- 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
2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 166 complaints about the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (42) and the transmission & drivetrain (25). Those complaints describe 22 crashes, 7 fires and 15 injuries. It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in June 2015 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2002 has 104 and the 2004 has 14.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Eclipse year, for its age
#82 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 166
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 22
- Fires
- 7
- Injuries
- 15
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems
Share of all 166 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse recalls 5
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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
- The fix
- 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.
What owners say
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166 complaints about the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 7.
The crankshaft sensor is faulty and isn't working properly so my car has been shutting off randomly while I am driving it.
Dashboard cracks in multiples of area's, which does effect the position of the airbag. The plastic is very brittle to the point when it cracks it's as sharp as a razor. I reviewed several web site and noted this is a common problem with several type of mitsubishi's. I have a 2003 eclipse that has a cracked dashboard so bad the passenger side of the dash board is sloping downward, the cracking started 8 years ago and continues to crack more and more everyday, causing structure support issues and razor sharp edges. I...
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have cut myself several times on the sharp edges. There is obviously a issue with the type of plastic that was used to constructed these dashboards ... I would rate this as a need to review asap issue... If my air bag ever went off, sharp pieces of plastic would probably be flying everywhere like a knife...
Passenger airbag deployed caused me to veer off to the right for safety.Passenger visor flew off hit my arm and flew out window. Unable to see with airbag in my face I ended up half on and half off a culvert with cement pipe.Car stopped and then my driver airbag shot fire and chemicals into my face.Horrible still after a whole year noone cares noone helps no therapy follow up none only er when I can no longer tolerate the extreme pain.2 Titanium rods n 38 screws hold it together. Some screws are coming off and 3 bones are still shattered. Some are even missing. Please help
Takata airbag: my incident has already been reported. I am adding the police report. I am still requiring surgery and unable to use my left arm 10 months later.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi eclipse. While rolling down the passenger side window, the contact noticed smoke and flames coming from the window switch area. The contact extinguished the fire and called the fire department. A fire report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that faulty wiring in the window caused the fire. The vehicle was repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.
Takata recall: my vehicle is involved in the nhtsa campaign number 15v338000.On october 29, 2016, I was driving towards my home. After being in the stopped position for the duration of the left turn signal at the intersection of fm 518 and fm 1128 in pearland, texas, the light turned green and I proceeded down 1128 toward my home. After proceeding about1 block, my passenger airbag suddenly deployed. There was no passenger in my vehicle and nothing on the passenger seat, either.There were no other cars on the road....
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I had the windows open and the top down. The airbag was blowing in front of my face, blocking my vision. The passenger visor flew off, hitting my left arm, as I was trying to keep the airbag out of my face to get safely off the road.I pulled over to the right, into a parking lot. My vehicle stopped on the edge of a ditch at the side of the parking lot, due to my vision being blocked. My driver side airbag went off when I hit the culvert of the ditch. Fire came out of my steering wheel and I smelled chemicals. The fire promptly went out. My left arm was on the armrest of the door with both forearm bones visibly broken. The arm was swollen and deformed. I only had the vehicle 26 days. I was taken to the nearest trauma unit.The radia and ulna in my forearm have been put back together with rods and screws. My vehicle has major damage to the front end, radiator, transmission, steering, axle, etc. 9 Months later my armis not healed and I am still without a vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi eclipse spyder. While driving approximately 15 mph, the passenger side air bag deployed without warning or impact. When the air bag deployed, the visor on the vehicle detached. The vehicle's top was down at the time and caused the passenger side air bag to blow in the wind, which hindered the contact's view of the road. The contact attempted to pull the vehicle over but, due to the distraction of the air bag blowing, the contact struck a culvert, which caused the vehicle to...
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stop and the driver side air bag to deploy. When the air bag deployed, it released a small spark and there was a burning odor. The vehicle was towed to a aaa transmission approved shop who stated that the vehicle needed several repairs. The contact broke several bones in her left hand through the forearm. Medical attention was needed. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000. Updated 10/26/17*lj *js
Sears auto center in manassas, va performe an oil change on my vehicle on 5/16/2016. The engine failed on 5/24/2016 due to the oil plug falling out of the engine and all of the oil draining out. Sears has accepted responsibility for this. However, I have also uncovered a long history of consumer complaints regarding sears auto centers defrauding consumers out of thousands of dollars for unnecessary repairs, charges for repairs not done, and faulty service overall. Sears ws sued by nj on 46 counts of auto consumer fraud, and I have uncovered hundreds of complaints registered with the attorney generals' offices in many states.
