2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
10 recalls name the 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
Remedy
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.
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."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash
Remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
Remedy
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.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. a bulge in the fuel tank caused by the manufacturing process resulted in thinning of the material during a welding operation, increasing the risk of fuel leakage.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel tank assembly. owner notification began march 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 at 1-800-222-0037.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fluid leakage from the cooler hoses can cause transaxle driveability problems and smoke if the oil contacts the front exhaust pipe.
Remedy
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.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. a number of incorrect driver side seat mounting bolts were installed into vehicles.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The rear anchor bolts securing the driver's seat may not properly secure the seat and could increase the risk of driver injury in an accident.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the seat mounting bolts and then replace the bolts if necessary. owner notification began february 15, 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.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the outer layer only of this 3-layer fuel return hose does not contain the desired ozone protection due to a processing error.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This hose IS considered to be inadequate.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel return hose.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the harness for the crankshaft position sensor could come in contact with a new protective shield causing a grounded circuit.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Prolonged wiring harness contact with the heat shield will cause the wiring insulation to wear and eventually to ground out. this could cause the engine to die-out, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will re-route the crankshaft position sensor harness.
Owner complaints
209 complaints24 involved a crash6 involved a fire13 injuries2 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Engine · Power train
I almost got into a accident because it's late sobits really hard to see because the headlights u cnt see any at all at night I can use a flash light out the window and see better like that but on top of that my car just decides to up and stall on me and not wanna start back and it had melted my…
I almost got into a accident because it's late sobits really hard to see because the headlights u cnt see any at all at night I can use a flash light out the window and see better like that but on top of that my car just decides to up and stall on me and not wanna start back and it had melted my crankshaft sensor wires and I guess it just decided to also mess up the wiring on my camshaft sensor I literally had to wire up the wires straight around the plug on both just to make it home it was cold out and all I really love my car but I'm spending more money than I've got just tryna keep it running and between that and the lights that's gonna get sum1 hurt or killed if not fixed I was on a backroad had no service to call anybody for help and I was right between 2 blind turns
- Exterior lighting
I have a 2001 mitsubishi eclipse RS 2.4 engine I bought it off my husband's uncle four months ago and ever since I got the car I noticed the light adjusters don't work at all and at night the headlights are so dim that sometimes I can't even see the road at all this IS a safety concern that needs to be taken care of
- Power train
Was driving home from work and came to a stop. Tried to shift into 1ST and could not do so. had to turn off my car to shift into gear to avoid grinding. had a hard time going from 1ST to 2ND as well. once arriving home could not shift into reverse. seems like the gears were trying to strip and…
Was driving home from work and came to a stop. Tried to shift into 1ST and could not do so. had to turn off my car to shift into gear to avoid grinding. had a hard time going from 1ST to 2ND as well. once arriving home could not shift into reverse. seems like the gears were trying to strip and a horrible grinding was occurring. I have been driving a stick shift for almost 30 years and this IS the first time I have ever had this problem. had to turn off my car to shift into reverse to get into my driveway to park. tried the next day to drive my car...did the warm up due to cold weather, and again could not shift into any gears while my car was running. as soon as I turn the ignition off I could shift just fine. I've researched to try and figure out the problem and each solution equates to paying a lot for repairs. I'm upset because I cannot afford a new car at this time and I need a reliable vehicle for my job. seems this IS a problem with this particular year the eclipse was manufactored, and nothing IS being done. a definite recall IS needed for this well-known problem.
