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Engine & cooling

2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Engine problems

Owners have filed 16 complaints about the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 10% of all its complaints, most recently on October 25, 2016. They describe 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Engine complaints

Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10918743
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10748383
Engine & coolingFuel system

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.

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline · Unknown or otherNHTSA 10428608
Engine & coolingFuel system

This vehicle suddenly started stalling whether idling, accelerating, 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 did not fix the problem. Another week of keeping...

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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. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10428223
BrakesEngine & coolingElectrical systemWheels & tiresFire

I have a mitisubishi eclipse 2003 100000 miles ( majority highway). In the spring of 08-the vehicle was making noise when accelerating, the vehicle was changing gears hard and was advise it was the transmission/motor mounds. The problem occurred intermittently while driving as much as 40mph. Took it back to mitisubishi dealer for service/diagnosis-told possible eventually trans, timing belt and possibly radiator, which was one of another consumers resolve. Well, they flush the radiator and it resolve the problem of...

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driving but not the noise. Also june 2009-after driving 5 mph I noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment, the consumer pulled over ( call for tow and later opened the hood to see all the insulation smolder). After being stranded for over an hour I was towed to my destination. The car was later towed to contractor advise possible distributor, realized it was not the distributor and suggest car is towed to mitsubish for official computer service diagnosis ( due to car starting but not turning over). Advise, by the mitisubishi service tech all of the electrical wires were melted... Computer failure/extreme electrical system damage, harness melted etc; I ask the dealer service manager @ the dealership, what would cause this and had this happen before? He stated ?Not sure of cause?And was really shocked to the damage "possible fuse, ignition wires something" not sure. Diagnostic testing cost $112.00 Repair estimate $5400. Help!!!I the manufacture needs to be made aware of this hazard of a problem; if not already. With recall/replacement and/or reimburse good faith and loyal mitsubishi consumers. I won't began to explain the numerous brake/rotors & tires replaced/repaired within 5 years of purchased in september 2002. *Tr

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulic · Engine and engine cooling · Electrical system · TiresNHTSA 10277592
Engine & cooling

I own a 2003 diamante with about 60,000 miles on it. My windows continually fog up while driving or parked and the defroster/vents does not eliminate the fog at all, making driving very difficult and dangerous especially in rainy weather and during the nighttime. The smell of antifreeze is extremely strong inside the vehicle. I had a problem with my transmission shifting and the light around the "n" on the instrument panel was flashing. The mechanic said my heater core was leaking coolant onto the transmission...

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control module causing it to malfunction. I was told that even though I paid for and have an extended warranty on this vehicle it would not be covered because the heater core leaking is what caused the transmission control module to fail. The heater core was replaced along with the control module and the relay with a cost of over 2,500 dollars. It seems like a problem like this that is extremely common is these vehicles, creates safety and health hazards, and very expensive to fix should be recalled and covered under warranty. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10246914
Engine & coolingEquipment & accessories

Engine mounts are defective, car is exhibiting signs of power failure. *Jb

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · EquipmentNHTSA 10147194
Engine & coolingTransmission & drivetrain

Dt: the caller said that his vehicle is making a noise. When accelerating the vehicle changes gears hard and he did not know if it was the transmission or the motor mounts. The problem occurs intermittently while driving between 35 to 40 mph. Right after having the transmission fluid changed. He had the motor mounts changed 8 times. The dealer did not remove the battery to get to the motor mount, but they said that they did. An independent mechanic told the contact that the problem might be the transmission. The manufacturer has not been contacted yet. *Ak *mr

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Power trainNHTSA 10135549
Engine & cooling

The consumer heard a knocking in the engine. This is the second time he has taken it to the mitsubishi dealer approx. 4 Months ago and they were suppose to have replaced the engine.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10118809
Engine & cooling

While driving at any speed vehicle stalled. Without warning. Driver was not able to restart vehicle, and it was towed to a dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that the radiator cap needed to be replaced. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10117569
SteeringEngine & coolingTransmission & drivetrainLightsVisibility & wipersBody, doors & structure

I would like to file a complaint regarding my mitsubishi eclipse gts 2003. The product has not performed well because during the six months that I have had my brand new car, I had to bring it for several repairs. First, the car went to the shop at mitsubishi bosak chicago for a loose bolt, second the car had a leak on the coolant system, third the wheel was no longer aligned, and fourth the rear defroster does not defrost properly. I am very disappointed of that matter because one of the reason I invested my money...

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in buying a brand new car and choosing mitsubishi so I dont have to spend more time in the shop for repair and spend more cash. The car was only six months old and already experiencing a lot of problems, now the car has been a year and I brought the car back to mitsubishi bosak dealer to have the rear light fixed because water was going inside and still waiting to have the sunroof to be fix because it does not operate properly and the axle of the car needs to be replace. They wouldnt replace it right away because the mechanic stated that we have to wait for the item to be delivered. What if during that time of wait something happen to the car? (May god forbid) I have before try to complain with the mitsubishi headquarter in california, but the person wouldnt do anything. I feel very unsafe of my car. I think that the company should check their entire product before selling it to the public. Driving my eclipse is something that I fear because I never know something might happen because of the cars defect.*Ak

Filed Incident Steering · Engine and engine cooling · Power train · Exterior lighting · Visibility · StructureNHTSA 10091344
Engine & cooling

While driving at any speed consumer smelled strong chemical fumes inside the passenger compartment. Dealer inspected the vehicle, and could not duplicate or correct the problem. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10079470
Engine & cooling

I have a 2003 ecipse that I have had in the shpo twice because my car is leaking oil. I have had continous run around at the garage waiting for parts etc. I am very dissatisfied with the fact that my garagf floor continues to have wet oil on it.I also am without a vehicle that I am paying for.My car has been returned on three occassions to gurley-leep, where it currently is,for the saame problem of leaking oil.. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10045961
Engine & cooling

Oil leak from engine at only 2k miles, dealer is making repair. Cause cracked oil pump housing. *La

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10042993
Engine & cooling

When taking an exit off the freeway, the engine shut down which caused loss of power steering. *Ph

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10030541
Engine & cooling

Consumer stated while driving at highway speed, the engine shut down which caused loss of power steering . Please provide any additional information.*Jb

Filed Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10002594

Mitsubishi Eclipse engine complaints by year

Eclipse engine problems, every year

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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

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