IllustrationALL FOUR TIRES WERE VIBRATING AS A RESULT OF RIMS BEING BENT.*AK
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
What owners actually said
209 reportsVEHICLE 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
ONE FRONT AND ONE REAR RIM WERE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE BENT. AT THIS TIME THE SECOND REAR RIM IS BENT AND HAS TO BE REPLACED.*AK
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
I NOTICED A VERY LARGE DENT IN MY WHEEL WHILE WASHING MY CAR. I HAVE NEVER HIT ANYTHING BEFORE & I WAS WONDERING WHY SUCH A LARGE DENT IN MY RIM WOULD HAVE OCCURRED WITH NO DAMAGE TO MY TIRE. HOWEVER, MY RIM IS DENTED IN SUCH A WAY THAT MY TIRE BARELY HOLDS THE AIR IN IT. I AM VERY AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR ON THE HIGHWAY FOR FEAR …
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I NOTICED A VERY LARGE DENT IN MY WHEEL WHILE WASHING MY CAR. I HAVE NEVER HIT ANYTHING BEFORE & I WAS WONDERING WHY SUCH A LARGE DENT IN MY RIM WOULD HAVE OCCURRED WITH NO DAMAGE TO MY TIRE. HOWEVER, MY RIM IS DENTED IN SUCH A WAY THAT MY TIRE BARELY HOLDS THE AIR IN IT. I AM VERY AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR ON THE HIGHWAY FOR FEAR THAT MY TIRE WILL EXPLODE OFF OF MY WHEEL. I CAN'T UNDERSTAND HOW A HEAVY,METAL RIM COULD HAVE BENT SO FAR & NOT PUNCTURED MY TIRE. WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM? THIS IS VIRTUALLY A BRAND NEW CAR FOR ME & I AM THE ONLY DRIVER. I SEE NO REASON TO PAY ALL OF THIS MONEY FOR SOMETHING THAT IS NOT AT ALL SAFE TO DRIVE. *AK
THE WHEEL (RIMS) HAVE CHIPPED DURING NORMAL USAGE. CLEAR COAT LOOKS TO BE WARNING OFF.*AK
ENGINE IS MISFIRING, VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE THE SAME POWER THAT IT USED TO. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING DO ANYTHING.*AK
ENGINE IS MISSING. GAS IS NOT CIRCULATING THROUGHOUT ENGINE. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON AND OFF. DEALER CAN'T FIND CAUSE. *AK CONSUMER ADDS ENGINE NOT PRODUCING ENOUGH POWER. ALSO EXPERIENCING POOR GAS MILEAGE. *TT
THE TRNSMISSION OIL COOLER HOSES WERE RECALLED (01V011001) AND REPAIRED BUT THE OVERHEATING SENSOR LIGHT IS STILL ILLUMINATED. NLM
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER DETACHED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2000. AT THIS TIME DEFROSTER HAS DETACHED AGAIN.*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