- Vehicle speed control
"Takaya recall" 2001 mitsubishi eclipse GT, 3.0lv6 automatic transmission. 16 years old, but only 157621 miles driving as usual when without any notice or warning, no longer having any power to wheels from transmission (engine still running normal as usual). Automatic transmission had complete total catastrophic failure due to a manufacturing defect of an internal part called wave cushion spring
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Fuel system, gasoline · Power train
2001 mitsubishi eclipse. consumer writes in regards to exterior lighting recall, entire fuel system replacement recall, power train, automatic transmission cooling unit and lines recall issues. *smd the dealer informed the consumer, they only had one recall applicable to his vehicle, which was…
2001 mitsubishi eclipse. consumer writes in regards to exterior lighting recall, entire fuel system replacement recall, power train, automatic transmission cooling unit and lines recall issues. *smd the dealer informed the consumer, they only had one recall applicable to his vehicle, which was for the sun visor on the passenger side. However, the consumer stated the gas tank IS leaking and has many welding issues. *Jb
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mitsubishi eclipse. While driving at 25 mph, the vehicle lost power and the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mitsubishi eclipse. While driving at 25 mph, the vehicle lost power and the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000. updated 05/11/16*lj the consumer stated repair was made on 04/13/2016. *tr
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mitsubishi eclipse. While driving at 65 mph, the transmission failed and all the warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
- Air bags
Srs airbag system fault. Srs light elluminates on dashboard whenever driver or passenger seats are moved, indicating that the side airbag system IS deactivating the entire srs system including the front airbags.
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Prolonged wiring harness contact with the heat shield causes the wiring insulation to wear & ground out causing the engine to die-out. Had an iccident few days ago where the engine died out and I was in the middle of an intersection and almost got hit by oncoming traffic . This IS seriously not okay and a major safety concern. Please help me.
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mitsubishi eclipse. The contact stated while driving 25 mph making a sharp turn, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. The contact's air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was engulfed in flames within moments. Lucky, the front passenger was able…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mitsubishi eclipse. The contact stated while driving 25 mph making a sharp turn, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. The contact's air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was engulfed in flames within moments. Lucky, the front passenger was able to free the contact in time. The contact sustained fractures on the left clavicular bone, left ulna bone and bruising on chest and face which required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mitsubishi eclipse. The contact stated that the srs and air bag warning light illuminated continuously. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician diagnosed that the air bags system needed to be replaced. The failure recurred and the air…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mitsubishi eclipse. The contact stated that the srs and air bag warning light illuminated continuously. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician diagnosed that the air bags system needed to be replaced. The failure recurred and the air bags system was replaced again. However, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure was 7,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Sitting in garage over winter, car developed leak/crack in the fuel tank that allowed fumes from tank to fill garage. car not being driven at the time. fuel did not leak onto floor of garage. recalls had previously been done on fuel system for this model. apparently cracks in the fuel tank of…
Sitting in garage over winter, car developed leak/crack in the fuel tank that allowed fumes from tank to fill garage. car not being driven at the time. fuel did not leak onto floor of garage. recalls had previously been done on fuel system for this model. apparently cracks in the fuel tank of this model are a common occurrence. definite safety hazard especially if car IS or would be around or near to any spark source or open flame. I am currently trying to get car repaired at my own cost. *js
- Fuel system, gasoline
The service engine light was on and the codes show an evaporative emissions leak. Several service visits did not resolve the problem. Finally it was found that the fuel filler tube was totally rusted out and close to falling off. Apparently this IS a fairly common problem with the 2001 eclipse and…
The service engine light was on and the codes show an evaporative emissions leak. Several service visits did not resolve the problem. Finally it was found that the fuel filler tube was totally rusted out and close to falling off. Apparently this IS a fairly common problem with the 2001 eclipse and was causing fule leakage as well as vapor leakage. This could have caused a fire or resulted in the vehicle being disabled. The mechanic said he had never seen a fuel filler tube in such bad shape. Mitsubishi dealer stated they didnt want to deal with the issue due to the high repair cost. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
I had to replace a rotted gas filler neck on my 2001 mitsubishi eclipse GT. The mechanic told me it was a poorly designed part and should not have rotted. I have had many cars and never heard of anything like this before. Mitsubishi should be made to have a recall for this defective part. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mitsubishi eclipse. While driving 50 mph the wave spring within the transmission broke. The contact was able to drive the vehicle onto the emergency lane. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer. the dealer stated that when the wave spring broke it caused damage to the…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mitsubishi eclipse. While driving 50 mph the wave spring within the transmission broke. The contact was able to drive the vehicle onto the emergency lane. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer. the dealer stated that when the wave spring broke it caused damage to the transmission pump. the vehicle has not been repaired. the manufacturer stated that there were no related recalls. Mitsubishi upgraded the wave spring since they were familiar with the failure. the failure was not an isolated incident. the failure and current mileages were 117,000.
- Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly · Suspension › Front
Right front steering assembly (tie rod & ball joints) tore away from where it was attached to the frame resulting in the vehicle to go out of control . Vehicle struck the curb and ran into a light pole before coming to a stop. *Tr
- Suspension
My 2001 mitsubishi eclipse's axle snapped when I was going over a speed bump at about 3 miles per hour. The control arm also broke on the front driver's side. It only had 135,000 miles at the time. I got it replaced and still makes a really bad grinding noise. I was wondering if there could be a…
My 2001 mitsubishi eclipse's axle snapped when I was going over a speed bump at about 3 miles per hour. The control arm also broke on the front driver's side. It only had 135,000 miles at the time. I got it replaced and still makes a really bad grinding noise. I was wondering if there could be a recall on the axle or the control arm. If I was driving at a normal speed, I'm sure something alot worse would of happened. *Tr
- Exterior lighting
Wiring harness female socket for the headlamps over heated and melted. the passenger side female socket melted about one year ago to a point where it would not provide headlight illumination. before the complete failure, the headlight would either be fully bright, or very dim. the mileage on the…
Wiring harness female socket for the headlamps over heated and melted. the passenger side female socket melted about one year ago to a point where it would not provide headlight illumination. before the complete failure, the headlight would either be fully bright, or very dim. the mileage on the vehicle at that time was around 60K. I also noticed that the driver side female socket also had melted some during this time. in jan. Of this year, with approx. 70K miles on the vehicle, the driver's side headlight failed completely with the full melting of the female socket. a few days prior to complete failure, a burning odor IS noticed in the passenger compartment. I have both pieces avail to send if need be. this IS a serious issue because a complete failure of both female sockets at the same time IS possible. this could cause someone driving to go from having two headlamps to none within seconds. if that occurred at night, it might cause a serious accident. *Tr
- Structure
Cracked dashboard. Many many many other people are having this same problem. *Tr (2000-2005)
- Structure › Frame and members
1. Every time it rains there IS a large accumulation of water leaking from front window/front vents every rainfall on front floor boards; 2. Every rainfall, soaks carpet floor boards through to bottom frame of car; 3. Many, many thick towels on front floor boards. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Loss of engine power or dies that locks the steering wheel after 10 to 20 minutes you could revive the engine again usually happen every day . Went to the dealer with service bulletin that might affect on it but they say no problem on it and they void the service bulletin or try to. *tr
- Structure
My 2001 mitsubishi eclipse has started cracking down the dash and IS getting increasingly worse all the time. *tr
- Electrical system · Structure › Frame and members · Unknown or other
I've previously owned 2 eclipses w/ no problems, this one however has been nothing but a lemon. 2001 mitsubishi eclipse GT V6. in addition to the clutch which had to be replaced 1 yr after warranty expired, I have had an abundance of problems w/ parts that should never need to be replaced, none…
I've previously owned 2 eclipses w/ no problems, this one however has been nothing but a lemon. 2001 mitsubishi eclipse GT V6. in addition to the clutch which had to be replaced 1 yr after warranty expired, I have had an abundance of problems w/ parts that should never need to be replaced, none have been covered by warranty. I have replaced every sway bar twice, the a/c failed, the antenna embedded in the rear window failed, one oxygen sensor, the middle rear brake light wiring broke, 2 catalytic converters failed. and the worst IS I was going through a headlight a month only to discover that the headlights had actually melted the to the connectors on both sides! and now I may have an electrical fault or faulty valve in my a/c unit causing my heat to kick on when the a/c IS turned on. *tr
- Structure
Dash cracked in half (degradation). I found that this IS happening to almost everybody with the mitsubishi eclipse (mine IS a 2001). mitsubishi will not address this problem. this needs to be a recall. *Tr
- Suspension › Front
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mitsubishi eclipse. while the contact's daughter was driving 30 mph, the lower passenger side control arm failed, which caused the entire wheel assembly to separate from the vehicle. the vehicle landed onto the frame. the contact struck two parked vehicles and then…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mitsubishi eclipse. while the contact's daughter was driving 30 mph, the lower passenger side control arm failed, which caused the entire wheel assembly to separate from the vehicle. the vehicle landed onto the frame. the contact struck two parked vehicles and then slid into the third vehicle, which stopped the contact's vehicle because there was no braking ability after the assembly fell off. a police report was filed. the air bags failed to deploy and the vehicle was destroyed. the contact consulted the manufacturer and they stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle; therefore, they would offer no assistance. the vin was unknown. the current and failure mileages were approximately 30,000.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Headlights failure
Improper installation of the original equipment headlight connector can cause increased terminal resistance and overheat the headlight connector.this problem can affect independently either headlight but does not cause simultaneous failure of both headlights. The problem also does not affect front parking lamps.as a…
Improper installation of the original equipment headlight connector can cause increased terminal resistance and overheat the headlight connector.this problem can affect independently either headlight but does not cause simultaneous failure of both headlights. The problem also does not affect front parking lamps.as a result, the complaints typical report single failure of one headlight.there are no crashes or loss of vehicle control reported.a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
- Aluminum alloy wheel denting
See attached report.
