2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Wheels:rim (6) · Structure (3) · Wheels (2)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (1)
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module 2015-06-02 · campaign 15V338000 · 443,442 vehicles
Defect: 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 vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 22, 2005. In the affected vehicles, the passenger side sun visor may be folded down in such a po
Risk: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
Fix: 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.
Service bulletins (103)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual 2023-07-21 · DEALER LETTER · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this is a dealer letter sent to dealers informing that mitsubishi technical training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
Structure 2023-04-24 · TSB-23-00-004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this technical service bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.
Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual 2023-04-24 · TSB-23-00-001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this 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.
Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual 2023-04-21 · DEALER LETTER · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this is a dealer letter sent to dealers informing that mitsubishi technical training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
Unknown Or Other 2022-04-07 · TSB-22-54-003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this 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.
Equipment 2019-11-26 · TT253 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this is a service newsletter (tech talk) that was sent out to dealers.
Showing the 6 most recent of 103 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2022-06-09 · Steering · 138,000 mi“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 st…”
2011-09-16 · Seat Belts · 73,500 mi · 💥 crash“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…”
2011-03-28 · Wheels · 69,050 mi“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 th…”
2010-01-26 · Structure · 38,000 mi“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…”
2010-01-12 · Engine And Engine Cooling · 💥 crash · 🔥 fire“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 mileag…”
2008-03-07 · Structure“incidents: the convertible top leaks and the seatbelts get completely soaked with water every time it rains especially in downpours. *tr…”
2007-05-09 · Electrical System · 69,000 mi“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.…”
2006-06-17 · Suspension:rear · 35,000 mi“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 t…”
2005-09-08 · Structure“cracking dashbord on 2002 mitsubishi eclipse spider .no incident yet,could happen driving with the top down. *nm…”
2005-06-09 · Fuel System, Other:fuel Injection System · 44,000 mi“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…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.