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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.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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

Electrical System complaints

19 reports
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Mileage unknown · Nov 16, 2022
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

I almost got into a accident because it's late sobits really hard to see because the headlights u cnt see any at all at night I can use a flash light out the window and see better like that but on top of that my car just decides to up and stall on me and not wanna start back and it had melted my crankshaft sensor wires and I gue…

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I almost got into a accident because it's late sobits really hard to see because the headlights u cnt see any at all at night I can use a flash light out the window and see better like that but on top of that my car just decides to up and stall on me and not wanna start back and it had melted my crankshaft sensor wires and I guess it just decided to also mess up the wiring on my camshaft sensor I literally had to wire up the wires straight around the plug on both just to make it home it was cold out and all I really love my car but I'm spending more money than I've got just tryna keep it running and between that and the lights that's gonna get sum1 hurt or killed if not fixed I was on a backroad had no service to call anybody for help and I was right between 2 blind turns

NHTSA ODI #11493803

Mileage unknown · Oct 20, 2016
Electrical SystemExterior LightingFuel System, Gasoline

2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO EXTERIOR LIGHTING RECALL, ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM REPLACEMENT RECALL, POWER TRAIN, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION COOLING UNIT AND LINES RECALL ISSUES. *SMD THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THEY ONLY HAD ONE RECALL APPLICABLE TO HIS VEHICLE, WHICH WAS FOR THE SUN VISOR ON THE PASSENG…

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2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO EXTERIOR LIGHTING RECALL, ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM REPLACEMENT RECALL, POWER TRAIN, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION COOLING UNIT AND LINES RECALL ISSUES. *SMD THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THEY ONLY HAD ONE RECALL APPLICABLE TO HIS VEHICLE, WHICH WAS FOR THE SUN VISOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER STATED THE GAS TANK IS LEAKING AND HAS MANY WELDING ISSUES. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10917134

163,082 miles · Aug 23, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion SystemFire

PROLONGED WIRING HARNESS CONTACT WITH THE HEAT SHIELD CAUSES THE WIRING INSULATION TO WEAR & GROUND OUT CAUSING THE ENGINE TO DIE-OUT. HAD AN ICCIDENT FEW DAYS AGO WHERE THE ENGINE DIED OUT AND I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION AND ALMOST GOT HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC . THIS IS SERIOUSLY NOT OKAY AND A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN…

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PROLONGED WIRING HARNESS CONTACT WITH THE HEAT SHIELD CAUSES THE WIRING INSULATION TO WEAR & GROUND OUT CAUSING THE ENGINE TO DIE-OUT. HAD AN ICCIDENT FEW DAYS AGO WHERE THE ENGINE DIED OUT AND I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION AND ALMOST GOT HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC . THIS IS SERIOUSLY NOT OKAY AND A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. PLEASE HELP ME.

NHTSA ODI #10758689

30,000 miles · Jul 31, 2008
Electrical SystemStructureUnknown Or Other

I'VE PREVIOUSLY OWNED 2 ECLIPSES W/ NO PROBLEMS, THIS ONE HOWEVER HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT A LEMON. 2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE GT V6. IN ADDITION TO THE CLUTCH WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED 1 YR AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED, I HAVE HAD AN ABUNDANCE OF PROBLEMS W/ PARTS THAT SHOULD NEVER NEED TO BE REPLACED, NONE HAVE BEEN COVERED BY WARRANTY. …

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I'VE PREVIOUSLY OWNED 2 ECLIPSES W/ NO PROBLEMS, THIS ONE HOWEVER HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT A LEMON. 2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE GT V6. IN ADDITION TO THE CLUTCH WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED 1 YR AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED, I HAVE HAD AN ABUNDANCE OF PROBLEMS W/ PARTS THAT SHOULD NEVER NEED TO BE REPLACED, NONE HAVE BEEN COVERED BY WARRANTY. I HAVE REPLACED EVERY SWAY BAR TWICE, THE A/C FAILED, THE ANTENNA EMBEDDED IN THE REAR WINDOW FAILED, ONE OXYGEN SENSOR, THE MIDDLE REAR BRAKE LIGHT WIRING BROKE, 2 CATALYTIC CONVERTERS FAILED. AND THE WORST IS I WAS GOING THROUGH A HEADLIGHT A MONTH ONLY TO DISCOVER THAT THE HEADLIGHTS HAD ACTUALLY MELTED THE TO THE CONNECTORS ON BOTH SIDES! AND NOW I MAY HAVE AN ELECTRICAL FAULT OR FAULTY VALVE IN MY A/C UNIT CAUSING MY HEAT TO KICK ON WHEN THE A/C IS TURNED ON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10236568

