2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2002 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 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.
Owner complaints
73 complaints5 involved a crash4 involved a fire7 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
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.
- Structure › Body
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.
- Electrical system
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
- Structure › Body
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…
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 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
- Child seat › Latch connector/clip
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…
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.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
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
- Power train
Transmission stops functioning due to wave/cushion spring failure. *tr
- Electrical system · Fuel system, gasoline
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Vehicle speed control
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
- Fuel system, gasoline
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…
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 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
- Wheels
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…
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
- Wheels · Wheels › Rim
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
- Structure
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…
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 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
- Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Support device/strut · Structure › Body › Trunk lid
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
- Structure
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…
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
- Wheels
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…
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
- Structure · Wheels
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…
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
- Structure
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…
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 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
- Structure
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
- Wheels
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
- Structure
I own a 2002 mitsubishi eclipse GT with a paint-peeling problem. The vehicle has a horrible paint-peeling problem all over the top areas of the car. I bought the car with about 48,000 miles, and the paint problem started about two thousand miles later. I have seen many, many vehicles with the…
I own a 2002 mitsubishi eclipse GT with a paint-peeling problem. The vehicle has a horrible paint-peeling problem all over the top areas of the car. I bought the car with about 48,000 miles, and the paint problem started about two thousand miles later. I have seen many, many vehicles with the same problem as my car. I took my vehicle to a mitsubishi dealership so that they could take pictures and send them in. I received a response about three weeks later saying that they would not do anything to the car because I was not the original owner and the vehicle was out of warranty. the fact that I wasn't the original owner has nothing to do with the paint being a problem on other people's cars. they refuse to accept that the defect IS on their behalf and refuse to fix the problem. my vehicle IS beginning to rust and I am not able to afford the repainting of my car. the vehicle will just continue to rust and become a road hazard that IS out of my control. I take well-above decent care of my vehicles, but there IS nothing I could do about the paint. While it may not be a road hazard or cause in deaths or injuries, it does cause excessive, and unnecessary, rust which would eventually lead to hazardous vehicles, which people cannot afford to fix because they are still paying for the vehicle. thank you for taking the time to read this. chad *tr
- Tires › Sidewall
2002 mitsubishi eclipse had a tire blow out. Consumer states that the vehicle then struck another vehicle and then hit the median wall before coming to a rest on the opposite side of the road. *kb examination of the tire revealed two holes in the sidewall which caused the blowout. The consumer suffered a laceration to her knee. (Ohio traffic crash report # 10-0220-91
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mitsubishi eclipse. the contact stated that the column switch lever became detached while attempting to turn the vehicle. the lever was replaced. the manufacturer stated that his vin was excluded from recall # 99v305001 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer:switch/wiring). the purchase date was unknown. the current mileage IS 83,000 and failure mileage was 72,000.
- Equipment
I bought this car from fowler mitsubishi, norman, ok and every time I run the a/c, the entire drivers side (front & rear) fills up with water. (2 inches deep) no one seems to know or care what to do. *Tr
- Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments
My door handle on the driver's side of my 2002 mitsubishi eclipse GT broke off into my hand when I was opening the door. the door handle appears to have literally snapped in half from inside the door cavity where it was connected. clearly a defective part. my car IS in great shape--i am very…
My door handle on the driver's side of my 2002 mitsubishi eclipse GT broke off into my hand when I was opening the door. the door handle appears to have literally snapped in half from inside the door cavity where it was connected. clearly a defective part. my car IS in great shape--i am very surprised this happened. after talking to a mitsubishi dealer, the handle itself costs about $45; to paint it costs $110; and it's another $150 for labor, for a total of $305 plus tax. not a cost one would expect to incur on a 2002 vehicle. *jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Aluminum alloy wheel denting
See attached report.
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.
- 10014420Special sunroof grease.
- 10014399Cold engine misfire.
- 10014396Mil on hot engine misfire no driveability concerns.
- 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.
- 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.
Every Mitsubishi Eclipse model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.