2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Other / unspecified827.6%
- Body & structure413.8%
- Airbags310.3%
- Visibility26.9%
- Fuel system26.9%
- Tires & wheels26.9%
- Electrical13.4%
- Powertrain (other)13.4%
- Seat belts13.4%
- Steering13.4%
- Suspension13.4%
- Brakes13.4%
- Engine13.4%
- Transmission13.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, TIRE BEGAN LOSING AIR. TOOK TO THE TIRE DEALER AND NO TIRE PROBLEM WAS FOUND. TWO WEEKS LATER TIRE WOULD HOLD NO AIR, RETURNED TO THE TIRE DEALER AND THEY FOUND THAT THE WHEEL WAS CRACKED AND WOULD NOT ALLOW THE TIRE TO HOLD AIR. I HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW WHEEL AND A NEW TIRE SINCE RIDING ON LOW / NO AIR DAMAGED THE TIRE. *TR
I OWN A 2002 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER GT. I WAS IN A RELATIVELY MINOR CAR ACCIDENT. ABOUT 2 MONTHS OFTER THE ACCIDENT AND REPAIRS HAD BEEN MADE, ONE OF MY TIRES COULD NOT HOLD TIRE PRESSURE. I HAD THE TIRES REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE. THE SAME TIRE CONTINUED TO GO FLAT. I INSPECTED THE FACTORY 17" ALLOY RIM AND I FOUND A CRACK IN THE RIM. I INSPECTED THE OTHER RIMS AS WELL AND NOTICED SIMILAR SMALLER CRACKS FORMING. I DO NOT NOW IF THE CRACKS ARE DUE TO THE ACCIDENT OR DUE TO FAULTY WORKMANSHIP. A WELL MADE RIM WOULD NOT HAVE CRACKED DUE TO A RELATIVLEY MINOR IMPACT. ACCIDENT REPORT ON FILE HAMILTON TWP POLICE. ACCIDENT NOT CAUSED DUE TO FAILURE OF THE RIM.*AK
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE DRIVER OBSERVED THAT THE DASHBOARD COVER SUSTAINED EXCESSIVE CRACKS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT; HOWEVER, THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED DUE TO THE UNAVAILABILITY AND UNCERTAINTY OF THE PART. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
INCIDENTS: THE CONVERTIBLE TOP LEAKS AND THE SEATBELTS GET COMPLETELY SOAKED WITH WATER EVERY TIME IT RAINS ESPECIALLY IN DOWNPOURS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE APPROACHED AN INTERSECTION DRIVING 15 MPH WHEN HE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN HIM. BOTH VEHICLES WERE INOPERABLE AND WERE TOWED FROM THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED THREE CRACKED RIBS AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE POLICE WERE ALSO CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,500. MITSUBISHI WAS CALLED WITH SAME INFO. UPDATED 11/03/2011 *LN *TR
IT APPEARS PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MAY NOT HAVE DEPLOYED. *LA
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR WINDOW SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY.*AK
REAR WINDOW BROKE AND FELL OUT WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY.*AK JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND MY CAR FELT WOBBLY. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO SAID THERE WAS A MISFIRE WHICH COULD MEAN I NEEDED NEW SPARK PLUGS BUT SHOULDN'T UNTIL 60,000; I ONLY HAVE 44,000 MILES ON MY CAR. HE REPLACED ALL SIX SPARK PLUGS BUT THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM SO HE REPLACED THE WIRES, CAP AND ROTOR, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON SO HE DID A COMPRESSION TEST AND SAID MY 6TH PISTON WAS NOT HOLDING COMPRESSION AND THIS WAS A BIGGER PROBLEM SO I SHOULD TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. I TOOK IT TO MILLER MITSUBISHI AND THEY SAID THERE WAS A MISFIRE AND MY 6TH PISTON WAS NOT HOLDING COMPRESSION. MY WARRANTY EXPIRED. THEY SAID THERE ARE DENTS ON THE 6TH PISTON FROM SOMETHING BEING DROPPED INTO THE ENGINE THEREFORE THAT IS WHY IT WON'T HOLD COMPRESSION AND I NEED A NEW ENGINE BLOCK. THE ONLY WORK I EVER HAD DONE PRIOR TO THIS WAS OIL CHANGES EVERY 3,000 MILES. THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR A NEW ENGINE AT 44,000 MILES. MY CAR IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP.
