IllustrationRIMS WILL EASLIY BEND. ALSO, WHEN CONSUMER IS DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS, TIRES WILL START TO WOBBLE. CONTACTED DEALER. MITSUBISHI DEALER DENIES CLAIM. *AK *TT
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Eclipse years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
90–25K
2225–50K
2450–75K
2475–100K
18100–150K
8150K+
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 reportsTHE WHEEL WAS BENT AND CRACKED BY A MINOR RUT IN THE ROAD AND SOME MINOR DEBRIS, TIRE WAS BLOWN DUE TO CRACK AND BEND OF WHEEL (TIRESIZE: 17)
CONSUMERS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING, NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING THROUGH AIR CONDITIONING VENTS, VEHICLE LOOKED TO BE ON FIRE, CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT HAD CAUSE THE FIRE. *AK PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THE ENGINE WOULD START, AIR CONDITION WAS INOPERATIVE,SUNROFF WAS INOPERATIVE, MIRROR WERE INOPERAT…
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CONSUMERS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING, NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING THROUGH AIR CONDITIONING VENTS, VEHICLE LOOKED TO BE ON FIRE, CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT HAD CAUSE THE FIRE. *AK PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THE ENGINE WOULD START, AIR CONDITION WAS INOPERATIVE,SUNROFF WAS INOPERATIVE, MIRROR WERE INOPERATIVE, EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS INOPERATIVE NEEDED TO BE READJUSTED,FOG LIGHTS STAYED ON EVEN WITH THE KEY OUT OF IGNITION, WINDSHIELD WIPER WAS INOPERATIVE, CARGO COVER WAS LOOSE, THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER STEERING
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
BENT WHEEL RIMS REPLACED SIX TIMES ON VARIOUS LOCATION BETWEEN FRONT AND REAR. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
HEADLIGHT WIRING HARNESS MELTED AFTER ORIGINAL BULBS WERE REPLACED WITH CORRECT AFTERMARKET COMPONENT. DEALER COMMENTED THAT EVERY ECLIPSE THAT HAS REPLACEMENT HEADLIGHT BULBS HAS BURNED THE WIRING HARNESS. WHEN THIS COMPONENT FAILS, IT LEAVES THE DRIVER WITH NEITHER A HIGH OR LOW BEAM LIGHT. SHOULD BOTH BURN- OUT IN RAPID SU…
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HEADLIGHT WIRING HARNESS MELTED AFTER ORIGINAL BULBS WERE REPLACED WITH CORRECT AFTERMARKET COMPONENT. DEALER COMMENTED THAT EVERY ECLIPSE THAT HAS REPLACEMENT HEADLIGHT BULBS HAS BURNED THE WIRING HARNESS. WHEN THIS COMPONENT FAILS, IT LEAVES THE DRIVER WITH NEITHER A HIGH OR LOW BEAM LIGHT. SHOULD BOTH BURN- OUT IN RAPID SUCCESSION A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WOULD LIKELY OCCUR. ALSO WITH WIRING MELTING UNDER THE HOOD THE CHANCE OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHORTING OF OTHER COMPONENTS SEEMS VERY LIKELY. IN DOING RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM, I FOUND A REPORT THAT STATES THAT MITSUBISHI HAS CHANGED THE WIRING HARNESS TO A HEAVIER GAUGE. MY ASSUMTION IS THAT IT IS TO PREVENT THIS HAZARD IN CARS CURRENTLY BEING PRODUCED. WITH MITSUBISHI'S TRACK RECORD REGARDING RECALLS, I FEEL THIS DEFECT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME AT ANY TIME IN REGARD TO THIS MATTER.*AK
ALUMINIUM RIMS ARE BENT, CAUSING THE TIRES TO GO FLAT. FRONT RIGHT TIRE WENT FLAT WHILE PARKED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE FRONT TIRE WENT FLAT WHILE DRIVING. *YH
FOUR SEPARATE TIMES I HAD TO SEND THE DAMAGED RIMS OUT TO BE REPAIRED FROM HITTING MINOR POTHOLES. EACH TIME COSTING $12O.TWICE THE TIRE WENT TOTALLY FLAT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS,CAUSING THE CAR TO VEER OUT OF CONTROL.BUT NOBODY WAS HURT.I HAVE READ NOTHING BUT COMPLAINTS ABOUT THESE RIMS,AND EVERY MITUSUBISHI ECLIPSE I SEE ON THE STR…
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FOUR SEPARATE TIMES I HAD TO SEND THE DAMAGED RIMS OUT TO BE REPAIRED FROM HITTING MINOR POTHOLES. EACH TIME COSTING $12O.TWICE THE TIRE WENT TOTALLY FLAT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS,CAUSING THE CAR TO VEER OUT OF CONTROL.BUT NOBODY WAS HURT.I HAVE READ NOTHING BUT COMPLAINTS ABOUT THESE RIMS,AND EVERY MITUSUBISHI ECLIPSE I SEE ON THE STREET HAVE RIMS THAT ARE DESTROYED. I PAY OVER $350 A MONTH TO LEASE THIS CAR AND I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT BOTH ON THE HIGHWAY AND NORMAL SIDE STREETS. I ALSO KNOW THAT THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AGAINST MITSUBISHI FOR THIS VERY REASON, AND I CANNOT BELEIVE THAT THESE RIMS HAVE NOT BEEN RECALLED YET.THE SERVICE DEPT. AT WHITE PLAINS MITSUBISHI SEEMS TO THINK THAT THIS IS MY FAULT, BUT I DONT SEE ANY OTHER CARS ON THE STREET WHOSE RIMS ARE CONSISTANTLY DAMAGED.IT,S ALMOST EMBARRASING FOR MITSUBISHI, TO HAVE SO MANY DAMAGED VEHICLES IN PUBLIC WITH THER NAME ON IT.PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT I CAN DO TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU, [XXX]. *AK (TIRESIZE: 215/50/VR1) PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
CONSUMER STATES WHEN IT RAINS, WATER SITS INSIDE THE WATER WELL, AND WHEN ROLLING THE WINDOWS DOWN AND BACK UP THERE IS A WATER FILM ON THEM, IN COLDER WEATHER WINDOWS WILL SOMETIMES FREEZE BECAUSE OF THIS WATER, CONTACT DEALER AND DEALER STATED IT IS COMMON AND VEHICLE IS NOT DEFECTED.*AK *YH
ALL FOUR WHEELS HAVE CLEARCOAT COMING OFF AND SOME HAVE RATHER LARGE DENTS. I FEEL THIS HAPPENS TOO EASILY AND AT FAR TOO LOW OF SPEED. I KNOW OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM WICH LEADS ME TO BELEIVE THAT IT MUST BE A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. *AK
Official recalls
715V338000 · 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
3PE05007 · 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.