2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mitsubishi › Eclipse Spyder › 2002
These records cover every 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. 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 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
24 complaints5 involved a crash1 involved a fire4 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train · Service brakes · Steering
The contact owns a 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power inadvertently. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving and…
The contact owns a 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power inadvertently. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle instead started reversing unintendedly. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys, where it was diagnosed that the power train needed to be reprogrammed and other repairs needed to be completed. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was locked and the brake pedal was firm. The traction control and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was not drivable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
- Air bags · Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mitsubishi eclipse spyder. The contact stated that he approached an intersection driving 15 mph when he was involved in a crash. the air bags did not deploy and the seat belt did not restrain him. Both vehicles were inoperable and were towed from the scene. the vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mitsubishi eclipse spyder. The contact stated that he approached an intersection driving 15 mph when he was involved in a crash. the air bags did not deploy and the seat belt did not restrain him. Both vehicles were inoperable and were towed from the scene. the vehicle was destroyed. The contact sustained three cracked ribs and was transported to the hospital. The police were also contacted and a report was filed. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 73,500. mitsubishi was called with same info. Updated 11/03/2011 *ln *tr
- Wheels
Under normal driving conditions, tire began losing air. took to the tire dealer and no tire problem was found. two weeks later tire would hold no air, returned to the tire dealer and they found that the wheel was cracked and would not allow the tire to hold air. I had to purchase a new wheel and a new tire since riding on low / no air damaged the tire. *tr
- Structure
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mitsubishi eclipse spyder. While driving approximately 45 mph the driver observed that the dashboard cover sustained excessive cracks. The manufacturer was notified of the defect; however, the part was unavailable. The vehicle has not been repaired due to the unavailability and uncertainty of the part. The failure mileage was 38,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mitsubishi eclipse spyder convertible. The vehicle exploded while driving approximately 45 mph and the driver was killed as a result. The contact was not given a diagnosis as to what caused the vehicle to explode. A police report IS available if needed. The mitsubishi…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mitsubishi eclipse spyder convertible. The vehicle exploded while driving approximately 45 mph and the driver was killed as a result. The contact was not given a diagnosis as to what caused the vehicle to explode. A police report IS available if needed. The mitsubishi manufacturer has not been notified. The failure mileage was unknown. updated 1/28/10 *cn the consumer nor the decedent her husband owned the vehicle. The consumer husband died trying to help the other occupant who did own the vehicle that caught on fire. According to the police report, the vehicle ran off the roadway on the left into the median. The vehicle then re-entered the roadway and ran off the roadway on the left a second time. The vehicle struck the median barrier cable face and a bridge pier. The vehicle then came to rest in the median facing north after the collision. updated 02/03/10
- Structure
Incidents: the convertible top leaks and the seatbelts get completely soaked with water every time it rains especially in downpours. *Tr
- Electrical system
Mitsubishi paint problem! 2002 mitsubishi eclipse, black. the paint has faided white into huge patches on the hood and trunk. a shame mitsubishi has such a paint problem from the earlier 2000's and will not do anything about it.
- Suspension › Rear
I bought the car in apr. 2002 and since then have only put 40K miles on it. There was a squeaky noise from the suspension when I bought it but the dealership said it IS nothing. Now, the car shakes at speeds of 60 mph and more and if brakes are applied at the same time, it shakes almost as if it IS…
I bought the car in apr. 2002 and since then have only put 40K miles on it. There was a squeaky noise from the suspension when I bought it but the dealership said it IS nothing. Now, the car shakes at speeds of 60 mph and more and if brakes are applied at the same time, it shakes almost as if it IS going to fall apart. Diagnosis has revealed that the rear control arm bushings are resulting in this problem. I have asked to replace the entire rear control arm. I would like to request nhtsa to investigate for possible manufacturing faults. *jb
- Structure
Cracking dashbord on 2002 mitsubishi eclipse spider .no incident yet,could happen driving with the top down. *nm
- Fuel system, other › Fuel injection system
My check engine light came on and my car felt wobbly. I took it to my mechanic who said there was a misfire which could mean I needed new spark plugs but shouldn't until 60,000; I only have 44,000 miles on my car. he replaced all six spark plugs but that did not fix the problem so he replaced…
My check engine light came on and my car felt wobbly. I took it to my mechanic who said there was a misfire which could mean I needed new spark plugs but shouldn't until 60,000; I only have 44,000 miles on my car. he replaced all six spark plugs but that did not fix the problem so he replaced the wires, cap and rotor, the check engine light was still on so he did a compression test and said my 6TH piston was not holding compression and this was a bigger problem so I should take it to the dealership. I took it to miller mitsubishi and they said there was a misfire and my 6TH piston was not holding compression. My warranty expired. they said there are dents on the 6TH piston from something being dropped into the engine therefore that IS why it won't hold compression and I need a new engine block. The only work I ever had done prior to this was oil changes every 3,000 miles. they want me to pay for a new engine at 44,000 miles. my car IS still at the dealership.
- Wheels › Rim
I own a 2002 mitsubishi eclipse spyder GT. I was in a relatively minor car accident. About 2 months ofter the accident and repairs had been made, one of my tires could not hold tire pressure. I had the tires replaced on the vehicle. The same tire continued to go flat. I inspected the factory 17"…
I own a 2002 mitsubishi eclipse spyder GT. I was in a relatively minor car accident. About 2 months ofter the accident and repairs had been made, one of my tires could not hold tire pressure. I had the tires replaced on the vehicle. The same tire continued to go flat. I inspected the factory 17" alloy rim and I found a crack in the rim. I inspected the other rims as well and noticed similar smaller cracks forming. I do not now if the cracks are due to the accident or due to faulty workmanship. A well made rim would not have cracked due to a relativley minor impact. accident report on file hamilton twp police. Accident not caused due to failure of the rim.*ak
- Tires · Wheels › Rim
My car started shaking at speeds of 15 to 20 mph and pulling hard to the right. when I took the car into the dealership they informed me that I must have "hit something at a fast speed because my rim was severly bent. then they proceeded to tell me there were several other problems wrong. the…
My car started shaking at speeds of 15 to 20 mph and pulling hard to the right. when I took the car into the dealership they informed me that I must have "hit something at a fast speed because my rim was severly bent. then they proceeded to tell me there were several other problems wrong. the car was almost at 48,000 miles. I paid out of pocket, simply taking their word for it. then I kept losing air out of another tire on the opposite side. at this time I figured it was the tire that I purchased a few months earlier. I had the tech. Take a look at it and he showed me that there were several cracks in the rim which were allowing the air in the tire to leak. once again I bought the car to the dealership where I had to spend another $230 to get a new rim. I have had several cars in my life and never once had to replace one rim let alone 2 and in a period of 2 months. I think someone needs to look into this. this IS not only expensive but extremely dangerous. I think that the manufacturer should have a recall on these rims and refund the customers that had to pay out of pocket.*ak
- Wheels › Rim
Since purchasing this vehicle in september of 2001, I have replaed 7 rims. the first time I had a problem with one of my rims, I thought nothing of it. the manufacturer informed me that the rim was not covered under warranty. the cost of replacing the rim was a little over $200.00. when this…
Since purchasing this vehicle in september of 2001, I have replaed 7 rims. the first time I had a problem with one of my rims, I thought nothing of it. the manufacturer informed me that the rim was not covered under warranty. the cost of replacing the rim was a little over $200.00. when this happened 2 more times, I had different feelings about it. Prior to this, I have never had to replace a rim in my life. one time, when I brought the car back to the manufacturer, the service shop told me that there was a girl who just came into the shop who blew out 2 rims on her vehicle. it IS apparent that this IS a manufacturer's efect. this IS not only expensive, but it IS also dangerous. I have reached out to mitsubishi several times about this with very little success.*ak
- Wheels › Rim
While driving the driver heard a loud noise coming from the rear. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. consumer noticed that the passenger rear rim was bent. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed consumer that the rim was cracked ,and needed to be replaced. *ak
- Wheels › Rim
While driving the consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed the consumer that the front passenger rim was cracked and needed to be replaced. please provide further details. *jb
- Wheels
Aluminum wheel cracked in the front drivers side this problem had been under investigation by nhtsa and the investigation was concluded.*ak
- Power train › Clutch assembly
I drive an 02 mitsubishi eclipse-spyder GT. Here IS my complaint: clutch IS gone and the car IS not even 2.5 years old. I've driven a manual for over 10 years. Drove a VW, honda, mb, etc. Never had a problem. I don't race and don't burn the clutch. At about 25K my clutch started to go out. Now the…
