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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

Fuel System, Gasoline complaints

8 reports
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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

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

91,000 miles · Dec 13, 2006
Fuel System, Gasoline

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A SMELL OF GASOLINE AROUND THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK IN THE RETURN HOSE AT THE LOCATION OF THE CLAMP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SEEN BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL# 03V442000, WHICH PERTAINS TO THE FUEL PUM…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A SMELL OF GASOLINE AROUND THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK IN THE RETURN HOSE AT THE LOCATION OF THE CLAMP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SEEN BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL# 03V442000, WHICH PERTAINS TO THE FUEL PUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

NHTSA ODI #10176015

71,000 miles · Feb 9, 2006
Fuel System, Gasoline

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED A SMALL LEAK FROM THE GASOLINE TANK. GASOLINE LEAKAGE WAS ALSO PRESENT ON THE PAVEMENT WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR PROBLEMS OR ANY OBVIOUS ROAD…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED A SMALL LEAK FROM THE GASOLINE TANK. GASOLINE LEAKAGE WAS ALSO PRESENT ON THE PAVEMENT WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR PROBLEMS OR ANY OBVIOUS ROAD HAZARDS. ALTHOUGH THE LEAKAGE PERSISTED, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SEEN BY A DEALER. UPDATED 3/9/2006 - A TINY PINHOLE SIZE LEAK WAS FOUND BUT THE OUTSIDE OF THE TANK HAD NO MARKS AND SHOWED NO SIGNS OF DAMAGE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10149891

48,000 miles · Jan 6, 2005
Fuel System, Gasoline

IDLE AIR CONTROLLER FAILED.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10105840

Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

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

NHTSA ODI #8011790

Mileage unknown · May 7, 2002
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting

CONSUMER STATES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON DASH, DEALER REPLACED THE O2 SENSOR, HOWEVER VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING STALLING WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, DEALER HAS NOT REMEDIED PROBLEM, CONSUMER ALSO STATES THAT WHEN STARTING VEHICLE, THERE IS A TERRIBLE NOISE EMITTED. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #565709

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