- Alloy wheel denting and fracturing
- Front shoulder belt webbing guide
Alleged that the anchor bolt for the front shoulder belt fuide IS loose or mis-installed
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10240443This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
- 10235609This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.
- 10235608This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more than 1.5 percent of the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or 100 lbs.
- 10235606This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
- 10211530This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a defective/broken part.
- 10170852This Technical Service Bulletin updates the door adjustment procedure in the Body Section of the applicable service manuals.
- 10170100This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170099This is an index of Tech Talk newsletter articles released in 2012.
- 10170097This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170096This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170087This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170086This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170074This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170071This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170070This TSB contains troubleshooting steps for diagnosis of various customer complaints relating to the audio system speakers in Mitsubishi vehicles equipped with original equipment audio components.
- 10169006This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10163703This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin supersedes TSB-18-00-003, issued April, 2018, to add updated information for Carrying Capacity Reduced Label.
- 10130469This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10130468This is a message sent to dealers, to inform them that an update for MEDIC will be available.
- 10021743Reprogramming the pcm drivability or sensitivity issues can be corrected.
- 10019047Cruise control system checks - service manual revision.
- 10018368Door glass alignment. Mitsubishi. Tech talk.
- 10017676Clutch release bearing installation.
- 100167542-3 shift flare.
- 10016133Alternator fr terminal voltage - service manual revision.
- 10015818Power train control module (pcm) reprogramming for cold engine misfire / hot soak restart / rough idle. Revision.
- 10014399Cold engine misfire.
- 10014365Top latch set screws.
- 100143592-3 shift flare.
- 10014198Clicking noise at instrument panel.
- 10014193Cold engine misfire.
- 10008910Clock spring installation. Mitsubishi motors. Tech talk. Vol. 88. Nov. 2002.
- 10008908Heated door mirror stickers. Mitsubishi motors tech talk. Vol. 88. Nov. 2002.
- 10008905Fuel pump squeak/groan from rear of vehicle.
- 10007306Powertrain control module (pcm) reprogramming for hot soak restart and rough idle condition (diagnostic trouble code p0300-p0306).
- 10005209The sunroof may judder or vibrate during opening/closing operation.
- 10004455Debris (such as leaves, etc.) entering the front cowl area may clog the evaporator housing drain tube. If this occurs, the evaporator housing may fill up with condensation and overflow into the passenger compartment, and into the blower motor through the cooling tube.
- 10004454Debris (such as leaves, etc) entering the front cowl area may clog the evaporator housing drain tube. If this occurs, the evaporator housing may fill up with condensation and overflow into the passenger compartment, and into the blower motor through the cooling tube.
- 10004453Air conditioning refrigerant pipe replacement.
- 10004450After pulling the hatch release lever and exiting the vehicle, air pressure from closing the door may cause the liftgate to half-latch. The liftgate can then only be opened by pulling the release lever again or using the key in the liftgate lock.
Every Mitsubishi Eclipse model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.