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2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Eclipse years

Owner complaints for the 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse are substantially higher than the model-year median of 49.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

105 reports with mileage · 203 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 128 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 41 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

13 crash reports6 fire reports11 injury reports

What owners actually said

308 reports
69,500 miles · Dec 18, 2003
Visibility

WASHER FLUID HOSE FAILED (BROKE) AT HOOD ATTACHMENT POINT, MAKING WINDSHIELD WASHERS INOPERATIVE. UNABLE TO CLEAN WINDOW DURING INCLEMENT WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS (SALT, SAND), CAUSING REDUCED VISIBILITY UNTIL CAN BE MANUALLY CLEANED AFTER STOPPING.*AK POSSIBLE CAUSE INCORRECT/POOR ROUTING OF HOSE IN AND THROUGH BODY PANELIN…

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WASHER FLUID HOSE FAILED (BROKE) AT HOOD ATTACHMENT POINT, MAKING WINDSHIELD WASHERS INOPERATIVE. UNABLE TO CLEAN WINDOW DURING INCLEMENT WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS (SALT, SAND), CAUSING REDUCED VISIBILITY UNTIL CAN BE MANUALLY CLEANED AFTER STOPPING.*AK POSSIBLE CAUSE INCORRECT/POOR ROUTING OF HOSE IN AND THROUGH BODY PANELING, CAUSING EXCESSIVE WEAR AND/OR STRAIN ON HOSE WHEN HOOD OPENED, LEADING TO PREMATURE FAILURE OF HOSE.

NHTSA ODI #10050707

37,000 miles · Nov 12, 2003
Air BagsSteeringCrashInjury

WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING FAILED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STEER TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WENT ACROSS A MEDIAN INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR INJURIES TO THE BACK, NECK, AND KNEE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE H…

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WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING FAILED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STEER TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WENT ACROSS A MEDIAN INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR INJURIES TO THE BACK, NECK, AND KNEE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *PH

NHTSA ODI #10047792

Mileage unknown · Nov 10, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

THE BRAKES SQUEALED WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. DEALER AND INDEPENDENT SHOP REPLACED THE BRAKES PADS AND ROTORS TWICE, HOWEVER, THE NOISE STILL OCCURS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10046723

48,500 miles · Oct 27, 2003
Exterior Lighting

AFTER TURNING ON THE TURN SIGNAL, IT CAME ON AND OFF ON ITS OWN. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ANALYSIS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10044801

59,000 miles · Oct 26, 2003
Wheels

EASILY BENT RIMS ON THE 2000 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE GT, ALL MY 4 RIMS HAVE SOME SORE OF DAMAGE WITH A NORMAL DRIVING HABITS, MY CAR SHAKES AND FEELS UNSAFE ABOVE 60MPH. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10043594

Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2003
Structure

MY 2000 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE IS RUSTING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT EVERY SEAM WHERE TWO PIECES OF METAL ARE WELDED TOGETHER. IT IS AS THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. I AM WORRIED ABOUT THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE. MITSUBISHI DENIES ANY WARRANTY CLAIM AND BLAMED ME FOR HAVING SAND AND SALT IN MY …

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MY 2000 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE IS RUSTING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT EVERY SEAM WHERE TWO PIECES OF METAL ARE WELDED TOGETHER. IT IS AS THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. I AM WORRIED ABOUT THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE. MITSUBISHI DENIES ANY WARRANTY CLAIM AND BLAMED ME FOR HAVING SAND AND SALT IN MY ENGINE. A BASIC SEARCH OF THE INTERNET SHOWS SEVERAL OTHER MITSUBISHI OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10043194

7,400 miles · Oct 1, 2003
Steering

WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN THROUGH WATER PUDDLES THERE IS A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FOR A FEW SECONDS. THIS FAILURE OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. *AK *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10033783

53,000 miles · Sep 29, 2003
Exterior Lighting

THE PLASTIC SOCKET THAT THE LIGHT BULBS SCREW INTO ARE RUSTED AND CORRODED. THIS CAUSED HEADLIGHTS TO MALFUNCTION WHILE DRIVING. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10041860

Mileage unknown · Sep 24, 2003
Unknown Or Other

CRACKED DASHBOARD

NHTSA ODI #10039495

Mileage unknown · Sep 23, 2003
Wheels

DRIVER SIDE TIRE RIMS ARE BENT CAUSING AIR TO ESCAPE FROM TIRE. THE VEHICLE HAD SEVERAL BLOW OUTS WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING THE DRIVER TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE TIRES. MECHANIC TOLD HER THAT THE PROBLEM COULDN'T BE REPEATED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10040467

Official recalls

7

15V338000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jun 2, 2015

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.

04V428000 · Equipment:other:labels

Sep 1, 2004

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.

01V295001 · Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections

Sep 25, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH V6 ENGINES TO FEDERAL EMISSION STANDARDS. THE POWER STEERING FLUID FEED TUBE CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH AN EXHAUST MANIFOLD MOUNTED HEAT SHIELD CAUSING A HOLE TO BE WORN THROUGH THE POWER STEERING PIPE ALLOWING FLUID LEAKAGE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID CAN RESULT IN A FIRE AND CONTINUED LOSS OF FLUID WILL RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER ASSIST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING TUBE WITH ONE HAVING A NEW ROUTING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 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 AMERICA AT 1-800-222-0037.

01V011001 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines

Jan 16, 2001

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.

00V225001 · Steering:gear Box (other Than Rack And Pinion)

Aug 10, 2000

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.

