- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 308 complaints about the 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse with NHTSA, most often about the wheels & tires (134) and the body, doors & structure (43). Those complaints describe 14 crashes, 6 fires, 14 injuries and 4 deaths. It is covered by 10 recalls, the latest in June 2015 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 1999 has 135 and the 2001 has 300.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Eclipse year, for its age
#30 most complained-about 2000 vehicle
- Complaints
- 308
- Recalls
- 10
- Crashes
- 14
- Fires
- 6
- Injuries
- 14
- Deaths
- 4
Most common 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems
Share of all 308 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse recalls 10
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Certain aai motorsports combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above list passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
- The risk
- Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash
- The fix
- Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall began on august 1, 2006. Owners may contact aai motorsports at 909-923-9188.
- The problem
- Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
- The risk
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
- The fix
- Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on july 1, 2006. Owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
- The problem
- Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
- The risk
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
- The fix
- Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on april 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles built with v6 engines to federal emission standards. The power steering fluid feed tube can come in contact with an exhaust manifold mounted heat shield causing a hole to be worn through the power steering pipe allowing fluid leakage.
- The risk
- Leaking power steering fluid can result in a fire and continued loss of fluid will result in a loss of power assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the power steering tube with one having a new routing. Owner notification began november 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 america at 1-800-222-0037.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Fluid leakage from the cooler hoses can cause transaxle driveability problems and smoke if the oil contacts the front exhaust pipe.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A nut in the steering gear assembly was not properly tightened, resulting in symptoms ranging from steering wheel vibration to stiff steering, and in the worst case, no ability to turn left.
- The risk
- A loss of steering control could increase the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect these vehicles and replace the steering gear assembly if a loose nut connection is found.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with v6 engines and federal emission equipment. The battery cable harness can become heat damaged by the front exhaust manifold which could cause grounded circuits.
- The risk
- This circuit failure could cause any of the following to occur: (1) the engine will not start because the main fuse will blow if the power lead is grounded; (2) the low oil pressure warning lamp will illuminate if the signal wire is grounded; (3) the airconditioning system will become inoperative if the lead to the magnetic clutch is grounded; and (4) the turn signal/hazard lamps will become inoperative if the voltage monitor lead is grounded.
- The fix
- Dealers will remove and discard a metal manifold bracket (from galant models only - eclipse has no such bracket). Dealers will also inspect the harness. If the harness wires show no damage, the dealer will install a heat insulator along with heat resistant harness clips. If the harness wires do show damage, the dealers will install a new harness with preinstalled integral heat protection.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The column switch levers can become loose or break over time.
- The risk
- Loosening or cracking of the levers can cause directional lamps that do not self-cancel or operate, head lamps that do not turn off, windshield washers that operate continuously and/or windshield wipers that do not operate.
- The fix
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED SWITCH.
What owners say
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308 complaints about the 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 13.
The contact owns a 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the turn signal and headlights failed. The contact stated that the high beam failed to operate correctly whether the vehicle was turned or not. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 99V305001 (Exterior Lighting, Visibility). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 mitsubishi eclipse. The contact stated that the upper strut tower was severely corroded. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or and independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Also the person that did the sunvisor recall repair gave me a dirty and/ or used passenger side sun visor tether strap assembly. I was also charged 130 dollars for a miscellaneous diagnostic which states could not duplicate customers concern at this time and I would like to have that same 130 dollars refunded back to me and the $160 dollars for air conditioning inspection deducted from the costs of repairs. I had previously taken this vehicle totowsontowne garage in towson md. For service and was informed to have...
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the air conditioning unit serviced by mitsubishi because he could not locate where the wiring was for or leading to the compressor. Towsontowne garage never mentioned anything about needing a condenser or timing belts on july 22nd 2020.
When attempting to start the vehicle after driving for a while the car would not start. I would have to move the cable harness and clamp around the battery posts to get a good connection so the car would start. I could not tighten the nut and bolt any further without breaking the bolt that secured the clamp around the battery post. I could not get my air conditioning unit to work since august of 2019 when parking my vehicle, then removing my key from the ignition, then opening the door to exit the vehicle, the...
