- 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
2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 104 complaints about the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse with NHTSA, most often about the wheels & tires (41) and the body, doors & structure (20). Those complaints describe 11 crashes, 5 fires, 11 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in June 2015 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2001 has 300 and the 2003 has 166.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Eclipse year, for its age
#106 most complained-about 2002 vehicle
- Complaints
- 104
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 11
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 11
- Deaths
- 1
Most common 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems
Share of all 104 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse recalls 4
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 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.
What owners say
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104 complaints about the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 5.
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...
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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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mitsubishi eclipse. The contact stated that upon refueling the vehicle, fuel leaked out through the fuel neck due to rust. The contact also stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 185,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mitsubishi eclipse. While in park, the contact noticed that there were multiple fractures across the dashboard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Caught fire over night while parked in my drive way. Woke up the following morning to find the dash board melted, windows smoked out, front windshield cracked and driver side door burnt. *Tr
The dashboard on my 2002 mitsubishi eclipse cracked several years ago. I had no idea what had happened, as I was not involved in an accident. I had assumed that it possibly got too hot from the sun one day. I was appalled to hear that this is a common problem. Parts of a car should not break in two or three pieces. Mitsubishi should take responsibility for their issues. I have to take a bite in the value of the vehicle, the funds should come out of mitsubishi's pocket, not mine! I also am having issues with the...
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paint on the spoiler. The paint has strangely disappeared and the part has turned white. It's weird! Again, I feel that if mitsubishi had a problem with their paint jobs, they should fix them! *Js
Tl* the contact owns a baby trend child restraint seat, model number: tj94128 (na), and manufactured july 7, 2012. The child seat was being used in a 2002 mitsubishi eclipse. The contact stated that the child seat lower latch connector failed to lock during the installation of the base. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The contact stated that the child seat would be replaced. The vehicle information was unavailable.
My left turning signal would not return to the off position after turning and then out of the sudden my headlights on high beam would stay on permanently, low beams would not start . My turning signal stop working and now my car wont start. *Tr
Transmission stops functioning due to wave/cushion spring failure. *Tr
We were driving and car just died. But it still wanted to start just acted like didn't have gas. To but we just filled up. So we figured fuel pump. Replaced it and nothing still so then we call a dealer and he says most common thing that happens in these cars is computer gets fried. *Js
While driving northbound on 95 in virginia (about 20 mins outside of richmond) my 2002 mitsubishi eclipse's accelerator became stuck. The car ended up overheating and the brakes failed (the front driver rotor actually ripped apart) before I put the car into neutral. *Tr
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
After checking out service engine codes p0456 and p0457 (evaporative emission control system leak detected) I found the fuel filler neck tube and all vent lines totally corroded through. The vehicle is a 2002 mitsubishi eclipse and this assembly is located in the rear right side wheel well. Driving area is the northeast and found sand and debris packed all around assembly where tubes make a 90 degree turn through a support/protective bracket. I repaired with a new fuel neck assembly (part no. Mr73836) purchased...
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from a local dealership at a cost of $200 for parts only. No fuel had yet leaked out but would have in a short time if this part was not replaced. Dealer stated that this vehicle was not recalled for this problem but other mitsubishi models around this same year had been recalled for this same condition. *Tr
2002 Eclipse coupe, ok this is a major promblem, hope someone will listen the wheels (rims) crack on these cars "cheap" both front wheels and drivers side back wheel. If you hit a pothole your gonna purchase new wheels. I am a single mom my kids ride in this car. Many others have "complained" do something before you are scrapping children off the expressway.....These wheels on the 2002 eclipse are dangerous and expensive to keep replacing I can not afford it,, *tr
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
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mitsubishi eclipse gt. The contact stated that the rims were bending abnormally and causing the steering wheel to shake excessively. The rims were replaced four times to no avail. The contact informed the manufacturer but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was 116,000 and the failure mileage was unknown. Updated 05/03/11*lj
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.
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...
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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
There is a major defect in the dashboards of mitsubishi eclipse's (years 2000-05). The dashboard will crack as the car hits uneven road such ash pot holes. In the heat and cold although covered and protected fro direct sunlight the dash will expand and retract in size creating small fractures that can crack. Once the cracks become large enough pieces will either fly out towards the driver or fall into the heating and cooling ducts causing damage to the cars blower motor. It is also possible for pieces of the...