On november 28, 2015 my passenger front tire explosively failed coming out of a left turn at about 25 mph causing my car to drop and swerve, crashing into a tall street curb and storm sewer drain causing $2000 damage to my car. The outer sidewall separated circumferentially from the tread. This premium tire was only seven months old with minimal wear. I check my tire pressure and fluids every time I buy gas, overhauled the suspension that summer and didn't believe it was my fault. I took the tire still on the...
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damaged wheel to a tire failure expert who ruled out pre-existing damage, unusual wear or signs of driving with low or high tire pressure; he stated there was a zipper failure resulting from a bad tire. This was the second goodyear assurance tripletred to fail on my car. I contacted goodyear and filed a claim with their property claims team. I had replaced the wheel and tire and got two conservative estimates. They required the tire to be taken off the wheel and shipped to them for inspection. Without explanation, it sat delayed at the goodyear tire and service center for weeks. The claim, #492513, was quickly denied; I received a letter which I followed up with a phone call to clarify. Goodrich claim's team stated that they were unable to determine why the tire blew out so they refused to honor the warranty. There were no signs of it being my fault but they also didn't find an obvious defect that would cause the blowout so they conveniently denied taking responsibility for their tire or the damage from the crash that resulted from it's failure. The manufacturer of a critical component like a tire can't just refuse to be responsible when it fails and they don't to know why. I was a lifetime loyal goodyear customer until this. I have the tire and wheel and photos and won't give up until they pay for the damages.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi eclipse spyder equipped with goodyear assurance tripletred tires, size p215/55r16. While driving 25 mph, the front passenger side tire blew out and caused the contact to drive over a curb. The contact inspected the tire and found that the tire tread was separated. The manufacturer was unable to locate the cause of the tire failure. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 160,000.
The main issue seems to be a manufacturing defect in the wave/cushion spring located in the transmission. Mitsubishi has designed the wave spring as a fragile two coil piece which has been known to repeatedly break causing catastrophic failure in the transmission. This in turn poses a threat on the driver and passengers. When this wave spring breaks, actual pieces of the wave spring make it through mitsubishi's also faulty transmission filter and lodge themselves in the pump gear, causing the gear to actually...
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break. After the pump gear has been broken inside the transmission, all forward and reverse gears immediately stop function and in most instances the vehicle shuts off. This could result in potential harm or even death of the driver and/or passenger as the vehicle loses all moving power which can cause an accident with other vehicles on the road. Mitsubishi has recently created an updated version of the wave spring without issuing a recall, which now is a one piece instead of the coil setup and has a less chance of breaking. To many mitsubishi/dodge owners this update was discovered after they have had their vehicle in a transmission shop with a hefty bill to pay even though it was mitsubishi's fault for engineering a faulty part in their transmission. All one person would need to find out about this issue is search the internet with the transmission code (f4a51) and this issue is well documented, even researched by transmission digest (a specialty magazine). Not only is this a large inconvenience to most, it is also a hazard to ones life. Mitsubishi should recall all vehicles which contain the f4a51 automatic transmission to perform the wave spring and filter update or reimburse those who have already had it done at their cost. This is an issue that needs to be addressed as if you own a vehicle with the f4a51
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi eclipse. While veering to the left at approximately 25 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver without warning. As a result, another vehicle crashed into the rear of the contact's vehicle. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi eclipse. The contact stated that the front driver side air bag failed to deploy when the contact rear ended another vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent body shop for further inspection. The contact did not suffer any injuries. A police report was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 180,845.
Received a safety recall from mitsubishi on the passenger sun visor requiring a tether strap. I called their toll free number to locate a dealer to install the tether strap as directed by the notice. Mitsubishi does not have a dealer in tucson and informed me we needed to take the vehicle to a phoenix dealer, over a 100 miles away for the repair. The cost of gas and the travel time (off work or missing school) is higher than the parts and labor for .5 Of an hour labor. They have not made arrangements with a local...
