Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
90–25K
2225–50K
2450–75K
2475–100K
18100–150K
8150K+
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
What owners actually said
308 reports
58,000 miles · Jan 8, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
I HAD NO PROBLEM OUT OF CAR LEADING UP TO THE POINT AT HAND. I STARTED THE CAR AND TURNED ON THE HEAT. THE CAR RAN FOR ABOUT 30 TO 35 MINUTES. AR WAS WARM INSIDE, I HAD TO TURN THE HEAT OFF. I LEFT MY FRIENDS HOUSE HEADED UP NORTH I81. MY CAR HAD NO SIGNS OF PROBLEMS. THE CAR SHOT FLAMES OUT EITHER SIDE OF THE CAR AND MY E…
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I HAD NO PROBLEM OUT OF CAR LEADING UP TO THE POINT AT HAND. I STARTED THE CAR AND TURNED ON THE HEAT. THE CAR RAN FOR ABOUT 30 TO 35 MINUTES. AR WAS WARM INSIDE, I HAD TO TURN THE HEAT OFF. I LEFT MY FRIENDS HOUSE HEADED UP NORTH I81. MY CAR HAD NO SIGNS OF PROBLEMS. THE CAR SHOT FLAMES OUT EITHER SIDE OF THE CAR AND MY ENGINE HAD EXPLODED. I COASTED DOWN THE ROAD TO PUT THE FLAMES OUT PULLED INTO THE EMEGENCY LANE. JUMPED OUT TOLD MY GIRLFRIEND TO GET OUT AND AWAY FROM THE CAR. THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE STILL AT THIS POINT. LUCKAILY A FRIEND OF MINE HAD BEEN FOLLOWING ME AND HAD SOMETHING TO EXTINGUISH THE REST OF THE FIRE. THE CAR WAS SOLD TO ME WITH THE REMAINER OF THE POWER TRAIN WARRENTY. A MITSUBISHI REP READ THE COMPUTER CODES. HE SAID SINCE THE WATER TEMP READ 64 DEGREES THE CAR HAD BEEN ABUSED. MITSUBISHI NEVER CONTACTED ME TO SEE IF I HAD MAINTENANCE RECORDS. WHICH INDEED I DO HAVE THOSE DOCUMENTS. PLUS I HAD 7 WITNESSES THAT NIGHT THAT KNEW THE HEAT WAS WORKING FINE, MEANING THE WATER TEMP WAS ABOVE 64 DEGREES. NOW HOW CAN A LOW WATER TEMP CAUSE AN ENGINE TO THROW A ROD. AND CATCH ON FIRE? O ACTION WAS TAKEN IT ACTUALLY TOOK MITSUBISHI 3 MONTHS TO DECIDE THE CARE WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10105979
Mileage unknown · Dec 17, 2004
Electrical System
WIRING TO HEADLIGHTS , HOT GROUND WIRE, THE GROUND WIRE GETS SO HOT THAT IT MELTED THE PLUGS THAT CONNECTS THE WIRES TO THE HEADLIGHT. THE GROUND WIRE HEATS UP TO WHERE IT IS FLAMING RED AND IT KEEPS POPPING FUSES ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10103990
Mileage unknown · Nov 21, 2004
Equipment
THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR IS "FROZEN".INSPITE OF NEAR PERFECT DRIVING CONDITIONS AND CALIFORNIA WEATHER. HEADLIGHTS BULBS HOLDERS ON BOTH SIDES BURNED/MELTED. BOTH HEADLIGHTS INOPERABLE. SAME PROBLEM AS NHTSA COMPLAINT ID: 45076, AND ALSO ID: 344396. ALTHOUGH I HAD BOTH ORIGINAL FACTORY INSTALLED BULBS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10100291
75,000 miles · Nov 19, 2004
Exterior Lighting
BOTH HEADLIGHTS FAILED WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AT NIGHT. TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THAT THE CONNECTIONS TO THE BULBS HAD MELTED AND THAT THIS WAS A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN. LEFT TO DRIVE WITH OUT ANY HEADLIGHTS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10100237
42,750 miles · Oct 11, 2004
Wheels
DEFECTIVE BENT RIMS. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10095570
Mileage unknown · Sep 28, 2004
Wheels
THE CONSUMER STATED THE WHEEL RIMS WERE DENTED. WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THEM REPLACED AND EXAMINED HE WAS TOLD THAT THEY DO NOT MAKE THIS KIND ANY MORE. THE TIRE WAS LOSING AIR FROM THE DENT. THE VEHICLE DID NOT HIT ANY POT HOLES. *AK THERE WERE THREE WHEELS WITH DENTS. *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10091637
42,000 miles · Sep 23, 2004
Wheels
WHEN DRIVING OVER A LITTLE BUMP IN THE ROAD THE FRONT PASSENGER RIM BENT. AS A RESULT, THE TIRE WAS PUNCTURED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10094201
70,000 miles · Sep 20, 2004
Wheels
THE 17 INCH RIMS OF MY 2000 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE WERE CONSISTANTLY AND SEVERLY BENT. BECAUSE OF THIS MY TIRES WORE IN AN ABNORMAL WAY. BEFORE I KNEW THIS WAS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THESE RIMS, I REPLACED TWO RIMS AND TIRES. AFTER I FOUND OUT THIS WAS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM I REPLACED ALL FOUR RIMS WITH AFTER MARKET PRODUCT WITH NO F…
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THE 17 INCH RIMS OF MY 2000 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE WERE CONSISTANTLY AND SEVERLY BENT. BECAUSE OF THIS MY TIRES WORE IN AN ABNORMAL WAY. BEFORE I KNEW THIS WAS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THESE RIMS, I REPLACED TWO RIMS AND TIRES. AFTER I FOUND OUT THIS WAS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM I REPLACED ALL FOUR RIMS WITH AFTER MARKET PRODUCT WITH NO FURTHER INSTANCES.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10091334
Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2004
Wheels
CONSUMER REPLACED THREE ALUMINUM WHEELS. CONSUMER WILL PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10092442
24,000 miles · Sep 13, 2004
Wheels
CONSUMER STATED THAT UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CIRCUMSTANCES THE TWO FRONT RIMS DEVELOPED DENTS. AS A RESULT, THE TIRES LOST AIR PRESSURE. *AK *JB
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 ↗
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.
2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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