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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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Mileage unknown · Mar 21, 2002
Wheels

ODI ACTION NUMBER PE01-044, ALLOY WHEEL DENTING. TWO WHEELS ARE DENTED.*AK

NHTSA ODI #759612

Mileage unknown · Mar 21, 2002
Wheels

RIMS DENT AND CRACK WHEN HITTING POTHOLES AT LOW SPEEDS. SLOW AIR LEAKS REPORTED ALSO. *AK (TIRESIZE: 205/55/16)

NHTSA ODI #759608

Mileage unknown · Feb 15, 2002
Wheels

I WAS DRIVING IN A SNOW COVERED ROAD WHEN I HIT A POTHOLE I COULD NOT SEE. THE RIM BENT AND THE TIRE WENT FLAT IMMEDIATELY. I'VE HIT MUCH LARGER POTHOLES IN THE PAST IN OTHER CARS I'VE OWNED AND NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN.*AK

NHTSA ODI #758262

Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2002
Wheels

I'VE EXPERIENCED FIVE DIFFERENT BENT RIMS IN 20,000 MILES! NOT SAFE!. *AK

NHTSA ODI #757411

Mileage unknown · Jan 25, 2002
Wheels

THESE RIMS ARE DEFECTIVE AND ARE UNSAFE. MITSUBISHI HAS KNOW ABOUT THIS SINCE IT WAS DEPLOYED IN 1998.*AK

NHTSA ODI #757341

Mileage unknown · Dec 10, 2001
VisibilityWheels

WHEEL IS DENTED. SUNROOF IS SKIPPING AND CHATTERING.*AK (TIRESIZE: 205/17/55)

NHTSA ODI #755463

Mileage unknown · Dec 5, 2001
Wheels

FRPONT PASSENGER FRONT REAR 2 PC WHEELS ARE DENTED, VEHICLE NOT TAKEN TO DEALER YET.*AK

NHTSA ODI #899860

Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2001
Wheels

THE ALLOY RIMS DESIGNED FOR THIS CAR ARE EXTREMELY SOFT AND ARE DAMAGED VERY EASILY. THEY ARE ALSO VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE. MANY OWNERS ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE WHEELS BEING DAMAGED. I DO UNDERSTAND THAT ALLOY WHEELS ARE MORE EASILY DAMAGED THAN STEEL WHEELS, BUT THIS IS RIDICULOUS. ALSO.....DEALER DID NOT ADVISE ALIGN…

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THE ALLOY RIMS DESIGNED FOR THIS CAR ARE EXTREMELY SOFT AND ARE DAMAGED VERY EASILY. THEY ARE ALSO VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE. MANY OWNERS ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE WHEELS BEING DAMAGED. I DO UNDERSTAND THAT ALLOY WHEELS ARE MORE EASILY DAMAGED THAN STEEL WHEELS, BUT THIS IS RIDICULOUS. ALSO.....DEALER DID NOT ADVISE ALIGNMENT AFTER REPAIR, CAUSING OVER $500 IN TIRE DAMAGES A MONTH LATER, AND A BLOWOUT. I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT WHEELS, IT SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ASSUMED THAT I UNDERSTOOD THE EFFECTS OF THE WHEEL DAMAGE WITHOUT THEM BEING EXPLAINED TO ME.*AK

NHTSA ODI #754414

Mileage unknown · Aug 24, 2001
Wheels

WHILE GOING ONTO AN INTERSTATE (I 495 NORTH) FROM THE RAMP, MY CAR STEPPED INTO A POTHOLE WHICH WAS NOT REALLY DEEP ONLY AT AROUND 50 MILES. THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL RIM WAS FRACTURED AND BENT AND THE REAR RIM WAS BENT SLIGHTLY TOO. THE TIRE DEFLATED IMMEDIATELY BUT DID NOT BURST OPEN. FORTUNATELY SINCE THERE WAS NOT MUCH TRAFFIC TH…

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WHILE GOING ONTO AN INTERSTATE (I 495 NORTH) FROM THE RAMP, MY CAR STEPPED INTO A POTHOLE WHICH WAS NOT REALLY DEEP ONLY AT AROUND 50 MILES. THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL RIM WAS FRACTURED AND BENT AND THE REAR RIM WAS BENT SLIGHTLY TOO. THE TIRE DEFLATED IMMEDIATELY BUT DID NOT BURST OPEN. FORTUNATELY SINCE THERE WAS NOT MUCH TRAFFIC THERE WAS NO CRASH, BUT IT COULD EASILY HAVE BEEN FATAL, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE CAR IS A FRONT WHEEL DRIVE AND THE WHEEL WAS REALLY BENT OUT OF SHAPE. DEALER SAID THAT PROBLEM IS DUE TO ROAD HAZARD AND NOT VEHICLE DEFECT, HOWEVER I HAVE FOUND 5 OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE OF THE EXACT SAME NATURE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #751060

Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2001
StructureSuspensionWheels

STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AT SEVENTY, DEALER REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM; DOORS LEAK AND DEALER REFUSES TO FIX AS WELL; RIMS EASILY BEND. *AK

NHTSA ODI #749238

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