IllustrationWHILE ENGAGING VEHICLE INTO DRIVE IT ACCELERATED AT 60 MPH. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE JUMPED THE CURB AND WAS AIRBORNE ON THE RIGHT SIDE. VEHICLE ENDED UP LANDING IN AN EMBANKMENT AND CRASHING INTO A BRICK WALL. NO REPORT OF AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES. *AK
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
160–25K
2025–50K
1950–75K
1475–100K
6100–150K
5150K+
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
What owners actually said
209 reportsI LEASED A 2001 MITSBUISHI ECLIPSE. WITHIN THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF THE LEASE, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACED ALL FOUR RIMS ON THE CAR. I CONTACTED FAMILY AUTO MITSUBISHI HERE IN INDIANAPOLIS WHERE I LEASED THE CAR AND ASKED THEM TO REPLACE THE RIMS WITH ONES FROM A NEWER MODEL BECAUSE OF THE EXCESSIVE PROBLEMS I HAD. I WAS TOLD THAT T…
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I LEASED A 2001 MITSBUISHI ECLIPSE. WITHIN THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF THE LEASE, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACED ALL FOUR RIMS ON THE CAR. I CONTACTED FAMILY AUTO MITSUBISHI HERE IN INDIANAPOLIS WHERE I LEASED THE CAR AND ASKED THEM TO REPLACE THE RIMS WITH ONES FROM A NEWER MODEL BECAUSE OF THE EXCESSIVE PROBLEMS I HAD. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE NOT FAULTY, THAT THEY WERE DAMAGED BY EXCESSIVE ROAD WEAR. I CONTACTED THE BBB THEY CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP. ALL THEY DID WAS SEND ME A LETTER STATING I SHOULD TAKE THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND SEE WHAT THEY WOULD DO FOR ME. THEY HAD ALREADY STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE RIMS.
CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION AND WAS INFORMED BY THE MECHANIC THAT ALL FOUR RIMS WERE BENT ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NEITHER BEEN DRIVEN OFF ROAD NOR HIT ANY POTHOLES. *LA THE RIMS BENT DURING NORMAL DRIVING. THE BENDS ALSO AFFECTED THE TIRES ( TWO TIRE FAILURE…
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CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION AND WAS INFORMED BY THE MECHANIC THAT ALL FOUR RIMS WERE BENT ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NEITHER BEEN DRIVEN OFF ROAD NOR HIT ANY POTHOLES. *LA THE RIMS BENT DURING NORMAL DRIVING. THE BENDS ALSO AFFECTED THE TIRES ( TWO TIRE FAILURES) AND THE STEERING. *SC *JB
1 HAD CRASH ABOUT FOUR MOUNTHS AGO. 2 A/C BLOWN A PEICE OF METAL FROM SIDE PULLE LOCKED UP AND BELT BROKE LOSS OF POWER STIRRING ALMOST HIT ANOTHER CAR. 3 NOTHING WAS OR HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS OLD PARTS STILL AVAILABLE. *AK
WE PURCHASED A 2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE FROM CARMAX IN CHARLOTTE, NC IN AUGUST OF 2003. THE CAR HAD 19K MILES. AFTER DRIVING LESS THE 100 MILES THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WE HAD THE CAR SERVICED BY CARMAX 4 DIFFERNT TIMES, THEY REPLACED 2 O2 SENSORS. AFTER THE 4TH SERVICE THEY REFERRED US TO A MITSUBISHI DEALER. THAT …
