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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 →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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

Fuel System, Gasoline complaints

6 reports
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95,000 miles · Sep 26, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MITSUBHISI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT WAS REFUELING WHEN FUEL EMITTED FROM THE GAS TANK. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE COULD HAVE OCCURRED DUE TO THE BUILD UP OF RUST NEAR THE TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MITSUBHISI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT WAS REFUELING WHEN FUEL EMITTED FROM THE GAS TANK. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE COULD HAVE OCCURRED DUE TO THE BUILD UP OF RUST NEAR THE TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #10427205

90,000 miles · Aug 24, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

MY DAUGHTERS 2000 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE IS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE FILLER TUBE. TUBE RUSTED OUT PREMATURELY DUE TO A DEFECTIVE DESIGN OF A TUBE COVER THAT ALLOWS DIRT AND MUD TO COLLECT AROUND THE TUBE WHERE IT BENDS AND CAUSES PREMATURE RUST THROUGH. I AM AN ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND HAVE PERFORMED RECALLS IN THE PAST ON OTHER VEHI…

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MY DAUGHTERS 2000 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE IS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE FILLER TUBE. TUBE RUSTED OUT PREMATURELY DUE TO A DEFECTIVE DESIGN OF A TUBE COVER THAT ALLOWS DIRT AND MUD TO COLLECT AROUND THE TUBE WHERE IT BENDS AND CAUSES PREMATURE RUST THROUGH. I AM AN ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND HAVE PERFORMED RECALLS IN THE PAST ON OTHER VEHICLES AND THIS IS A POOR DESIGN THAT COULD USE SOME INVESTIGATION. I AM REPLACING THE PART WITH THE FACTORY ORIGINAL AND WILL BE ADDING A COVER THAT WILL BLOCK THE ENTRY OF DIRT AND MUD FROM AROUND THE TUBE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10421293

141,000 miles · Jun 2, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

THE FUEL FILLER HAS RUSTED THROUGH, RESULTING IN A LEAK WHICH CAUSES A PUDDLE OF GASOLINE UNDER THE CAR WHEN ADDING FUEL. THERE ARE NO GAS LEAKS OTHER THAN WHEN FILLING, SO I ASSUME THE LEAK IS LIMITED TO THE FILLER PORTION OF THE SYSTEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10272620

49,000 miles · Aug 1, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline

VEHICLE STALLED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND WOULD NOT RE-START. UPON TROUBLESHOOTING REASON FOR NO FUEL SUPPLY, FOUND BURNT CONNECTOR PIN ON FUEL PUMP HOUSING. FUEL PUMP TESTED GOOD. HEAT FROM POOR CONNECTION HAS MELTED THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP HOUSING. I CAN SMELL GASOLINE VAPORS. SPARKING CONNECTIONS OR HOT, MELTED PARTS IN THIS…

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VEHICLE STALLED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND WOULD NOT RE-START. UPON TROUBLESHOOTING REASON FOR NO FUEL SUPPLY, FOUND BURNT CONNECTOR PIN ON FUEL PUMP HOUSING. FUEL PUMP TESTED GOOD. HEAT FROM POOR CONNECTION HAS MELTED THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP HOUSING. I CAN SMELL GASOLINE VAPORS. SPARKING CONNECTIONS OR HOT, MELTED PARTS IN THIS AREA IS A PROBLEM. I HAVE PHOTOS TO DOCUMENT DAMAGE. THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10236614

121,875 miles · Jul 20, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline

1. I WAS FILLING MY GAS TANK THE OTHER DAY WHEN I SPOTTED A HUE LEAK UNDER THE CAR. 2. THE FILLER TUBE ON MY MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE 2000 IS TOTALLY RUSTED (DEALER REPORT) AFTER NOT EVEN 8 YEARS SINCE MANUFACTURER. THE GAS FILLER IS CRACKED. THIS IS A HIGH RISK TO BOTH MYSELF AND OTHER TRAFFIC PARTICIPANTS SINCE A LEAK IN THE GA…

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1. I WAS FILLING MY GAS TANK THE OTHER DAY WHEN I SPOTTED A HUE LEAK UNDER THE CAR. 2. THE FILLER TUBE ON MY MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE 2000 IS TOTALLY RUSTED (DEALER REPORT) AFTER NOT EVEN 8 YEARS SINCE MANUFACTURER. THE GAS FILLER IS CRACKED. THIS IS A HIGH RISK TO BOTH MYSELF AND OTHER TRAFFIC PARTICIPANTS SINCE A LEAK IN THE GAS SYSTEM DUE TO THE INAPPROPRIATE MANUFACTURING (TOTALLY RUST IN LESS THAN 8 YEARS) COULD RESULT INTO SOMETHING VERY TRAGIC. 3 IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE LEAK HAS BEEN SEEN I TOOK THE CAR TO THE MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP, THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM DESCRIBED ABOVE AND THEY SAID THAT THE ENTIRE GAS FILLING CIRCUIT MUST BE REPLACED SINCE IT IS RUSTED AND DETERIORATED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10235057

Mileage unknown · Nov 6, 2001
Fuel System, GasolineFire

VEHICLE ENGINE FIRE CUASED BY DEFECTIVE "C" CLAMP ON FUEL LINE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #754148

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.

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

3

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.