IllustrationWHEEL BROKE DOWN TO THE HUB. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE.*AK
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 reportsI WAS SITTING IN THE CAR WITH IT IDLING EATING DINER. I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND WENT INSIDE AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPT. WHEN I RETURNED THE CAR WAS INGULFED IN FLAMES. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. MY INSURANCE CO HIRED A FIRE INVESTEGATOR TO INVESTIGATE. IT WAS DETERMIND TO BE A MFG. DEFECT THAT IS ALL THE INFORM…
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I WAS SITTING IN THE CAR WITH IT IDLING EATING DINER. I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND WENT INSIDE AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPT. WHEN I RETURNED THE CAR WAS INGULFED IN FLAMES. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. MY INSURANCE CO HIRED A FIRE INVESTEGATOR TO INVESTIGATE. IT WAS DETERMIND TO BE A MFG. DEFECT THAT IS ALL THE INFORMATION I WAS GIVEN. MY INSURANCE CO. IS ALLSTATE AND THEY PAID THE CAR OFF AND OF WHAT I OWED ON THE CAR. I LOST MY DOWN PAYMENT OF 2,000 DOLLARS. I DON'T THINK I SHOULD OF LOST ANYTHING ON SOMETHING THAT WAS THERE FAULT. I TALKED TO THE MITSUBISHI CO SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY TOLD ME SORRY MY TOUGH LUCH AND MY LOSS. I WOULD LIKE ANY HELP YOU COULD GIVE ME ON THIS. THERE WERE NO POLICE ON THE SEEN BUT THE FIRE DEPT. MADE A REPORT OF THIS ACCEDENT.
VEHILCE IS IN NEED OF AN ALIGNMENT WITH JUST 13,500 ON THE ODOMETER. TRUSTED MECHANIC SAYS NEW CAM KITS ARE NEEDED. MECHANIC SUGGESTED THAT I CONTACT THE DEALER. WHEN I FIRST CALLED THE DEALER, THEY SAID THIS PROBLEM WAS ONLY COVERED WITHIN 12,000 MILES!! AFTER RAISING A STINK WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER, THEY WILL NOW "TAKE A …
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VEHILCE IS IN NEED OF AN ALIGNMENT WITH JUST 13,500 ON THE ODOMETER. TRUSTED MECHANIC SAYS NEW CAM KITS ARE NEEDED. MECHANIC SUGGESTED THAT I CONTACT THE DEALER. WHEN I FIRST CALLED THE DEALER, THEY SAID THIS PROBLEM WAS ONLY COVERED WITHIN 12,000 MILES!! AFTER RAISING A STINK WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER, THEY WILL NOW "TAKE A LOOK AT IT" FOR ME. CARS DRIVEN UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS SHOULD NOT REQUIRE AN ALIGNMENT THIS SOON!!
EXCESSIVE VIBRATION WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OR WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT OR RIGHT HAND TURN. ALSO, STEERING WHEEL GOT VERY STIFF WHICH CAUSED POOR STEERING CONTROL. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. ALSO, RECALL 00V225001 DEALS WITH SAME PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO DETERMINE IF THIS VEHICLE IS INCLUDED IN RECALL.…
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EXCESSIVE VIBRATION WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OR WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT OR RIGHT HAND TURN. ALSO, STEERING WHEEL GOT VERY STIFF WHICH CAUSED POOR STEERING CONTROL. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. ALSO, RECALL 00V225001 DEALS WITH SAME PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO DETERMINE IF THIS VEHICLE IS INCLUDED IN RECALL. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
BOTH DOORS HOLD WATER CAUSING WINDOWS TO CONSTANTLY REMAIN WET DURING TYPICAL USE. THIS WILL BE A MAJOR HAZARD IN THE WINTER TIME IF THERE IS ANY MOISTURE IN THE ATMOSHERE OR IF THE VEHICLE IS WASHED AS NORMAL. BECAUSE THE WATER COLLECTS EVERY TIME IT RAINS OR THE CAR IS WASHED, THE WATER THAT COLLECTS CAUSES A VERY STRONG , TE…
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BOTH DOORS HOLD WATER CAUSING WINDOWS TO CONSTANTLY REMAIN WET DURING TYPICAL USE. THIS WILL BE A MAJOR HAZARD IN THE WINTER TIME IF THERE IS ANY MOISTURE IN THE ATMOSHERE OR IF THE VEHICLE IS WASHED AS NORMAL. BECAUSE THE WATER COLLECTS EVERY TIME IT RAINS OR THE CAR IS WASHED, THE WATER THAT COLLECTS CAUSES A VERY STRONG , TERRIBLE SMELL THAT ONLY GOES AWAY AFTER THE WINDOWS ARE NOT USED AND THE CAR HAS BEEN PULLED OVER AND ALLOWED TO AIR OUT BY OPENING ALL DOORS, ETC. IT IS TO THE POINT NOW THAT THE SMELL IS EVEN THERE WHEN THE WINDOWS ARE BARELY USED EVEN IN DRY WEATHER. IT IS REPULSIVE!!! VERY DISAPPOINTING FOR ME TO HAVE HAPPEN IN A NEW CAR!
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 40MPH ON HIGHWAY AND ANOTHER VEHICLE MADE A LEFT TURN IN FRONT OF CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. WHEN CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE OTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. THERE WERE MINOR INJURIES. *AK BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DE…
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CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 40MPH ON HIGHWAY AND ANOTHER VEHICLE MADE A LEFT TURN IN FRONT OF CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. WHEN CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE OTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. THERE WERE MINOR INJURIES. *AK BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. *YH
CAR OPTS NOT TO START DUE TO EITHER FAILURE IN THE THEFT-IMMOBILIZATION SYSTEM OR THE STARTER KILL IN THE CLUTCH.*AK
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
BUMPER KEEPS BULKING UP IN THE MIDDLE SECTION. IT IS ONLY BEING HELD DOWN BY 2 SIDE TAPES WHICH WERE FACTORY INSTALLED. DEALER WILL REPLACE BUMPER. *AK
GEAR WAS STUCK IN THE SECOND OR THIRD GEAR DUE TO A LOOSE HYDRAULIC LINE WHICH CAUSED CLUTCH FLUID TO LEAK, ALMOST RESULTING IN A CRASH. DEALER HAD TO TIGHTEN THE PART. *AK *ML
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.