I drive an 02 mitsubishi eclipse-spyder GT. Here IS my complaint: clutch IS gone and the car IS not even 2.5 years old. I've driven a manual for over 10 years. Drove a VW, honda, mb, etc. Never had a problem. I don't race and don't burn the clutch. At about 25K my clutch started to go out. Now the car won't move at all. I know a lot of owners, especially with the V6 have the same problem. And spending $1500 on a clutch that will wear out in two years IS not an option. My hope IS that mitsubishi would recall this defective clutch and reimburse those who had to pay out of their own pocket for a defective product that should never exist on a brand new car. Please stop this problem as I know only more people would have to pay a lot of money on a still defective clutch. Make them stop please! *jb
- Visibility › Glass, side/rear
Rear window shattered while driving on highway.*ak
- Air bags
It appears passenger side air bag may not have deployed. *la
- Tires · Wheels › Rim
Vehicle ran over a wooden block resulting in passenger front tire ripping and cracking rim.*mr
- Air bags › Side/window
The vehicle was involved in a side impact accident, and the side air bags failed to deploy.*jb
- Fuel system, other › Fuel injection system
My "service engine soon" light came on, there was a "miss" in the engine and when tested by the dealership determined that I had a "bad" spark plug so did a replacement. I picked it up drove about 5 miles and the "service engine soon" light came on again. I immediately returned it to the…
My "service engine soon" light came on, there was a "miss" in the engine and when tested by the dealership determined that I had a "bad" spark plug so did a replacement. I picked it up drove about 5 miles and the "service engine soon" light came on again. I immediately returned it to the dealership. They determined the same problem and replaced the spark plug again. Also indicating that the computer rom had to be updated. When the "service engine soon" light came on yet again I called the dealership and was told that I had to wait until april when the "update" IS available. In the mean time, the "service engine soon" light IS on, there IS a terrible miss & my gas mileage IS crummy. I am very concerned about further damage to my engine and am getting nowhere with either the dealership or mitsubishi corporation.
- Visibility › Glass, side/rear
Rear window broke and fell out without warning while driving on highway.*ak jb
- Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
The boot cover for the convertible top blew off two times onto the highway behind me on a recent trip to houston, tx. after passing a u-haul and noticing that the boot cover was about to blow off again, I immediately pulled off the highway, removed the boot cover and placed it in the trunk. this…
The boot cover for the convertible top blew off two times onto the highway behind me on a recent trip to houston, tx. after passing a u-haul and noticing that the boot cover was about to blow off again, I immediately pulled off the highway, removed the boot cover and placed it in the trunk. this could have caused a major accident if the cover had blown off in the path of a vehicle following me. I dread to think what might have happened if the cover had blown off in the path of the u-haul I was passing.*ak
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.
- 10018371Topstack latch set screws. Mitsubishi. Tech talk.
- 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.
- 10015334Convertible top latch replacement.
- 10015219Topstack latch set screws.
- 10014396Mil on hot engine misfire no driveability concerns.
- 10008910Clock spring installation. Mitsubishi motors. Tech talk. Vol. 88. Nov. 2002.
- 10008908Heated door mirror stickers. Mitsubishi motors tech talk. Vol. 88. Nov. 2002.
- 10007836New convertible top service parts.
- 10007306Powertrain control module (pcm) reprogramming for hot soak restart and rough idle condition (diagnostic trouble code p0300-p0306).
- 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.
- 10004448Torque converter shudder, surge, and/or vibration (possibly intermittent) when driving 35-50 mph at steady throttle.
- 10004443Vacuum hose routing diagram label must be changed- service campaign.
- 10003407Air conditioner refrigerant pipe replacement.
Every Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.