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 reports
7,000 miles · Nov 7, 2014
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SRS AND AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAGS SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE AIR BAGS SYSTEM WAS REPLACED AGAIN. HO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SRS AND AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAGS SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE AIR BAGS SYSTEM WAS REPLACED AGAIN. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 7,000.
NHTSA ODI #10653433
68,800 miles · Jul 8, 2014
Fuel/propulsion System
SITTING IN GARAGE OVER WINTER, CAR DEVELOPED LEAK/CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK THAT ALLOWED FUMES FROM TANK TO FILL GARAGE. CAR NOT BEING DRIVEN AT THE TIME. FUEL DID NOT LEAK ONTO FLOOR OF GARAGE. RECALLS HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN DONE ON FUEL SYSTEM FOR THIS MODEL. APPARENTLY CRACKS IN THE FUEL TANK OF THIS MODEL ARE A COMMON OCCURREN…
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SITTING IN GARAGE OVER WINTER, CAR DEVELOPED LEAK/CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK THAT ALLOWED FUMES FROM TANK TO FILL GARAGE. CAR NOT BEING DRIVEN AT THE TIME. FUEL DID NOT LEAK ONTO FLOOR OF GARAGE. RECALLS HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN DONE ON FUEL SYSTEM FOR THIS MODEL. APPARENTLY CRACKS IN THE FUEL TANK OF THIS MODEL ARE A COMMON OCCURRENCE. DEFINITE SAFETY HAZARD ESPECIALLY IF CAR IS OR WOULD BE AROUND OR NEAR TO ANY SPARK SOURCE OR OPEN FLAME. I AM CURRENTLY TRYING TO GET CAR REPAIRED AT MY OWN COST. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10608938
80,000 miles · Feb 15, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND THE CODES SHOW AN EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS LEAK. SEVERAL SERVICE VISITS DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. FINALLY IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FUEL FILLER TUBE WAS TOTALLY RUSTED OUT AND CLOSE TO FALLING OFF. APPARENTLY THIS IS A FAIRLY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2001 ECLIPSE AND WAS CAUSING FULE LEAKAGE AS WEL…
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THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND THE CODES SHOW AN EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS LEAK. SEVERAL SERVICE VISITS DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. FINALLY IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FUEL FILLER TUBE WAS TOTALLY RUSTED OUT AND CLOSE TO FALLING OFF. APPARENTLY THIS IS A FAIRLY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2001 ECLIPSE AND WAS CAUSING FULE LEAKAGE AS WELL AS VAPOR LEAKAGE. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE OR RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE BEING DISABLED. THE MECHANIC SAID HE HAD NEVER SEEN A FUEL FILLER TUBE IN SUCH BAD SHAPE. MITSUBISHI DEALER STATED THEY DIDNT WANT TO DEAL WITH THE ISSUE DUE TO THE HIGH REPAIR COST. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10382803
93,400 miles · May 1, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
I HAD TO REPLACE A ROTTED GAS FILLER NECK ON MY 2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE GT. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME IT WAS A POORLY DESIGNED PART AND SHOULD NOT HAVE ROTTED. I HAVE HAD MANY CARS AND NEVER HEARD OF ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE. MITSUBISHI SHOULD BE MADE TO HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS DEFECTIVE PART. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10328348
117,000 miles · Apr 1, 2010
Power Train
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE WAVE SPRING WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION BROKE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT WHEN THE WAVE SPRING BROKE IT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION PUMP. THE VEHICLE …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE WAVE SPRING WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION BROKE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT WHEN THE WAVE SPRING BROKE IT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION PUMP. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. MITSUBISHI UPGRADED THE WAVE SPRING SINCE THEY WERE FAMILIAR WITH THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 117,000.
NHTSA ODI #10323355
101,476 miles · Jul 9, 2009
SteeringSuspensionCrash
RIGHT 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
NHTSA ODI #10276295
135,000 miles · Jul 9, 2009
Suspension
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…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10276262
60,000 miles · Mar 3, 2009
Exterior Lighting
WIRING HARNESS FEMALE SOCKET FOR THE HEADLAMPS OVER HEATED AND MELTED. THE PASSENGER SIDE FEMALE SOCKET MELTED ABOUT ONE YEAR AGO TO A POINT WHERE IT WOULD NOT PROVIDE HEADLIGHT ILLUMINATION. BEFORE THE COMPLETE FAILURE, THE HEADLIGHT WOULD EITHER BE FULLY BRIGHT, OR VERY DIM. THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE AT THAT TIME WAS AROUN…
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WIRING HARNESS FEMALE SOCKET FOR THE HEADLAMPS OVER HEATED AND MELTED. THE PASSENGER SIDE FEMALE SOCKET MELTED ABOUT ONE YEAR AGO TO A POINT WHERE IT WOULD NOT PROVIDE HEADLIGHT ILLUMINATION. BEFORE THE COMPLETE FAILURE, THE HEADLIGHT WOULD EITHER BE FULLY BRIGHT, OR VERY DIM. THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE AT THAT TIME WAS AROUND 60K. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE FEMALE SOCKET ALSO HAD MELTED SOME DURING THIS TIME. IN JAN. OF THIS YEAR, WITH APPROX. 70K MILES ON THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED COMPLETELY WITH THE FULL MELTING OF THE FEMALE SOCKET. A FEW DAYS PRIOR TO COMPLETE FAILURE, A BURNING ODOR IS NOTICED IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. I HAVE BOTH PIECES AVAIL TO SEND IF NEED BE. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE BECAUSE A COMPLETE FAILURE OF BOTH FEMALE SOCKETS AT THE SAME TIME IS POSSIBLE. THIS COULD CAUSE SOMEONE DRIVING TO GO FROM HAVING TWO HEADLAMPS TO NONE WITHIN SECONDS. IF THAT OCCURRED AT NIGHT, IT MIGHT CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10260592
Mileage unknown · Dec 9, 2008
Structure
CRACKED DASHBOARD. MANY MANY MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM. *TR (2000-2005)
NHTSA ODI #10251255
Mileage unknown · Oct 14, 2008
Structure
1. EVERY TIME IT RAINS THERE IS A LARGE ACCUMULATION OF WATER LEAKING FROM FRONT WINDOW/FRONT VENTS EVERY RAINFALL ON FRONT FLOOR BOARDS; 2. EVERY RAINFALL, SOAKS CARPET FLOOR BOARDS THROUGH TO BOTTOM FRAME OF CAR; 3. MANY, MANY THICK TOWELS ON FRONT FLOOR BOARDS. *TR
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ↗
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
2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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