99V333001 · Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables

Nov 23, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES AND FEDERAL EMISSION EQUIPMENT. THE BATTERY CABLE HARNESS CAN BECOME HEAT DAMAGED BY THE FRONT EXHAUST MANIFOLD WHICH COULD CAUSE GROUNDED CIRCUITS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CIRCUIT FAILURE COULD CAUSE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TO OCCUR: (1) THE ENGINE WILL NOT START BECAUSE THE MAIN FUSE WILL BLOW IF THE POWER LEAD IS GROUNDED; (2) THE LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE IF THE SIGNAL WIRE IS GROUNDED; (3) THE AIRCONDITIONING SYSTEM WILL BECOME INOPERATIVE IF THE LEAD TO THE MAGNETIC CLUTCH IS GROUNDED; AND (4) THE TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD LAMPS WILL BECOME INOPERATIVE IF THE VOLTAGE MONITOR LEAD IS GROUNDED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND DISCARD A METAL MANIFOLD BRACKET (FROM GALANT MODELS ONLY - ECLIPSE HAS NO SUCH BRACKET). DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE HARNESS. IF THE HARNESS WIRES SHOW NO DAMAGE, THE DEALER WILL INSTALL A HEAT INSULATOR ALONG WITH HEAT RESISTANT HARNESS CLIPS. IF THE HARNESS WIRES DO SHOW DAMAGE, THE DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HARNESS WITH PREINSTALLED INTEGRAL HEAT PROTECTION.

99V305001 · Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch; Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:switch/wiring

Nov 1, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE COLUMN SWITCH LEVERS CAN BECOME LOOSE OR BREAK OVER TIME.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: LOOSENING OR CRACKING OF THE LEVERS CAN CAUSE DIRECTIONAL LAMPS THAT DO NOT SELF-CANCEL OR OPERATE, HEAD LAMPS THAT DO NOT TURN OFF, WINDSHIELD WASHERS THAT OPERATE CONTINUOUSLY AND/OR WINDSHIELD WIPERS THAT DO NOT OPERATE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED SWITCH.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:switch/wiring

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE COLUMN SWITCH LEVERS CAN BECOME LOOSE OR BREAK OVER TIME.

Consequence: LOOSENING OR CRACKING OF THE LEVERS CAN CAUSE DIRECTIONAL LAMPS THAT DO NOT SELF-CANCEL OR OPERATE, HEAD LAMPS THAT DO NOT TURN OFF, WINDSHIELD WASHERS THAT OPERATE CONTINUOUSLY AND/OR WINDSHIELD WIPERS THAT DO NOT OPERATE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED SWITCH.

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE COLUMN SWITCH LEVERS CAN BECOME LOOSE OR BREAK OVER TIME.

Consequence: LOOSENING OR CRACKING OF THE LEVERS CAN CAUSE DIRECTIONAL LAMPS THAT DO NOT SELF-CANCEL OR OPERATE, HEAD LAMPS THAT DO NOT TURN OFF, WINDSHIELD WASHERS THAT OPERATE CONTINUOUSLY AND/OR WINDSHIELD WIPERS THAT DO NOT OPERATE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED SWITCH.

Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE COLUMN SWITCH LEVERS CAN BECOME LOOSE OR BREAK OVER TIME.

Consequence: LOOSENING OR CRACKING OF THE LEVERS CAN CAUSE DIRECTIONAL LAMPS THAT DO NOT SELF-CANCEL OR OPERATE, HEAD LAMPS THAT DO NOT TURN OFF, WINDSHIELD WASHERS THAT OPERATE CONTINUOUSLY AND/OR WINDSHIELD WIPERS THAT DO NOT OPERATE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED SWITCH.

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

3

PE05007 · Headlights Failure

Opened Feb 10, 2005 · Closed Jun 8, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:headlights; Exterior Lighting:headlights:concealment Devices

IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT HEADLIGHT CONNECTOR CAN CAUSE INCREASED TERMINAL RESISTANCE AND OVERHEAT THE HEADLIGHT CONNECTOR.THIS PROBLEM CAN AFFECT INDEPENDENTLY EITHER HEADLIGHT BUT DOES NOT CAUSE SIMULTANEOUS FAILURE OF BOTH HEADLIGHTS. THE PROBLEM ALSO DOES NOT AFFECT FRONT PARKING LAMPS.AS A RESULT, THE COMPLAINTS TYPICAL REPORT SINGLE FAILURE OF ONE HEADLIGHT.THERE ARE NO CRASHES OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL REPORTED.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Exterior Lighting:headlights:concealment Devices

IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT HEADLIGHT CONNECTOR CAN CAUSE INCREASED TERMINAL RESISTANCE AND OVERHEAT THE HEADLIGHT CONNECTOR.THIS PROBLEM CAN AFFECT INDEPENDENTLY EITHER HEADLIGHT BUT DOES NOT CAUSE SIMULTANEOUS FAILURE OF BOTH HEADLIGHTS. THE PROBLEM ALSO DOES NOT AFFECT FRONT PARKING LAMPS.AS A RESULT, THE COMPLAINTS TYPICAL REPORT SINGLE FAILURE OF ONE HEADLIGHT.THERE ARE NO CRASHES OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL REPORTED.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

Exterior Lighting:headlights

IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT HEADLIGHT CONNECTOR CAN CAUSE INCREASED TERMINAL RESISTANCE AND OVERHEAT THE HEADLIGHT CONNECTOR.THIS PROBLEM CAN AFFECT INDEPENDENTLY EITHER HEADLIGHT BUT DOES NOT CAUSE SIMULTANEOUS FAILURE OF BOTH HEADLIGHTS. THE PROBLEM ALSO DOES NOT AFFECT FRONT PARKING LAMPS.AS A RESULT, THE COMPLAINTS TYPICAL REPORT SINGLE FAILURE OF ONE HEADLIGHT.THERE ARE NO CRASHES OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL REPORTED.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

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.