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2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Eclipse years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse are substantially higher than the model-year median of 49.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

80 reports with mileage · 129 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 73 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

24 crash reports6 fire reports12 injury reports

Power Train complaints

19 reports
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Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2005
Power TrainStructure

MY CALAPANA BLACK 2001 ECLIPSE GT STARTED TO FADE A YEAR AGO. I NOTICED THAT MOST BLACK MITSUBISHI CARS STARTS TO FADE IN 2-3 YEARS. I HAVE A COUPLE OF FRIENDS THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM BUT REFUSE TO COMPLAIN HERE BECAUSE THEY ALREADY DONE SEVERAL TIMES TO THE DEALER BUT NEVER HAD A RESPONSE. I ALSO HAVE EXACT PROBLEM AS COMPLA…

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MY CALAPANA BLACK 2001 ECLIPSE GT STARTED TO FADE A YEAR AGO. I NOTICED THAT MOST BLACK MITSUBISHI CARS STARTS TO FADE IN 2-3 YEARS. I HAVE A COUPLE OF FRIENDS THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM BUT REFUSE TO COMPLAIN HERE BECAUSE THEY ALREADY DONE SEVERAL TIMES TO THE DEALER BUT NEVER HAD A RESPONSE. I ALSO HAVE EXACT PROBLEM AS COMPLAIN NO. ODI ID: 100511429 NHTSA COMPLAINT ID: 448638. AS MENTIONED, THE CAR HAS TROUBLE SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR (WORST WHEN COLD), STUTTERS WHEN FIRST ACCELERATING, AND MAKES A CONTINUOUS RATTLING NOISE WHEN THE CLUTCH IS NOT ENGAGED. I COMPLAINED TO MITSUBISHI DEALER MANY TIMES BUT THEY REFUSE TO BE RESPONSIBLE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10136156

50,000 miles · Jun 17, 2004
Power Train

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE CLUTCH SLIPS. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE SURGES FORWARD. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10079428

24,000 miles · Aug 17, 2003
Power TrainService Brakes, HydraulicVisibility

THIS IS A MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE 2001. THIS CAR HAS HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS FOR THE FIRST 2 YEARS. #1. CLUTCH FLUID COMPLETLY LEAKED OUT. CLUTCH SLAVE CYLINDER WAS REPLACED. #2. MASTER BRAKE CYLIINDER WAS LEAKING AND REPLACED. #3. PCM CHIP REPLACED. #4. WINDOW MOULDINGS FOR FRONT AND BACK WINSHIELDS HAVE COME OFF.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10032985

Mileage unknown · Oct 18, 2002
Power TrainCrashInjury

NO SUMMARY.

NHTSA ODI #768580

Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2002
Power Train

VEHICLE HAS BEEN TESTED A NUMBER OF TIMES; DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE STALLS WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE; IN MAY, VEHICLE BEGAN TO KILL WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40 AND 65 MPH. I WAS NEARLY REAR-ENDED ON ONE OCCASION WHEN THE CAR STALLED ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. I FINALLY TOOK…

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VEHICLE HAS BEEN TESTED A NUMBER OF TIMES; DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE STALLS WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE; IN MAY, VEHICLE BEGAN TO KILL WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40 AND 65 MPH. I WAS NEARLY REAR-ENDED ON ONE OCCASION WHEN THE CAR STALLED ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. I FINALLY TOOK THE CAR TO A DIFFERENT MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP IN LIBERTYVILLE, ILLINOIS. IN MID-JULY, THEY STATED THAT A FLASH/RECALL WAS BEING DEVELOPED AND WOULD BE READY IN MID-AUGUST; THEY INFORMED ME THAT I NEEDED TO PICK UP MY CAR. DUE TO THE SAFETY ISSUES REGARDING THIS CAR, I REFUSED TO ACCEPT THE CAR. THEY SAID THAT I WOULD BE CHARGED FOR STORAGE OF THE CAR AND FOR ALL RENTAL CAR COSTS. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH MITSUBISHI MOTORS HEADQUARTERS, AND THEY PROMPTLY SENT A FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE TO ASSESS THE SITUATION. ULTIMATELY, A FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, I WAS TOLD TO RETURN THE CAR IN MID-AUGUST WHEN THE RECALL SOFTWARE IS FINALLY DEVELOPED.*AK

NHTSA ODI #765130

Mileage unknown · Jul 17, 2002
Power Train

AFTER PARKING VEHICLE AND SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, GEARS WILL NOT SHIFT INTERMITTENTLY. *AK ONCE THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TURNED OFF AND UPON GETTING BACK IN TO START, THE GEAR SHIFT WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE. CONSUMER HAS TO JIGGLE THE GEAR SHIFT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE THREE TIMES. THE FIRST TIME THE FLUID WAS CHANGED B…

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AFTER PARKING VEHICLE AND SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, GEARS WILL NOT SHIFT INTERMITTENTLY. *AK ONCE THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TURNED OFF AND UPON GETTING BACK IN TO START, THE GEAR SHIFT WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE. CONSUMER HAS TO JIGGLE THE GEAR SHIFT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE THREE TIMES. THE FIRST TIME THE FLUID WAS CHANGED BUT IT DIDNT HELP. THE LAST TIME CONSUMER WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T HELP HIM BECAUSE ALL OF THE MANUAL SHIFTERS DID THE SAME THING. *JG

NHTSA ODI #8014165

Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2002
Parking BrakePower TrainSeats

THE TRNSMISSION OIL COOLER HOSES WERE RECALLED (01V011001) AND REPAIRED BUT THE OVERHEATING SENSOR LIGHT IS STILL ILLUMINATED. NLM

NHTSA ODI #565936

Mileage unknown · Feb 28, 2002
Power TrainSteeringCrash

AT 55MPH STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, RESULTING IN A COLLISIOALSO, RECALL 01V1011000 HAS BEEN ISSUED ON VEHICLE'S MAKE AND MODEL; HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8004765

Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 2001
Power TrainCrashInjury

WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 38 MPH RIGHT REAR AXLE BROKE, AND CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOST. VEHICLE CRASHED, RESULTING IN A TOTAL LOSS VEHICLE. DRIVER'S SON SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES. NO DETERMINATION HAS BEEN MADE AS TO REASON FOR THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / ATTACHMENTS.*AK

NHTSA ODI #897384

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.

01V069000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

Mar 8, 2001

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.

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.

01V005001 · Seats

Jan 8, 2001

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.

00V299001 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Oct 2, 2000

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.

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

4

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.

PE01006 · Front Shoulder Belt Webbing Guide

Opened Mar 1, 2001 · Closed Nov 6, 2001

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:webbing

ALLEGED THAT THE ANCHOR BOLT FOR THE FRONT SHOULDER BELT FUIDE IS LOOSE OR MIS-INSTALLED