, BUT THE SMOKE AND SMELL SOON DISSIPATED, HOWEVER I THEN NOTICED THAT MY DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT WAS GOING DIM AND SHORTLY THEREAFTER I HAD NO HEADLIGHTS! I AM CURRENTLY WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO GO TO AND FROM WORK. WE HAVE NOT TRIED TO REPAIR THIS OURSELVES BECAUSE WE DID NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. WE CHECKED THE FUSES AND THE BULBS WHICH ALL SEEM TO BE NORMAL. ALL THE OLD PARTS ARE STILL ON THE CAR, HOWEVER, THE CONNECTOR TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT HAD PARTIALLY MELTED. *TR
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2000-2005 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 5, 1999, to December 17, 2004, 2001-2005 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured January 19, 2000, to March 18, 2005, 2001-2005 Chrysler Sebring vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 21, 2005, and 2001-2005 Dodge Stratus vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 22, 2005. In the affected vehicles, the passenger side sun visor may be folded down in such a position that, if the passenger frontal air bag deploys, the passenger side sun visor may detach.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
Remedy: MMNA will notify their owners, and Chrysler will notify the Chrysler and Dodge owners. Dealers will install a tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-15-005. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R30.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE BILINGUAL ENGLISH/SPANISH REMOVABLE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS AFFIXED TO THE DASH AND TO THE SUNVISOR DO NOT MEET THE SIZE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Remedy: MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN WILL MAIL A CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION LETTER CONTAINING A WRITTEN DESCRIPTION AND A GRAPHIC OF THE BI-LINGUAL DASHBOARD AIR BAG WARNING LABEL. IN ADDITION, ALL CURRENT 2000-2004 NATIVA OWNERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE REPLACEMENT AIR BAG ALERT LABELS FOR THE SUN VISORS. THIS RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH OR APRIL 2005. THE NOTIFICATION TO THE NATIVA OWNERS IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL OR MAY 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A BULGE IN THE FUEL TANK CAUSED BY THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS RESULTED IN THINNING OF THE MATERIAL DURING A WELDING OPERATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF FUEL LEAKAGE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 26, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. A HOSE WAS MIS-MANUFACTURED AND COULD WEAKEN OVER TIME, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FLUID LEAKAGE FROM THE COOLER HOSES CAN CAUSE TRANSAXLE DRIVEABILITY PROBLEMS AND SMOKE IF THE OIL CONTACTS THE FRONT EXHAUST PIPE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HOSE ASSEMBLY FOR THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER. OWNER NOTIFICATION MAILING WILL BE PHASED OVER A FIVE-MONTH PERIOD STARTING MARCH 26, THROUGH JULY 23, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A NUMBER OF INCORRECT DRIVER SIDE SEAT MOUNTING BOLTS WERE INSTALLED INTO VEHICLES.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE REAR ANCHOR BOLTS SECURING THE DRIVER'S SEAT MAY NOT PROPERLY SECURE THE SEAT AND COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF DRIVER INJURY IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT MOUNTING BOLTS AND THEN REPLACE THE BOLTS IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 15, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE OUTER LAYER ONLY OF THIS 3-LAYER FUEL RETURN HOSE DOES NOT CONTAIN THE DESIRED OZONE PROTECTION DUE TO A PROCESSING ERROR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS HOSE IS CONSIDERED TO BE INADEQUATE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RETURN HOSE.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HARNESS FOR THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH A NEW PROTECTIVE SHIELD CAUSING A GROUNDED CIRCUIT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: PROLONGED WIRING HARNESS CONTACT WITH THE HEAT SHIELD WILL CAUSE THE WIRING INSULATION TO WEAR AND EVENTUALLY TO GROUND OUT. THIS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO DIE-OUT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RE-ROUTE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR HARNESS.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A NUT IN THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY WAS NOT PROPERLY TIGHTENED, RESULTING IN SYMPTOMS RANGING FROM STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION TO STIFF STEERING, AND IN THE WORST CASE, NO ABILITY TO TURN LEFT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY IF A LOOSE NUT CONNECTION IS FOUND.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2
EA02007 · Aluminum Alloy Wheel Denting
Opened May 31, 2002 · Closed May 1, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Wheels
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
PE01044 · Alloy Wheel Denting And Fracturing
Opened Dec 18, 2001 · Closed May 31, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Wheels
No summary supplied.
2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year