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horn activated and would not stop until removing the clamps to the battery posts. The front lights would start to flash if all doors were locked and the car was in park and the trunk door was opened with key. The passenger side window would not at times operate even after the regulator and motor was replaced. The key phos would not lock my car and the car would not flash front and tail lights or chirp to recognize locking signal from the key phos. The dashboard illuminates except for the fuel gauge side. The clock light dims when the car key is placed in the starting position from park and while running then brightens when the car key is placed in the off position and at park. The car was running better before being inspected at jerry's mitsubishi at 1906 east joppa road baltimore md. 21234 Between 12-4 p.M. On 29 july 2020. I was expecting to have my vehicle repaired at the time of my appointment and was told that the person who had inspected my vehicle had left for the day and that some of the parts that were needed for repair had to be ordered. I specifically told the person who did the inspection that I beleived I knew what the problems were coming from and that I looked into the nhtsa website and saw that this vehicle was having the same problems as the nhtsa campaign number 99v333001.
1) A common issue according to the forums and facebook groups, the strut towers rust through which presents a safety issue when considering that the suspension is connected to the steering which could put an individual or others on the road at risk 2) yet another common issue, the dash and associated bezels crack over time. There has been no solution or alternative to complete replacement from anyone, including (i'm sure) mitsubishi.
The 30 amp fuse connection that controls the a/c-heater blower motor, burns out in the fuse block. I have replaced the fuse block 3 times and they end up burning out this circuit. This could easily start an electrical fire should the fuse be faulty and not blow itself out...
Car body paint both clearcoat and paint slowly peeling off car body. This has been happening in the last three plus years. The car needs to be repainted.
Recall notice 99v305001 the turn signals wont cancel and wont stay on and the headlights stay on. I contacted the dealer and mitsubishi customer service 800 222-0037 and both say my car is not part of the recall. The turn signals don't work when the car is in motion and the headlights stay on when I parked and turned off the car.
NEEDS RECALL FIXED.
The car makes a sound in the rear when I make a turn.The turning radius is very bad.I wouldn't do a u turn with it.The other issue is that the a/c stopped working on a very hot day.When I turned on the a/c the car turned off this almost caused a accident due to the sudden stop.The dashboard is all cracked.Other than that the car seems good.Everything else about the car I do like.The paint is peeling off and there seems to be some rust.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 mitsubishi eclipse. While refueling, the vehicle, the contact noticed fuel leaking. The contact stated that the fuel lines were rusted and fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 mitsubishi eclipse. The contact stated that while refueling, there was fuel leaking from the vehicle. The contact stated that the fuel lines were rusted and fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.
Tl-the contact owns a 2000 mitsubishi eclipse. The contact stated that another vehicle that was driving at 70 mph and crashed into her vehicle causing the vehicle to crash into the vehicle in front. The seat belt failed to retract and the air bags failed to deploy. As a result, the contacts head hit the windshield and bruised her legs. The contact did not require medical attention. The vehicle was towed to the contacts house. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 156,000. Djr
While driving at night on interstate, one headlight dimmed and then went out completely. Repairshop was unable to repair because headlight socket was melted. Referred me to mitsubishi dealer. Before repair completed, the second headlight went out while driving at night on interstate on subsequent evening. Fog lights were also not operational. Only parking lights operational. It appears from other complaints that this is a chronic lighting safety issue with the mitsubishi eclipse. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 mitsubhisi eclipse. The contact was refueling when fuel emitted from the gas tank. The contact believed the failure could have occurred due to the build up of rust near the tank. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer but the manufacturer was contacted and the vehicle was repaired. The vin was unavailable. The failure mileage was 95,000 and the current mileage was 100,000.
My daughters 2000 mitsubishi eclipse is leaking fuel from the filler tube. Tube rusted out prematurely due to a defective design of a tube cover that allows dirt and mud to collect around the tube where it bends and causes premature rust through. I am an ase certified mechanic and have performed recalls in the past on other vehicles and this is a poor design that could use some investigation. I am replacing the part with the factory original and will be adding a cover that will block the entry of dirt and mud from around the tube. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 mitsubish eclipse. The contact stated that the turn signal lever detached from the steering column and she was unable to use turn signals. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was made aware of the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 99v305001 (exterior lighting:turn signal:switch). The manufacturer was then notified and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 145,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 mitsubishi eclipse rs. The contact was driving approximately 45-50 mph when he engaged the windshield wiper lever it fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000 and the current mileage was 145,000. Updated 06/07/12
I am the technician who repaired this defect. The vehicle was a no start, no crank complaint. Also vehicle had no dash or accessory power. The main ignition feed from the underhood fusebox had no power at the ignition switch & testing proved it was shorted to ground. There were also several other components with no power such as pin 16 at dlc, starter & anti-theft relays. These circuits are hot at all times. After extensive troubleshooting I found a severely burned and shorted wire harness that rubbed through the...
