2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Mitsubishi › Eclipse Spyder › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2003 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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
27 complaints5 involved a crash3 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Power train · Structure › Body
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.
- Air bags · Unknown or other · Visibility/wiper
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…
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. 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.
- Air bags
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…
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 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
- Tires · Wheels
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…
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 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.
- Tires › Tread/belt
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…
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.
- Engine
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.
- Structure
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…
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
- Air bags
Drivers airbag deployed while turning into a parking space. Airbag deployment caused bruising and lacerations to neck and chest. *tr
- Structure › Body
Passenger side door by side mirror water leaks in. water fouls down the interior of the car and makes a puddle infront of passenger seat. There are no cracks loose seals that could be found or seen. It seems as if the pounding of water on the side causes water to leak in. *tr
- Tires
I had a nail in my tire and went to have it fixed. Upon removing tire the tech informed me and showed me that the inner part of the good year tire 215/50r17 was cracked. I had tire replaced with 2007 good year tire I had saved from my last purchase, that had side wall issues also. I replaced all…
I had a nail in my tire and went to have it fixed. Upon removing tire the tech informed me and showed me that the inner part of the good year tire 215/50r17 was cracked. I had tire replaced with 2007 good year tire I had saved from my last purchase, that had side wall issues also. I replaced all tires with another brand, did not keep the tires. My previous tires when I purchased the vehicle 2003 were also good year and they had dry-rot ( I was led to believe at the time) I got them with the vehicle when I purchased the vehicle. all four tires were replaced at that time 2007 with another set of good year 215/50r17. Now I have dunlops 215/50r17 purchased 7/21/2011 hoping to do better. I hope that this information IS of help in possibly preventing a serious injury to someone. updated 09/06/11 *tr
- Structure
My mitsubishi spyder 03 started having some white/ yellow spotting about a year ago, and the last few months getting worse, looking like the pain IS also cracking in some spots. I am real anal about waxing my car, always clean, always looking nice. and now my car looks like crud. Paint fading, and cracking.. *Tr
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
My ac IS leaking into the driver's side just above the gas pedal. The leak IS occurring where the ac connects to the fire wall. The connection IS square and the leak IS coming from the bottom of the square. It occurs everytime I use my ac. I just noticed it about 7 months ago but have only had the…
My ac IS leaking into the driver's side just above the gas pedal. The leak IS occurring where the ac connects to the fire wall. The connection IS square and the leak IS coming from the bottom of the square. It occurs everytime I use my ac. I just noticed it about 7 months ago but have only had the car 10 months. I am sure I didn't notice it before because I wasn't using my ac during the winter. I am trying to determine if there has been a recall for this defect. *Tr
- Structure
Paint on hood, trunk and fenders IS peeling, cracking, coming off. continues to worsen. mitsubishi IS aware of the "defect", and state they are not mandated to fix it. upon doing some research, I am learning that there are hundreds of mistibishis (all black in color, like mine) that are having this problem. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Rotted fuel filler neck. Evap code and fuel leak during refueling. No parts available due to high demand. *Tr
- Unknown or other
Dash IS cracking into multible pieces due to poor manufacturing material/standards. Pieces could become dangerious projectiles in a collision. *cn
- Structure › Body
The paint IS coming off on select areas on my 2003 eclipse syder gts. I am not the only person that has had this problem or documented it yet nothing seems to be happening to resolve it. If mitsubishi cut corners in the painting of these cars and it backfired then they need to fix the problem. They gambled and lost. It seems to be dominant in the 2003 black eclipses. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi eclipse spyder. the vehicle shut off when it was started. while driving 55 mph and above, the vehicle stalled. when starting the vehicle from a complete stop, the vehicle would stall, but could eventually be restarted. the vehicle was taken to the dealer…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi eclipse spyder. the vehicle shut off when it was started. while driving 55 mph and above, the vehicle stalled. when starting the vehicle from a complete stop, the vehicle would stall, but could eventually be restarted. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the fuel pump and filter failed, which prevented fuel from reaching the engine. both components were replaced, but the failure still occurred. the vehicle IS currently with the dealer. the powertrain, dealer information, and purchase date were unavailable. the current mileage was 175,000 and failure mileage was 100,000.