MY "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT CAME ON, THERE WAS A "MISS" IN THE ENGINE AND WHEN TESTED BY THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THAT I HAD A "BAD" SPARK PLUG SO DID A REPLACEMENT. I PICKED IT UP DROVE ABOUT 5 MILES AND THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I IMMEDIATELY RETURNED IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY DETERMINED THE SAME PROBLEM AND REPLACED THE SPARK PLUG AGAIN. ALSO INDICATING THAT THE COMPUTER ROM HAD TO BE UPDATED. WHEN THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT CAME ON YET AGAIN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT I HAD TO WAIT UNTIL APRIL WHEN THE "UPDATE" IS AVAILABLE. IN THE MEAN TIME, THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT IS ON, THERE IS A TERRIBLE MISS & MY GAS MILEAGE IS CRUMMY. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT FURTHER DAMAGE TO MY ENGINE AND AM GETTING NOWHERE WITH EITHER THE DEALERSHIP OR MITSUBISHI CORPORATION.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY CAR STARTED SHAKING AT SPEEDS OF 15 TO 20 MPH AND PULLING HARD TO THE RIGHT. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP THEY INFORMED ME THAT I MUST HAVE "HIT SOMETHING AT A FAST SPEED BECAUSE MY RIM WAS SEVERLY BENT. THEN THEY PROCEEDED TO TELL ME THERE WERE SEVERAL OTHER PROBLEMS WRONG. THE CAR WAS ALMOST AT 48,000 MILES. I PAID OUT OF POCKET, SIMPLY TAKING THEIR WORD FOR IT. THEN I KEPT LOSING AIR OUT OF ANOTHER TIRE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE. AT THIS TIME I FIGURED IT WAS THE TIRE THAT I PURCHASED A FEW MONTHS EARLIER. I HAD THE TECH. TAKE A LOOK AT IT AND HE SHOWED ME THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL CRACKS IN THE RIM WHICH WERE ALLOWING THE AIR IN THE TIRE TO LEAK. ONCE AGAIN I BOUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAD TO SPEND ANOTHER $230 TO GET A NEW RIM. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL CARS IN MY LIFE AND NEVER ONCE HAD TO REPLACE ONE RIM LET ALONE 2 AND IN A PERIOD OF 2 MONTHS. I THINK SOMEONE NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS. THIS IS NOT ONLY EXPENSIVE BUT EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. I THINK THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON THESE RIMS AND REFUND THE CUSTOMERS THAT HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET.*AK
VEHICLE RAN OVER A WOODEN BLOCK RESULTING IN PASSENGER FRONT TIRE RIPPING AND CRACKING RIM.*MR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
MITSUBISHI PAINT PROBLEM! 2002 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE, BLACK. THE PAINT HAS FAIDED WHITE INTO HUGE PATCHES ON THE HOOD AND TRUNK. A SHAME MITSUBISHI HAS SUCH A PAINT PROBLEM FROM THE EARLIER 2000'S AND WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power inadvertently. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle instead started reversing unintendedly. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys, where it was diagnosed that the power train needed to be reprogrammed and other repairs needed to be completed. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was locked and the brake pedal was firm. The traction control and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was not drivable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE APPROACHED AN INTERSECTION DRIVING 15 MPH WHEN HE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN HIM. BOTH VEHICLES WERE INOPERABLE AND WERE TOWED FROM THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED THREE CRACKED RIBS AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE POLICE WERE ALSO CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,500. MITSUBISHI WAS CALLED WITH SAME INFO. UPDATED 11/03/2011 *LN *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power inadvertently. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle instead started reversing unintendedly. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys, where it was diagnosed that the power train needed to be reprogrammed and other repairs needed to be completed. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was locked and the brake pedal was firm. The traction control and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was not drivable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I BOUGHT THE CAR IN APR. 2002 AND SINCE THEN HAVE ONLY PUT 40K MILES ON IT. THERE WAS A SQUEAKY NOISE FROM THE SUSPENSION WHEN I BOUGHT IT BUT THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT IS NOTHING. NOW, THE CAR SHAKES AT SPEEDS OF 60 MPH AND MORE AND IF BRAKES ARE APPLIED AT THE SAME TIME, IT SHAKES ALMOST AS IF IT IS GOING TO FALL APART. DIAGNOSIS HAS REVEALED THAT THE REAR CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS ARE RESULTING IN THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE ASKED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE REAR CONTROL ARM. I WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE FOR POSSIBLE MANUFACTURING FAULTS. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power inadvertently. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle instead started reversing unintendedly. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys, where it was diagnosed that the power train needed to be reprogrammed and other repairs needed to be completed. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was locked and the brake pedal was firm. The traction control and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was not drivable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER CONVERTIBLE. THE VEHICLE EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND THE DRIVER WAS KILLED AS A RESULT. THE CONTACT WAS NOT GIVEN A DIAGNOSIS AS TO WHAT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO EXPLODE. A POLICE REPORT IS AVAILABLE IF NEEDED. THE MITSUBISHI MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 1/28/10 *CN THE CONSUMER NOR THE DECEDENT HER HUSBAND OWNED THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER HUSBAND DIED TRYING TO HELP THE OTHER OCCUPANT WHO DID OWN THE VEHICLE THAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, THE VEHICLE RAN OFF THE ROADWAY ON THE LEFT INTO THE MEDIAN. THE VEHICLE THEN RE-ENTERED THE ROADWAY AND RAN OFF THE ROADWAY ON THE LEFT A SECOND TIME. THE VEHICLE STRUCK THE MEDIAN BARRIER CABLE FACE AND A BRIDGE PIER. THE VEHICLE THEN CAME TO REST IN THE MEDIAN FACING NORTH AFTER THE COLLISION. UPDATED 02/03/10
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I DRIVE AN 02 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE-SPYDER GT. HERE IS MY COMPLAINT: CLUTCH IS GONE AND THE CAR IS NOT EVEN 2.5 YEARS OLD. I'VE DRIVEN A MANUAL FOR OVER 10 YEARS. DROVE A VW, HONDA, MB, ETC. NEVER HAD A PROBLEM. I DON'T RACE AND DON'T BURN THE CLUTCH. AT ABOUT 25K MY CLUTCH STARTED TO GO OUT. NOW THE CAR WON'T MOVE AT ALL. I KNOW A LOT OF OWNERS, ESPECIALLY WITH THE V6 HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. AND SPENDING $1500 ON A CLUTCH THAT WILL WEAR OUT IN TWO YEARS IS NOT AN OPTION. MY HOPE IS THAT MITSUBISHI WOULD RECALL THIS DEFECTIVE CLUTCH AND REIMBURSE THOSE WHO HAD TO PAY OUT OF THEIR OWN POCKET FOR A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT THAT SHOULD NEVER EXIST ON A BRAND NEW CAR. PLEASE STOP THIS PROBLEM AS I KNOW ONLY MORE PEOPLE WOULD HAVE TO PAY A LOT OF MONEY ON A STILL DEFECTIVE CLUTCH. MAKE THEM STOP PLEASE! *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .