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2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Eclipse years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse are substantially higher than the model-year median of 49.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

75 reports with mileage · 49 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.

  • Structure. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

15 crash reports4 fire reports7 injury reports

Structure complaints

31 reports
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150,000 miles · Sep 28, 2015
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS AN ODOR OF FUEL PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT WATER HAD LEAKED FROM THE FLOOR BOARD CAUSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BECOME SLIPPERY. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. WHILE CHE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS AN ODOR OF FUEL PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT WATER HAD LEAKED FROM THE FLOOR BOARD CAUSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BECOME SLIPPERY. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. WHILE CHECKING THE BATTERY CONNECTION THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE BATTERY CABLE WAS SMOKING AND HAD MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING HOSE THAT FAILED CAUSED THE WATER LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA ODI #10778019

109,000 miles · Mar 23, 2015
StructureVisibility/wiper

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HATCH BACK AND SUN ROOF HAD WATER LEAKAGE. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

NHTSA ODI #10701095

Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2013
Structure

I HAVE A 2003 STERLING SILVER METALLIC ECLIPSE WHICH I PURCHASED NEW IN 2002. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE PAINT ON MY HOOD, ROOF AND TRUCK HAVE STARTED TO DELAMINATE AND THE PRIMER IS STARTING TO SHOW THROUGH. I ONLY HAVE 73,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE NOTICED A LOT OF OTHER 2003 ECLIPSES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, IN THE SAME CO…

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I HAVE A 2003 STERLING SILVER METALLIC ECLIPSE WHICH I PURCHASED NEW IN 2002. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE PAINT ON MY HOOD, ROOF AND TRUCK HAVE STARTED TO DELAMINATE AND THE PRIMER IS STARTING TO SHOW THROUGH. I ONLY HAVE 73,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE NOTICED A LOT OF OTHER 2003 ECLIPSES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, IN THE SAME COLOR AS MINE AND ALSO IN BLACK. I WENT TO THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED MY ECLIPSE AND WAS TOLD THAT MITSUBISHI WAS HAVING A PAINT ISSUE FOR THIS MODEL. I AM HOPING THAT MITSUBISHI WILL STAND BEHIND THEIR NAME AND MAKE THIS RIGHT. I ALSO PURCHASED A 2003 CHEVY SILVERADO IN 2002 AND THAT PAINT JOB LOOKS LIKE THE DAY I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT. I SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT 2 OF THEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10491944

Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2010
Structure

I HAVE HAD THE CAR SINCE 2003 OR 04, AND KEPT THE CAR COVERED WHEN I DIDN'T DRIVE IT MUCH, BUT FOR WEEKENDS I USED THE CAR FOR ERRANDS. LAST YEAR I STARTED TO DRIVE THE CAR MORE OFTEN AND DID NOT COVER THE CAR AS MUCH, BUT CONTINUED TO WASH AND WAX THE CAR WHEN NEEDED. I STARTED TO NOTICE FADING SPOTS ON THE HOOD ON THE BLACK …

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I HAVE HAD THE CAR SINCE 2003 OR 04, AND KEPT THE CAR COVERED WHEN I DIDN'T DRIVE IT MUCH, BUT FOR WEEKENDS I USED THE CAR FOR ERRANDS. LAST YEAR I STARTED TO DRIVE THE CAR MORE OFTEN AND DID NOT COVER THE CAR AS MUCH, BUT CONTINUED TO WASH AND WAX THE CAR WHEN NEEDED. I STARTED TO NOTICE FADING SPOTS ON THE HOOD ON THE BLACK PAINT, BUT DID NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT, BUT CONTINUED TO WASH AND WAX THE CAR AS USUAL. THIS YEAR, AROUND MARCH, I NOTICED THE COLOR STARTED TO GET MORE WHITE AND IT WAS SPREADING HALF WAY ON THE HOOD NEAR THE WINDSHIELD SIDE. NOW THE PAINT IS ALSO CHIPPING WITHIN THE WHITE SPOTS EXPOSING THE UNDERCOATING. THE FADING ON THE PAINT IS ALSO NOTICEABLE ON THE TRUNK AND SIDE PANELS ON THE TOP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10336007