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insulation from contacting the sharp edges of the fender sheet metal. This harness runs from the under hood fusebox through the fender well to the junction block under the dash. There were no blown fuses found as a result of this which is highly unusual with the amount of current on these circuits. The fix was to splice/repair the damaged harness and relocate the harness as much as possible from the fender sheet metal. This is a huge fire hazard. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 mitsubishi eclipse. The contact stated that the air conditioning condenser was not draining properly and would intermittently become clogged. The dealer advised they could drain and repair the failure at the owners expense. The manufacturer was contacted but would provide no assistance. The vin was not available and the failure and current mileages were 124,000.
Looked online about safety recalls on my car but there hasn't been any accidents to the recalls I found. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 mitsubishi eclipse. The vehicle has bridgestone tires, tire line potenza, tire size 205/55/r16. During routine inspection, the technician noticed cracks on the sidewall of all four tires. The tires were not replaced. The failure and current mileages were 39,500. The vehicle identification number was unavailable. Updated 11/04/09*lj the consumer stated firestone dealer would not replace the defective tires. Updated 11/05/09.*Jb
The fuel filler has rusted through, resulting in a leak which causes a puddle of gasoline under the car when adding fuel. There are no gas leaks other than when filling, so I assume the leak is limited to the filler portion of the system. *Tr
Black 2000 mitisubshi eclipse brought brand new by myself. There is some kind of defect in the paint causing it to fade to white and then fade completely to the bare metal. This is just in spot along the hood, roof and trunk. This vehicle has not been wrecked and has never been anywhere were an "acid" of other type of damage could happen to it. I have seen numerous other black eclipses with this same problem. I have talked with an owner of the same type year make and model as mine and she has the same problem. *Tr
My son purchased a 2000 mitsubishi eclipse gs 1-month ago it's too late to save my sons life now but it was sold as is no warranty ,the finance company refuses to get me a history on the says there's no recall but they are older ones about the nut in the gear box being loose and eventually making the car not turn left my son died 10/23/08 and as soon as ask about the recall the finance lady to crush the car I said no till I find out about the recall and if it was ever looked at, the car shoo bad and was hard to steer I drove it before this happened I know e-z pay of greeneville tn sold him the car,, can you help? *Tr
Mitsubishi Eclipse: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 14 | 5 | B |
| 2003 | 166 | 5 | F |
| 2002 | 104 | 4 | D |
| 2001 | 300 | 10 | F |
| 2000 | 308 | 10 | F |
| 1999 | 135 | 11 | D |
| 1998 | 151 | 13 | F |
| 1997 | 164 | 12 | F |
| 1996 | 168 | 11 | F |
2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 308 | 10 | F | |
| 2000 Mitsubishi Galant | 139 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport | 97 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante | 51 | 3 | D | Compare |
| 2000 Mitsubishi Montero | 50 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage | 35 | 5 | D | Compare |
| 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder | 3 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 2000 Mitsubishi Lancer | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2000 Mitsubishi Canter GE | 1 | 0 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Does the 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse: inflator module (June 2015); exterior lighting (June 2006); exterior lighting (May 2006); exterior lighting (March 2006) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the wheels & tires (134), body, doors & structure (43), lights (25).
How many complaints has the 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse had?
308 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 21, 1999 and the latest on August 8, 2022. Of these, 14 describe a crash and 6 a fire, and together they report 14 injuries and 4 deaths.
Is the 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 10 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Mitsubishi Eclipse year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Mitsubishi Eclipse years have the most complaints?
1995 (314), 2000 (308), 2001 (300). See every Mitsubishi Eclipse year compared.
What should I do if my 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data