2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse: common problems and reliability

The 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse has 206 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are structure and power train. Owners most often flag *classic models (2nd gen):.

Safety record for the 2003 model year

206
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
29
Crash reports
10
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

structure
49
power train
30
air bags
20
tires
20
visibility
18

Recalls affecting the 2003 Eclipse

fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump

Campaign 03V442000

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 I

equipment:other:labels

Campaign 04V428000

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

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 15V338000

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, t

exterior lighting

Campaign 06E060000

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

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and model type. Feedback on the classic sport coupe models (primarily 2nd generation, 1995-1999) is overwhelmingly positive from enthusiasts, praising its turbocharged performance, all-wheel-drive capability, and tune

  • *Classic Models (2nd Gen):
  • Excessive turbo lag — noted as a significant drawback affecting drivability. Frequency: isolated.
  • Uncomfortable seats — mentioned as a negative point. Frequency: isolated.
  • *Eclipse Cross (2018+):
  • Perceived dangerously slow acceleration / sluggish throttle response — frequently cited, especially in reviews and for FWD models. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Eclipse.

Typical used price

Used Eclipse listings typically run $5,200–$8,410 across 1998 to 2012 model years.

Other Eclipse model years