19,000 miles · Jun 5, 2010
Structure

PURCHASED 2003 SILVER ECLIPSE GS WITH 5000 MILES IN JUNE 2003. WITH IN 12 MONTHS, PAINT WAS SHOWING SIGNS OF WEAR AND FLAKING OFF EXPOSING PRIMER COAT. THIS DETERIORATION PROGRESSED QUICKLY AND AFTER 5 YEARS HOOD, ROOF AND REAR QUARTER PANELS ARE ALMOST COMPLETELY DOWN TO PRIMER. I AM FILING NOW TO HOPEFULLY RAISE THE NUMBER …

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PURCHASED 2003 SILVER ECLIPSE GS WITH 5000 MILES IN JUNE 2003. WITH IN 12 MONTHS, PAINT WAS SHOWING SIGNS OF WEAR AND FLAKING OFF EXPOSING PRIMER COAT. THIS DETERIORATION PROGRESSED QUICKLY AND AFTER 5 YEARS HOOD, ROOF AND REAR QUARTER PANELS ARE ALMOST COMPLETELY DOWN TO PRIMER. I AM FILING NOW TO HOPEFULLY RAISE THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS TO THE POINT WHERE SOMEBODY REALIZES THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT BUT A SYSTEMIC DEFECT FOR WHICH MITSUBISHI SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10334716

49,500 miles · Jun 15, 2009
Structure

CARPET ON DRIVER SIDE FRONT AND BACK COMPLETED SOAKED WITH WATER EVERYTIME IT RAINS .CAR ALWAYS SMELLS MOLDY. HAVE HAD IT CHECKED BUT NOONE CAN FIGURE IT OUT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10273896

32,000 miles · May 13, 2009
Structure

PURCHASED BRAND NEW 2003 ECLIPSE IN 2004. I AM EXPERIENCING PAINT DELAMINATION AND IT'S SPREADING RAPIDLY. WENT TO THE MITSUBISHI DEALER AFTER FINDING OUT MANY OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. THEY TOOK PICTURES AND SAID THEY WILL CONTACT MITSUBISHI. I WAS NOTIFIED THE NEXT DAY THAT MY CAR HAS BEEN DECLINED ANY HELP DUE …

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PURCHASED BRAND NEW 2003 ECLIPSE IN 2004. I AM EXPERIENCING PAINT DELAMINATION AND IT'S SPREADING RAPIDLY. WENT TO THE MITSUBISHI DEALER AFTER FINDING OUT MANY OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. THEY TOOK PICTURES AND SAID THEY WILL CONTACT MITSUBISHI. I WAS NOTIFIED THE NEXT DAY THAT MY CAR HAS BEEN DECLINED ANY HELP DUE TO EXPIRATION IN WARRANTY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10268621

69,000 miles · Feb 17, 2009
Structure

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHEN THE CONTACT BOUGHT THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE PAINT WAS FADING FROM GRAY TO WHITE. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, SHE FOUND A FEW COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME DEFECT ON HER VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE'S PAINT, BUT HER VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHEN THE CONTACT BOUGHT THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE PAINT WAS FADING FROM GRAY TO WHITE. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, SHE FOUND A FEW COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME DEFECT ON HER VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE'S PAINT, BUT HER VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED IN 2006. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE INSURANCE COMPANY, BUT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPAIRED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 69,000.