- Unknown or other
Approximately 1-year ago, I purchased a 2003 mitsubishi eclipse syder form a dealership with approximately 65,000 miles on it. I checked the records and contacted the original owner of this vehicle and everything was in order. the car was well maintained and serviced. when I purchased this car…
Approximately 1-year ago, I purchased a 2003 mitsubishi eclipse syder form a dealership with approximately 65,000 miles on it. I checked the records and contacted the original owner of this vehicle and everything was in order. the car was well maintained and serviced. when I purchased this car it had a minor crack in the dash board. it was about 1 inch long. weeks later, it grew. also other cracks started to appear. while in the grocery store parking lot, I parked next to another spyder and noticed it's dash was cracked in the exact same locations. afterwards, I noticed that every mitsubishi eclipse 2003 and newer have cracked dash boards in the same location. I researched on the internet and found websites and message boards where owners of mitsubishi eclipses complain about cracking dashboards. I took my car to the local mitsubishi service department. the service manger told me to contact mitsubishi USA. he said this problem IS endemic of mitsubishi eclipses and spyders due to a defect in the material the dash IS made of and the way the dash board IS mounted to the frame of the car. there IS no after-market solution. a new dashboard (installation and parts) at a discount IS over $1,000. mitsubishi USA will not help me. they say this IS because my car IS out of warranty. I am not seeking warranty work. other vehicle manufacturers make "dash caps" - molded ABS plastic covers to fix this type of problem. no such product IS made for this vehicle. further, mitsubishi USA wants me to pay $1000.00 for the same defective part that will crack the same way. mitsubishi says they are not aware of this problem and this IS not a "defect". the also state there IS no recall on this issue. I would like to keep my car, but the dash board IS falling apart. this IS very unusual and unsafe. because my car IS a convertible, if water gets into the dash board, my electronic components could short out (including my airbags, horn, lights, etc.) please help! *jb
- Electrical system
TL* - the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi eclipse spider. the contact was driving at 25 - 30 mph on a nice day when the vehicle caught on fire. she stated that the wiring harness and the alternator were the source of the fire. this happened on december 23, 2006. the contact heard a noise…
TL* - the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi eclipse spider. the contact was driving at 25 - 30 mph on a nice day when the vehicle caught on fire. she stated that the wiring harness and the alternator were the source of the fire. this happened on december 23, 2006. the contact heard a noise, the vehicle lurched forward, lost power, and coasted out of traffic. she stated that the horn began honking, and she noticed that the vehicle was on fire. she could see flames coming out from the vehicle. the fire extinguished by itself before the fire department arrived. to date the dealership had been unable to tell her what caused the fire. the current and failure mileage were both 120,000. *ak
- Unknown or other
I have a black 2003 spyder gts and the clear coat IS bubbling and turning white. it started on the hood and has progressed to the trunk, the entire passenger side, the front windshield trim and the spoiler. the problem started in june 06 and continues. the dealer attempted to repair the hood. I…
I have a black 2003 spyder gts and the clear coat IS bubbling and turning white. it started on the hood and has progressed to the trunk, the entire passenger side, the front windshield trim and the spoiler. the problem started in june 06 and continues. the dealer attempted to repair the hood. I talked to the dealer and they want me to wait, IS this some kind of ploy to allow the warranty to expire; therefore avoiding warranty work? it keeps getting worse and I'm trying to get them to correct a manufacturer's defect. I have been a loyal mitsubishi customer (5) but obviously they are not loyal to their customers. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling
Engine mounts are defective, car IS exhibiting signs of power failure. *Jb
- Tires › Sidewall
One of my goodyear eagle rsa p215/50/r17 tires had a nail in the traid of the tire. When I took it to goodyear to my surprise there was a crack in the inside sidewall that would have blown out on the road. There was no cracking on the outside so I had no idea.
- Electrical system
Nar 02/13/2003. The consumer experienced intermittent starting problems. the vehicle would crank but would catch to start. In addition, sometimes as the consumer traveled down a hill the vehicle was just shut off by itself, it would take at least 30 seconds for the vehicle to start again. it…
Nar 02/13/2003. The consumer experienced intermittent starting problems. the vehicle would crank but would catch to start. In addition, sometimes as the consumer traveled down a hill the vehicle was just shut off by itself, it would take at least 30 seconds for the vehicle to start again. it took the dealer several tries to duplicate the consumer problem. The dealer stated the problem was associated with the fuse box, fuel pump relay, prongs and wires which came from the fuse box to shut the relay off so the vehicle would run out of gas, they also had to order a engine harness. *Jb
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
While backing out of the driveway, the accelerator pedal became stuck and the brakes did not work.*mr the consumer hopes mitsubishi becomes aware of the problem occurring with their cars. *Cb *jb
- Visibility › Glass, side/rear
Rear window shattered while parked in covered parking. unknown cause and no indentation (point of impact). *Ak
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.
- 10007307Power train control module (pcm) reprogramming for high speed misfire, service engine soon light and (diagnostic trouble code p0300 - p0306).
- 10005271Corrected specified engine coolant - service manual revision.
- 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.
Every Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.