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WE PURCHASED A 2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE FROM CARMAX IN CHARLOTTE, NC IN AUGUST OF 2003. THE CAR HAD 19K MILES. AFTER DRIVING LESS THE 100 MILES THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WE HAD THE CAR SERVICED BY CARMAX 4 DIFFERNT TIMES, THEY REPLACED 2 O2 SENSORS. AFTER THE 4TH SERVICE THEY REFERRED US TO A MITSUBISHI DEALER. THAT DEALER ALSO REPLACED AT LEAST TWO O2 SENSORS. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT KEPT COMING ON ABOUT EVERY 50 -60 MILES. WE TRIED TWO OTHER MITSUBISHI DEALERS FOR A TOTAL OF 11 SERVICE VISITS OVER A 12 MONTH PERIOD. ONE DEALER CHANGE THE ENGINE CONTROL COMPUTER AND AN O2 SENSOR. THE PROBLE REAPPEARED AFTER ABOUT 100 MILES. DURING THIS TIME I REPEATEDLY CALLED THE MITSUBISHI CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER WITHOUT GETTING ANY ASSISATANCE. I ALSO CONTACTED THE SOUTHEASTERN SALES MANAGER DAVID SULLIVAN WHO WAS A TOTAL WASTE. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN FIXED AND I FEEL I WAS DEFRAUDED BY BOTH CARMAX AND MITSUBISHI. *JB
MY EXPERIENCE, ONLINE TESTIMONIALS AND NEWS REGARDING MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE ALLOY WHEELS' FAULTY CONSTRUCTION CONVINCED ME THAT MY SUSPICIONS WERE CONFIRMED. ALTHOUGH ODI CLAIMS ALL DAMAGE IS COSMETIC, I SUSPECT THEY'VE NEVER TAKEN A 2001 ECLIPSE FOR AN EXTENDED SPIN.*AK
EA 02- 007/ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEEL DENTING: CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT THE ORIGINAL RIMS WERE DENTING PREMATURELY WHEN DRIVING OVER POT HOLES. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK
BENT RIMS. EACH RIM ON THE VEHICLE HAS/WAS BENT, POSSIBLY DUE TO DEFECT IN THE RIM MATERIAL. I AVOID MOST POTHOLES, SO THE BENDING WAS NOT CAUSED BY HITTING LARGE HOLES OR LARGE OBJECTS. THE BEND ON THE RIM CAUSES THE AIR PRESSURE TO GO DOWN OR A FLAT TIRE, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO VEAR TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT. ALSO THE TIRE…
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BENT RIMS. EACH RIM ON THE VEHICLE HAS/WAS BENT, POSSIBLY DUE TO DEFECT IN THE RIM MATERIAL. I AVOID MOST POTHOLES, SO THE BENDING WAS NOT CAUSED BY HITTING LARGE HOLES OR LARGE OBJECTS. THE BEND ON THE RIM CAUSES THE AIR PRESSURE TO GO DOWN OR A FLAT TIRE, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO VEAR TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT. ALSO THE TIRES ARE WEARING VERY FAST DO TO LOSS OF PRESSURE. FOUR NEW RIMS WERE PURCHASED AT THE PRICE OF $1100, BUT THE HANDLING OF THE CAR HAS ALREADY BEEN AFFECTED FROM THE SUSPENSION TO THE BRAKES.*AK
I HAVE A 2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE AND HAVE LOST ALL THE ORIGINAL RIMS TO DENTS FROM NORMAL ROAD DRIVING--I HAD TO REPLACE ALL 4 RIMS BECAUSE THEY WE SO WARPED THEY WOULDN'T HOLD A SEAL ON THE TIRE--THAT'S $850.00!!!! ON A NEW CAR!*AK
TIRES DID NOT FEEL RIGHT FOR OVER 6 MONTHS, WENT TO 3 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS UNTIL SOMEONE FINALLY REALIZED THAT TWO OF THE RIMS WERE BENT ONE IN FRONT AND ONE IN BACK, ON TWO OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE CAR. I WAS TOLD THAT I MUST HAVE HIT A POT HOLE, BUT THAT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE IF THE RIMS BENT WERE ON TWO DIFFERENT SIDES. AFTER L…
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TIRES DID NOT FEEL RIGHT FOR OVER 6 MONTHS, WENT TO 3 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS UNTIL SOMEONE FINALLY REALIZED THAT TWO OF THE RIMS WERE BENT ONE IN FRONT AND ONE IN BACK, ON TWO OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE CAR. I WAS TOLD THAT I MUST HAVE HIT A POT HOLE, BUT THAT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE IF THE RIMS BENT WERE ON TWO DIFFERENT SIDES. AFTER LOSING THE BATTLE I PAID OVER $600 TO REPLACE THE RIMS. *AK
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