IllustrationRIGHT FRONT STEERING ASSEMBLY (TIE ROD & BALL JOINTS) TORE AWAY FROM WHERE IT WAS ATTACHED TO THE FRAME RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE TO GO OUT OF CONTROL . VEHICLE STRUCK THE CURB AND RAN INTO A LIGHT POLE BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. *TR
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 →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
160–25K
2025–50K
1950–75K
1475–100K
6100–150K
5150K+
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
Suspension complaints
7 reportsMY 2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE'S AXLE SNAPPED WHEN I WAS GOING OVER A SPEED BUMP AT ABOUT 3 MILES PER HOUR. THE CONTROL ARM ALSO BROKE ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE. IT ONLY HAD 135,000 MILES AT THE TIME. I GOT IT REPLACED AND STILL MAKES A REALLY BAD GRINDING NOISE. I WAS WONDERING IF THERE COULD BE A RECALL ON THE AXLE OR THE CONTROL…
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MY 2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE'S AXLE SNAPPED WHEN I WAS GOING OVER A SPEED BUMP AT ABOUT 3 MILES PER HOUR. THE CONTROL ARM ALSO BROKE ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE. IT ONLY HAD 135,000 MILES AT THE TIME. I GOT IT REPLACED AND STILL MAKES A REALLY BAD GRINDING NOISE. I WAS WONDERING IF THERE COULD BE A RECALL ON THE AXLE OR THE CONTROL ARM. IF I WAS DRIVING AT A NORMAL SPEED, I'M SURE SOMETHING ALOT WORSE WOULD OF HAPPENED. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 30 MPH, THE LOWER PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE ENTIRE WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE LANDED ONTO THE FRAME. THE CONTACT STRUCK TWO PARKED VEHICLES AND THEN SLID INTO THE THIRD VEHICLE, WHICH…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 30 MPH, THE LOWER PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE ENTIRE WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE LANDED ONTO THE FRAME. THE CONTACT STRUCK TWO PARKED VEHICLES AND THEN SLID INTO THE THIRD VEHICLE, WHICH STOPPED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE BECAUSE THERE WAS NO BRAKING ABILITY AFTER THE ASSEMBLY FELL OFF. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT CONSULTED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE; THEREFORE, THEY WOULD OFFER NO ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 30,000.
NOT ONLY DO I HAVE THE AGGREVATION OF BENT RIMS AND FLAT TIRES, AND FINANCIAL HARDSHIP ON THIS, MY LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR DOESN'T ALIGN TO THE RIGHT. WATER LEEKS IN ON THE LEFT SIDE. SOMETIMES THE HEATER BLOWS OUT COOL AIR. THE SUNROOF SHAKES WHEN OPENING. I ALREADY HAD A MANUFACUTERS DEFECT IN MY STRUT ON THE LEFT SIDE. I HAVE S…
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NOT ONLY DO I HAVE THE AGGREVATION OF BENT RIMS AND FLAT TIRES, AND FINANCIAL HARDSHIP ON THIS, MY LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR DOESN'T ALIGN TO THE RIGHT. WATER LEEKS IN ON THE LEFT SIDE. SOMETIMES THE HEATER BLOWS OUT COOL AIR. THE SUNROOF SHAKES WHEN OPENING. I ALREADY HAD A MANUFACUTERS DEFECT IN MY STRUT ON THE LEFT SIDE. I HAVE SCTRACHES ON THE LEFT SIDE FOM THE CAR SCRAPPING THE GROUND WHEN I MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN. I HAD TO HAVE THE COOLING SYSTEM REPLACED THE FIRST WEEK I FINANCED IT.MY HOOD WON'T OPEN AND MY HEADLIGHTS FAIL CAUSING ME TO DIRVE ONLY WITH THE FOG LIGHTS. ALL THESE ISSUES ARE THE SAME AND CONSTANT SINCE I PURCHASED THIS LEMON.*AK
CONSUMER STATES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON DASH, DEALER REPLACED THE O2 SENSOR, HOWEVER VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING STALLING WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, DEALER HAS NOT REMEDIED PROBLEM, CONSUMER ALSO STATES THAT WHEN STARTING VEHICLE, THERE IS A TERRIBLE NOISE EMITTED. *SLC
CLUNKING SOUND IN SUSPENSION WHILE TURNING AND REVERSING AT MINIMAL SPEEDS. CONTACTED MANUFACTURER AND REP TEST DROVE VEHICLE STATING IT WAS MINOR AND THAT IT IS EXPECTED BECAUSE NEW VEHICLES DO NOT STAY NEW FOREVER. MITSUBISHI ATTEMPTED REPAIR 4 TIMES AND FAILED ALL. PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS BUSHINGS. REPLACED BUSHINGS TWIC…
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CLUNKING SOUND IN SUSPENSION WHILE TURNING AND REVERSING AT MINIMAL SPEEDS. CONTACTED MANUFACTURER AND REP TEST DROVE VEHICLE STATING IT WAS MINOR AND THAT IT IS EXPECTED BECAUSE NEW VEHICLES DO NOT STAY NEW FOREVER. MITSUBISHI ATTEMPTED REPAIR 4 TIMES AND FAILED ALL. PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS BUSHINGS. REPLACED BUSHINGS TWICE. NO RESOLUTION. *AK
STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AT SEVENTY, DEALER REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM; DOORS LEAK AND DEALER REFUSES TO FIX AS WELL; RIMS EASILY BEND. *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.
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.
00V320001 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Oct 27, 2000
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.
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
4PE05007 · 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