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
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Eclipse years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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.
Steering complaints
9 reportsDT: THE PROBLEM BEGAN IN MAY. WHILE IT WAS RAINING AND THE OWNER WAS TRYING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL TIGHTENED UP. THE OWNER HAD TO STOP THE CAR AND TURN THE WHEEL REALLY HARD TO TURN. IT FELT LIKE THE CAR DID NOT HAVE POWER STEERING. THE PROBLEM HAPPENED MOSTLY IN THE RAIN. THE OWNER TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERS…
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DT: THE PROBLEM BEGAN IN MAY. WHILE IT WAS RAINING AND THE OWNER WAS TRYING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL TIGHTENED UP. THE OWNER HAD TO STOP THE CAR AND TURN THE WHEEL REALLY HARD TO TURN. IT FELT LIKE THE CAR DID NOT HAVE POWER STEERING. THE PROBLEM HAPPENED MOSTLY IN THE RAIN. THE OWNER TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY WILL REPAIR IT, BUT IT WILL COST THE OWNER. THERE WAS RECALL 00V225000 BUT THE OWNER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE OWNER CONTACTED MITTSUBISHI, BUT THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING SINCE THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS CAR. THE OWNER WILL HAVE IT REPAIRED TOMORROW. ALSO, HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. THIS BEGAN LAST MONTH. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED JUST FINE UNTIL THE OWNER SHUTS THEM OFF. THE OWNER DIDN'T KNOW WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL ACTUALLY SHUT OFF. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR OLDER MODELS. *AK
WHEN THE CONSUMER MADE A TURN IT WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER. *AK THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE HAD RUN OFF OF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH. RECALL# 00V225001 *SC *JB
RIMS WERE DEFECTIVE. CONSUMER ADVISED THAT RIMS BEND VERY EASILY AND ADVERSELY, AFFECTING STEERING CONTROL WHILE DRIVING.*AK
AT 55MPH STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, RESULTING IN A COLLISIOALSO, RECALL 01V1011000 HAS BEEN ISSUED ON VEHICLE'S MAKE AND MODEL; HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK
WE LEASE THE VEHICLE FROM MOTOR WORLD, MY SON AND MYSELF HAVE HAD ACCIDENTS WITH THE CAR THAT WE FEEL ARE A DIRECT RESULT OF THE CAR NOT STEERING PROPERLY, OR ACCELARATING PROPERLY. I CONTACTED MITSUBISHI MOTORS OF AMERICA AS WELL AS THE DEALER AND MY INSURANCE COMPANY SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALERSHIP HAD THE CAR FOR 3 MONTHS SUPPO…
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WE LEASE THE VEHICLE FROM MOTOR WORLD, MY SON AND MYSELF HAVE HAD ACCIDENTS WITH THE CAR THAT WE FEEL ARE A DIRECT RESULT OF THE CAR NOT STEERING PROPERLY, OR ACCELARATING PROPERLY. I CONTACTED MITSUBISHI MOTORS OF AMERICA AS WELL AS THE DEALER AND MY INSURANCE COMPANY SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALERSHIP HAD THE CAR FOR 3 MONTHS SUPPOSEDLY FIXING IT AND WHEN I GOT IT HOME I HAD IT FOR A WEEK AND THE WHOLE CAR FELT LIKE IT WAS FALLING APART. I TOOK IT BACK TO THEM AND IT HAD A CRACKED MOTOR MOUNT AND THEY SUPPOSEDLY FIXED THAT. I HAVE THE CAR BACK FOR 2 WKS NOW AND IT IS MAKING ALL KINDS OF NOISES AND IT HAS TO GO BACK TO THE DEALERS AGAIN FOR THE 5TH TIME. THERE IS SOMETHING RADICALLY WRONG WITH THAT CAR AND THAT IS WHY WE HAD THE ACCIDENTS. I CONTACTED MITSUBISHI MOTORS OF AMERICA AND I TOLD THEM ABOUT A RECALL MY STATE FARM INSURANCE SAID THEY GOT FROM YOU FOR THE STEERING BOX WHICH COULD CAUSE THE CAR NOT TO TURN TO THE LEFT WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO MY SON AMD MYSELF, HAD WE BEEN ON A HIFHWAY WE WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED.MITSUBISHI WAS SUPPOSED TO SEND SOMEONE TO LOOK AT THE CAR WHILE IT WAS STILL AT THE BODY SHOP BUT THEY NEVER DID. NOW THE CAR IS MAKING ALL KINDS OF NOISES AGAIN AND NOONE WILL HELP ME. I'M AFRAID MY SON WILL BE HURT IN THAT CAR OR I WILL.IT'S A 2001 CAR AND IT FEELS LIKE IT'S 10 YEARS OLD. NOW I'M TAKING IT TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP IN ALLENTOWN PA. TO SEE IF THEY CAN AT LEAST MAKE IT SAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE. WHEN I ORIGINALLY CALLED MITSUBISHI MOTORS OF AMERICA THEY SAID THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO GIVE ME A DIAGNOSIS AS TO WHY WE HAD THE ACCIDENT ,NOONE EVER GAVE ME A DIAGNOSIS ANY OF THE 3 TIMES. THEY PRETTY MUCH TOLD ME TO GO TO HELL THIS MORNING OVER THE PHONE. I TOLD THEM I'D HAVE TO GET A LAWYER AND THEY TOLD ME TO GO AHEAD. I TRIED TI TRADE UP FOR A 2002 JUST TO FEEL SAFE BUT MITSUBISHI MOTORS OF AMERICA WOULDN'T APPROVE MY CREDIT FOR THE NEWER CAR LEASE .IHAVE LOTS MORE TO TELL IF SOMEONE CALLS ME. THANK-YOU
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 ROLLED OVER ON THE VEHICLE'S LEFT SIDE, SLIDING APPROX 500 FEET ON ITS SIDE. *AK
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH CONSUMER STATED WHEN STOP SUDDENLY AND BRAKES/ STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. CONSUMER ALSO STATED CONSUMER REARENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER AND DEALER STATED NOTHING WRONG WITH BRAKES. PLEASE PROVIDE VIN#
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH CONSUMER STOPPED SUDDENLY AND BRAKES/ STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. ALSO, VEHICLE REARENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER DIDN'T KNOW WHY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. *AK *SLC
Official recalls
715V338000 · 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.
00V320001 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Oct 27, 2000
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.
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
4PE05007 · 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
Illustration