72,000 miles · Feb 20, 2008
Electrical System

ENGINE 20 AMP FUSE POPS AFTER DRIVING CAR FOR A PERIOD OF TIME THEN CUTTING OFF AND RESTARTED. IF CAR IS DRIVEN CONTINUOUSLY DOES NOT BLOW FUSE. ONLY AFTER STOPPING AND NOT LETTING ENGINE COOL DOWN DOES IT BLOW FUSES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10218696

Mileage unknown · Jun 12, 2007
Electrical SystemFire

SOCKET ATTACHED TO HEADLAMP MELTED, SMOLDERED AND SMOKED. HEADLAMP NO LONGER FUNCTIONS. OCCURED FALL 2006. CAR STALLS RIGHT AFTER STARTING. OCCURED JUNE 2007.

NHTSA ODI #10193064

54,000 miles · Sep 13, 2006
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

FAILURE OF HEADLIGHT HARNESSES ON A 2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. BOTH HEADLAMPS OUT ON 9/12/06 AFTER FIRST FINDING WAS FIXED. LIGHTS WOULD NOT COME ON UNTIL LEFT SIDE HARNESS WAS WIGGLED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10168132

79,499 miles · Sep 12, 2006
Electrical System

2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE GT WAS RUNNING FINE FOR 4 YEARS. ON 9/9/06 I GOT IN MY CAR AT ABOUT 9:00 PM AND TURNED ON THE LIGHTS. AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, I REALIZED THAT MY HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT ON. I QUICKLY PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THEM. UPON OPENING MY HOOD, I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM MY HEADLIGHTS AND AFTER THEY COOLED, I …

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2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE GT WAS RUNNING FINE FOR 4 YEARS. ON 9/9/06 I GOT IN MY CAR AT ABOUT 9:00 PM AND TURNED ON THE LIGHTS. AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, I REALIZED THAT MY HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT ON. I QUICKLY PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THEM. UPON OPENING MY HOOD, I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM MY HEADLIGHTS AND AFTER THEY COOLED, I SAW THAT THE CONNECTOR AND WIRES WERE MELTED. I WENT TO THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR AND HE ADVISED ME THAT THE WERE OUT OF CONNECTORS BECAUSE THE ORIGINAL CONNECTORS WERE NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO TAKE THE CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BULB AND MANY PEOPLE WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM OF THE CONNECTORS JUST MELTING OFF. MITSUBISHI NOW SELLS A STRONGER CONNECTOR FOR 12.95 EACH. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10168098

151,000 miles · Aug 31, 2006
Electrical SystemInterior Lighting

CENTER RADIO DISPLAY WILL NOT LIGHT UP, FUSES WERE CHECKED AND FOUND TO BE GOOD, RADIO STILL WORKS. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10167150

97,900 miles · Feb 16, 2006
Electrical System

ONE HEADLIGHT WENT DIM A MONTH BEFORE THEY BOTH WENT OUT ENTIRELY AND SIMULTANEOUSLY. UPON INSPECTION, DISCOVERED THE PLASTIC WIRING TERMINAL THAT CONNECTS TO THE HEADLIGHT BULB HAD MELTED AROUND THE SAME WIRE ON EACH CONNECTOR. NO FUSES WERE BLOWN AND ALL THE FILAMENTS WERE INTACT IN THE BULBS. SUSPECT THAT ARCING OCCURRED I…

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ONE HEADLIGHT WENT DIM A MONTH BEFORE THEY BOTH WENT OUT ENTIRELY AND SIMULTANEOUSLY. UPON INSPECTION, DISCOVERED THE PLASTIC WIRING TERMINAL THAT CONNECTS TO THE HEADLIGHT BULB HAD MELTED AROUND THE SAME WIRE ON EACH CONNECTOR. NO FUSES WERE BLOWN AND ALL THE FILAMENTS WERE INTACT IN THE BULBS. SUSPECT THAT ARCING OCCURRED IN THE DEFECTIVE WIRE CAUSING THE CONNECTOR TO MELT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10150476

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.

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.

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

4

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.

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