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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.

About this comparison →

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

Wheels complaints

73 reports
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68,000 miles · Jan 17, 2007
Wheels

TL*- THE CONTACT HAS A 2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE GT. THE CONTACT HAS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE ALLOY WHEELS ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLES TIRES WERE BALANCED ON 1/15/07 AT THAT POINT THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED THAT ONE OF THE ALLOW WHEELS WAS SLIGHTLY BENT AND MAY CAUSE AIR TO LEAK AND THE TIRE TO BE DAMAGED. THE CONTACT W…

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TL*- THE CONTACT HAS A 2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE GT. THE CONTACT HAS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE ALLOY WHEELS ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLES TIRES WERE BALANCED ON 1/15/07 AT THAT POINT THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED THAT ONE OF THE ALLOW WHEELS WAS SLIGHTLY BENT AND MAY CAUSE AIR TO LEAK AND THE TIRE TO BE DAMAGED. THE CONTACT WANTS TO MAKE A FORMAL COMPLAINT TO MITSUBISHI IN REGARDS TO THIS ISSUE. THERE HAS BEEN NO TIRE FAILURE TO DATE. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE RIMS ARE SOFT AND THEY BEND EASILY. UPDATED *JB

NHTSA ODI #10178981

Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 2006
Wheels

MY DAUGHTER HIT A POT HOLE IN HER 2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE AND THE RIM BENT SEVERELY AND THE TIRE WENT FLAT. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10154387

50,000 miles · Sep 7, 2005
Wheels

THE RIMS ON MY CAR ARE PEELING. BECAUSE OF THE PEELING THEY ARE NOW RUSTING. I AM TRYING TO SELL THE CAR BUT NOW I HAVE TO REPLACE ALL THE RIMS BECAUSE THESE ONES LOOKS HORRIBLE. I HAVE TALKED TO OTHER PEOPLE WITH 2001 ECLIPSES THAT HAVE DONE THE SAME THING. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10135565

Mileage unknown · Aug 24, 2005
Wheels

I HAVE HAD TWO RIMS BEND IN THE PAST TWO YEARS FROM NORMAL DRIVING IN NORTHWEST INDIANA.

NHTSA ODI #10134110

30 miles · Apr 25, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior LightingSuspension

NOT ONLY DO I HAVE THE AGGREVATION OF BENT RIMS AND FLAT TIRES, AND FINANCIAL HARDSHIP ON THIS, MY LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR DOESN'T ALIGN TO THE RIGHT. WATER LEEKS IN ON THE LEFT SIDE. SOMETIMES THE HEATER BLOWS OUT COOL AIR. THE SUNROOF SHAKES WHEN OPENING. I ALREADY HAD A MANUFACUTERS DEFECT IN MY STRUT ON THE LEFT SIDE. I HAVE S…

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NOT ONLY DO I HAVE THE AGGREVATION OF BENT RIMS AND FLAT TIRES, AND FINANCIAL HARDSHIP ON THIS, MY LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR DOESN'T ALIGN TO THE RIGHT. WATER LEEKS IN ON THE LEFT SIDE. SOMETIMES THE HEATER BLOWS OUT COOL AIR. THE SUNROOF SHAKES WHEN OPENING. I ALREADY HAD A MANUFACUTERS DEFECT IN MY STRUT ON THE LEFT SIDE. I HAVE SCTRACHES ON THE LEFT SIDE FOM THE CAR SCRAPPING THE GROUND WHEN I MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN. I HAD TO HAVE THE COOLING SYSTEM REPLACED THE FIRST WEEK I FINANCED IT.MY HOOD WON'T OPEN AND MY HEADLIGHTS FAIL CAUSING ME TO DIRVE ONLY WITH THE FOG LIGHTS. ALL THESE ISSUES ARE THE SAME AND CONSTANT SINCE I PURCHASED THIS LEMON.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10118406

Mileage unknown · Apr 24, 2005
Wheels

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD TWO SEPARATE TIMES NOW WHEN I HAVE HIT POTHOLES THAT RESULTED IN A BEND IN MY RIM. THE FIRST TIME ALL THE AIR WAS LET OUT DUE TO IT BREAKING THE SEAL ON THE TIRE. I WAS LEFT STRANDED FOR SEVERAL HOURS BEFORE HELP ARRIVED TO HELP ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINTER. THE SECOND TIME WAS ABOUT A WEEK AGO WHEN…