NHTSA ODI #10259098

Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2009
Structure

I OWN A 2003 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE, BLACK. WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR, THE PAINT APPEARED PERFECT, BUT IN LESS THAN ONE YEAR VERY BAD 'SUNBLEACHED' OR OXIDIZED SPOTS HAVE APPEARED ON THE ROOF AND TRUNK AND APPEAR TO BE GETTING WORSE IN A HURRY. THE CAR HAS BEEN WASHED AND WAXED REGULARLY SINCE I PURCHASED IT. SINCE THESE SPOTS HAVE S…

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I OWN A 2003 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE, BLACK. WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR, THE PAINT APPEARED PERFECT, BUT IN LESS THAN ONE YEAR VERY BAD 'SUNBLEACHED' OR OXIDIZED SPOTS HAVE APPEARED ON THE ROOF AND TRUNK AND APPEAR TO BE GETTING WORSE IN A HURRY. THE CAR HAS BEEN WASHED AND WAXED REGULARLY SINCE I PURCHASED IT. SINCE THESE SPOTS HAVE SHOWN UP, I HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT OTHER ECLIPSES AROUND MY AREA, AND LITERALLY EVERY SINGLE BLACK ECLIPSE I SEE - PROBABLY UPWARDS OF 30 CARS (2000-2003) - HAS THE SAME PROBLEM, NOT TO MENTION THE THOUSANDS OF ONLINE POSTS I HAVE SEEN MENTIONING THIS SAME PROBLEM. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS ANY WAY TO HAVE THE DEALERSHIP PAY FOR A NEW PAINTJOB WITH CURRENT BLACK PAINT (I DO NOT WANT THE SAME 2003 PAINT PUT ON, ONLY TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM OCCUR IN 4 YEARS) THANK YOU VERY MUCH! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10254931

90,000 miles · Aug 5, 2008
Structure

I OWN A BLACK 2003 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. ON OR ABOUT JUNE 1, 2007 I NOTICED A MYSTERIOUS WHITE SPOT FORMING ON THE ROOF OF MY CAR. WITHIN THE NEXT MONTH OR SO, THE WHITE SPOT TURNED INTO SEVERAL WHITE SPOTS AND NOW CURRENTLY ON AUGUST 5, 2008 THE ENTIRE ROOF IS COVERED IN WHITE AND ONE HAS EVEN TURNED TO RUST. I CONTACTED A MIT…

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I OWN A BLACK 2003 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. ON OR ABOUT JUNE 1, 2007 I NOTICED A MYSTERIOUS WHITE SPOT FORMING ON THE ROOF OF MY CAR. WITHIN THE NEXT MONTH OR SO, THE WHITE SPOT TURNED INTO SEVERAL WHITE SPOTS AND NOW CURRENTLY ON AUGUST 5, 2008 THE ENTIRE ROOF IS COVERED IN WHITE AND ONE HAS EVEN TURNED TO RUST. I CONTACTED A MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR IS NOT COVERED AFTER 36,000 MILES. MY QUESTION IS, WHAT DOES MILEAGE HAVE TO DO WITH PAINT? I THEN DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH MITSUBISHI VEHICLES PRODUCED AROUND 2003 AND THAT THE ISSUE IS DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE PRIMER USED BY THE COMPANY. SO WHY DOESN'T MITSUBISHI FESS UP TO THEIR PROBLEM AND FIX THE MESS? THERE ARE THOUSANDS IF NOT MILLIONS OF DISSATISFIED CUSTOMERS WITH NEWER VEHICLES THAT LOOK HORRIBLE. IN MY CASE, I OWN A FAIRLY NEW VEHICLE THAT I AM STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON THAT LOOKS ABSOLUTELY WORTHLESS. I AM ASHAMED TO OWN THIS VEHICLE, IT LOOKS LIKE I DON'T TAKE CARE OF MY CAR. WHEN IT ALL ACTUALITY, THIS IS NOT MY FAULT. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP WITH THIS MATTER. I WOULD LIKE MITSUBISHI TO REPAINT MY CAR AT NO COST TO ME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10237080

Official recalls

3

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.

03V442000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Nov 4, 2003

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL RETURN LINE HOSE FITTING ON THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP MAY BE RESTRICTED, CAUSING EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE TO BUILD UP IN THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE MAY RESULT IN A LEAK IN THE FUEL RETURN HOSE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP PRESSURE. THOSE VEHICLES EXHIBITING HIGHER THAN NORMAL FUEL PUMP PRESSURE WILL RECEIVE FUEL PUMP MODIFICATIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN DECEMBER 3, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037 OR MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-800-981-0452.

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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.