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dashboard to shatter around the passenger airbag during a collision causing fatal damage to the passengers or driver. This is not a case by case basis but on every 2000-05 mitsubishi eclipse I have come across. *Tr
2002 Mitsubishi eclipse the liftback door suddenly fell. *Nj the consumer stated the liftback detached from the left piston and violently slammed shut. The piston assembly had to be welded back into place. *Jb
I bought a black 2002 mitsubishi eclipse in 2004. The paint job seemed fine but soon I realized that my paint is dissolving off my car! The clear coat is almost completely gone and I am afraid my car will soon start to rust. I have seen many other black eclipses with the same problem. I believe that the manufacturer did not apply the black paint or the clear coat correctly on the black 2002 eclipses. I feel like the manufacturer should be responsible for fixing the problem because they did not make their product to last. *Tr
Front driver side wheel was cracked. My tire would slowly deflate so I purchased a new tire thinking this was the problem. The next couple of days, my tire continued to loose air. So I went back to tire company and they informed me that is was not the tire but a crack in the rim. So I purchased a new wheel and now after a few months I have a bent rim. These wheels are very expensive and I cannot afford to continue purchasing new wheels if this continues to happen. I would just purchased a whole new different set of wheels if I had the funds available, which I do not. *Tr
I have a black I guess you can call it black and white 2002 mitsubishi eclipse. The clear coat it completely off and the black paint is just about gone. I have rust spots coming through now. It first started on the hood about a year ago and now it is everywhere. I also had to replace two of my rims because they were bent. Now I have a shimmy in my steering wheel when I get up to 65mph this started about a year ago also. I have gotten new tires and rims on it hoping that would help the problem but it is just as bad as it was last year. *Tr
After having my car washed and detailed in late may of 2008, I noticed a white deterioration of paint on the hood. Over the past few months the damage has spread over the hood and the trunk of the vehicle like a fungus. I recently went online to research the problem and discovered hundreds of mitsubishi owners are experiencing the same problems. Most have stated that mitsubishi has been notified of the problem and will not take responsibility for the defect as the car is "no longer under the 36 month warranty...
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period". Many of the complaints have noted the cost of repair as high as $3,500 - 9,000 to repaint the car. To repair the car could be more than the kelley blue book value for some owners. I have found no information as to whether or not a class action lawsuit has been filed, however, a gentleman in pa is organizing consumers to initiate a case. There are several websites that have been created (ie: deadeclipse.Com; mitsubishisucks.Com) as a forum for hundreds of dissatisfied customers to voice their disappointment with the company/product. It seems unusual that with hundreds of complaints circulating about the manufacturer's defect (clear coat paint) on many of its models, the nhtsa has no record of investigation or recalls. Please consider this a formal complaint and initiate a formal investigation. I look forward to hearing from you. Please contact me as soon as possible. Thank you. *Tr
I have a black, 2002 mitsubishi, eclipse gt and the paint is coming off. The roof and the hood paint is almost down to the base metal. I have also seen other eclipse with the same issue. *Tr
This is the second time that I've had to replace my rim due to the lip bending back causing the tire to deflate. Both times it was on the front tire. Looking at all the other complaints this is a common defect with the mitsubishi rims which results in decreased steering control and needs to be address before someone gets seriously injured. *Tr
Mitsubishi Eclipse: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 99 | 4 | D |
| 2005 | 6 | 4 | A |
| 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 |
2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 104 | 4 | D | |
| 2002 Mitsubishi Montero | 174 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer | 155 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Mitsubishi Galant | 142 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante | 133 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport | 61 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder | 31 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage | 12 | 4 | B | Compare |
| 2002 Mitsubishi Spyder | 3 | 0 | B | 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 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Does the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse: inflator module (June 2015); exterior lighting (June 2006); exterior lighting (March 2006); labels (September 2004). 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 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the wheels & tires (41), body, doors & structure (20), airbags (6).
How many complaints has the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse had?
104 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 5, 2002 and the latest on June 9, 2022. Of these, 11 describe a crash and 5 a fire, and together they report 11 injuries and 1 death.
Is the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 29 out of 100 (grade D: 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 2002 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