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I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD TWO SEPARATE TIMES NOW WHEN I HAVE HIT POTHOLES THAT RESULTED IN A BEND IN MY RIM. THE FIRST TIME ALL THE AIR WAS LET OUT DUE TO IT BREAKING THE SEAL ON THE TIRE. I WAS LEFT STRANDED FOR SEVERAL HOURS BEFORE HELP ARRIVED TO HELP ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINTER. THE SECOND TIME WAS ABOUT A WEEK AGO WHEN I HIT A POTHOLE AND NOW THE AIR SLOWLY LEAKS OUT EVERYDAY AND BEFORE I CAN GO ANYWHERE I MUST REAIR MY TIRE. I BOUGHT A REPLACEMENT RIM THE FIRST TIME SINCE THEY SAID IT WAS UNREPAIRABLE. THIS TIME I AM FILING A COMPLAINT WITH MY CITY SINCE IT IS THE SAME POTHOLE AGAIN THAT THEY DIDN'T CORRECTLY FIX THE FIRST TIME. I WILL HAVE TO PURCHASE A NEW RIM AGAIN SINCE THEY SAY IT CAN'T BE FIXED SINCE THEY ARE ALLUNIUM RIMS. I HAVE THE 6 SPOKE RIM THAT CAME STANDARD ON THE 2001 ECLIPSE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10118335

Mileage unknown · Mar 12, 2005
Wheels

DRIVING HOME AT APPROXIMATLY 9:00PM EST GOING 40 MPH ON ROUTE 611 NORTH AROUND WARRINGTON, PA IN THE RAIN. HEARD A LOUD BANG FROM THE PASSENGER FRONT SIDE OF THE CAR (REALLY LOUD). I ASSUME THAT I HAD HIT A POT HOLE AND WAS NOT IMMEDIALTY CONCERNED UNTIL I HEARD A WEIRD FLAPPING NOISE. I PULLED INTO A SAFE LOCATION TO CHECK …

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DRIVING HOME AT APPROXIMATLY 9:00PM EST GOING 40 MPH ON ROUTE 611 NORTH AROUND WARRINGTON, PA IN THE RAIN. HEARD A LOUD BANG FROM THE PASSENGER FRONT SIDE OF THE CAR (REALLY LOUD). I ASSUME THAT I HAD HIT A POT HOLE AND WAS NOT IMMEDIALTY CONCERNED UNTIL I HEARD A WEIRD FLAPPING NOISE. I PULLED INTO A SAFE LOCATION TO CHECK OUT THE TIRE AND WHEEL AND THE WHEEL WAS HEAVILY DENTED. THE TIRE HAD LOST ALL AIR, BUT WAS NOT TORN UP. AFTER PUTTING ON THE SPARE I CHECKED THE WHEEL USING A FLASHLIGHT AND NOTICED THAT THE WHEEL WAS CRACKED. I WILL NEED TO REPLACE THE 17" ALLOY WHEEL AT COST OF $350. I HAVE HAD OTHER ALLOY WHEELS THAT HAVE STOOD UP TO POT HOLES BEFORE. I HAVE READ ALL PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS, AS WELL AS, THE REPORT FINALIZATION BY NHTSA. I AM LUCKY THAT IN THE RAIN I DIDN'T LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND BE PART OF/CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I AM A LITTLE CONCERNED AS TO THE STRUCTURE AND SECURITY OF THESE RIMS FOR THE FUTURE. IF THIS HAPPEND AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 40 MPH, WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE RAMIFICATIONS AT 55/60MPH ON A HIGHWAY? CURRENTLY, I STILL HAVE THE CRACKED WHEEL IN MY POSSESSION. I AM PLANNING TO PURCHASE ANOTHER WHEEL TOMORROW MARCH 12, 2005.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10113967

Mileage unknown · Dec 7, 2004
Wheels

NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS LEAD TO MY WHEEL RIM CRACKING AND REQUIRING A NEW RIM. THIS FAILURE MAY HAVE CAUSED A SEVERE ACCIDENT IF I WAS TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEED, LUCKILY I WAS ONLY TRAVELING AT 25 MPH WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, LEAVING THE CAR DISABLED. NEW RIMS ARE VERY COSTLY WITH ADDED REPAIR COSTS ($686). FURTHER THE SPARE T…

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NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS LEAD TO MY WHEEL RIM CRACKING AND REQUIRING A NEW RIM. THIS FAILURE MAY HAVE CAUSED A SEVERE ACCIDENT IF I WAS TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEED, LUCKILY I WAS ONLY TRAVELING AT 25 MPH WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, LEAVING THE CAR DISABLED. NEW RIMS ARE VERY COSTLY WITH ADDED REPAIR COSTS ($686). FURTHER THE SPARE TIRE DOES NOT FIT THE FRONT OF THE CAR? HOW IS THIS LEGAL?*AK

NHTSA ODI #10102279

60,000 miles · Oct 15, 2004
Wheels

WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HIT A POT HOLE AND THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL BENT. AS RESULT, THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE TIRES. CONSUMER INDICATED THE WHEEL RIMS WERE MADE OF VERY SOFT EASILY BENT METAL. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE REMAINING RIMS BENT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10089433

Mileage unknown · Oct 6, 2004
Wheels

ON JANUARY 2003 WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE CONSUMER HIT A SMALL POT HOLE. ONE HALF MONTH LATER, THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A FLAT TIRE ON THE PASSENGER FRONT SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GOODYEAR DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE THE TIRE. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THE RIM WAS CRACKED. *AK *JB

NHTSA ODI #10090280

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