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tucson car repair facility to perform this recall, nor did they offer to send me the parts for self installation. This seems to be a very poor response to a safety recall notice. Can you assist as I know there are more of the same vehicle in tucson.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi eclipse spyder. While driving at 70 mph, the vehicle shut off without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
My vehicle has a bad paint job, needs to be repainted. The heater coil is leaking and needs to be replaced had estimate of $1030.44 With not guarantee that the dash will come out in one piece and can be put back into the car without breaking into several pieces. I feel that mitsubish put bad paint jobs on the cars and they should be the ones to repaint the car, and replace the heater coil so the I will have working defrosters. Ma 10/29/2015 updated 12/06/2017*cn
Fuel mileage is bad and when filling up if you can it keeps clicking and smelling like fuel inside car. No lighting in car at all. Had to replace suspension as the bolts were worn. Paint chipping all over car. Cooling system keeps failing and somehow I have water keeps coming in on floor boards and the floor is soaked and stinks.
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.
I bought an used 2003 eclipse and at the time I didn't realize how badly cracked the dashboard was. To my surprise, I have not been able to find an used dashboard in good condition...Every single 2003 eclipse I've found and seen has the same issue and after doing some research, there has not been a recall for this obvious manufacturing defect. The only solution mitsubishi offers is to replace it with a brand new (yet same poor quality) part. How can we (eclipse owners) get a full or partial credit from mitsubishi, even if the temporary solution is to install a similar part? *Tr
Driving on residential street (approx. 20 Mph). Car shifted slightly to right as I was rounding a curve. Came to stop sign and rear right wheel fell off. The hub cracked and broke off at bearing.. It was a very clean cut as though there was a defect in the hub. Car towed to repair shop. $300 Repair bill. Repairman said he has never seen this type of damage in the 40 years he has been repairing cars. Could have been very serious had I been driving at a higher speed as on an open highway. *Tr
Drivers airbag deployed while turning into a parking space. Airbag deployment caused bruising and lacerations to neck and chest. *Tr
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...
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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
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi eclipse. The contact stated that the vehicle would idle low, causing it to stall intermittently. The dealer advised the contact to replace the manifold. The manufacturer was aware of the failure, but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was no longer under warranty. No repairs were performed. The failure mileage ws 95,000 and the current mileage was 99,450.
This vehicle suddenly started stalling whether idling, accelorating, or coasting. It would then have trouble starting and run fine again. After taking it to the mitsubshi dealership on western blvd in jacksonville, nc, they could not diagnose it but found in their data base that there is a tiny part in the crank shaft that could cause this problem. After waiting a week for parts they realized they had the wrong tool. Another week waiting for the tool and the new part ddid not fix the problem. Another week of...
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keeping my car they replaced the fuel injection regulator with a used part, this did not fix it. Another week with a new fuel injector. Now it does not stall but I cant get gas in the gas tank, the car smells like gas, there is still occasional stalling, and the new timing belt they put on screeches with the first start of the day everyday. The gas tank problem is found to be that the valve is stuck in the full and closed position and whole new gas tankis recommended. Another two weeks and still waiting on the gas tank. My car has been in the shop since august 22nd and it is now october first and my car is still unsafe to drive and waiting for parts. How is it that mitsubishi can allow their service department to take this long, cost this much, and to return a vehicle to the customer in worse shape than it was given? I paid for all of these new parts and labor, and still have a vehicle that I cant use. Also, as a side note, it is black which means the cheap factory clear coat is coming off, the ac leaks on the driverside floor, the trunk does not open when you pull the lever...These are all things that should not be expired on an 03 vehicle and are so common with this vehicle. This is not acceptable.
Mitsubishi Eclipse: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 107 | 4 | D |
| 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 |
2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 166 | 5 | F | |
| 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer | 311 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Mitsubishi Galant | 139 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander | 129 | 6 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport | 83 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante | 69 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder | 40 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Mitsubishi Spyder | 7 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Mitsubishi Expo | 1 | 0 | A | 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 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Does the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse: inflator module (June 2015); exterior lighting (June 2006); exterior lighting (March 2006); labels (September 2004) 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 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (42), transmission & drivetrain (25), wheels & tires (20).
How many complaints has the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse had?
166 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on July 11, 2002 and the latest on February 24, 2025. Of these, 22 describe a crash and 7 a fire, and together they report 15 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 18 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 2003 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