2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse

124 federal complaints (158 component records) · 3 recall campaigns on file · 71 service bulletins · 1 Canadian recall
See all 24 model years of the Mitsubishi Eclipse →
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Premium, Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
19 city / 25 hwy
Federal complaints
124
Recall campaigns
3
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Body & structure
32
Power train
22
Glass & wipers
15
Engine & cooling
13
Fuel system
10
Air bags
10
Tires
9
Other
8
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Body & structure

32 complaint records
"BAD PAINT ON 2003 MITSUBISHI. DEALER WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. MITSUBISHI KNOWS THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BAD PAINT AND NEEDS TO FIX ALL COMPLAINTS. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse body & structure parts in the directory →

Power train

22 complaint records2 crash reports
"MY 2003 ECLIPSE GT IS HARD TO DOWN SHIFT INTO 2ND AND 1ST. THE DEALER SAYS THIS IS NORMAL FOR THESE CARS. MY CAR ALSO GRINDS GOING INTO 3RD GEAR SOMETIMES...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Glass & wipers

15 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HATCH BACK AND SUN ROOF HAD WATER LEAKAGE. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse glass & wipers parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
15V338000Air BagsMitsubishi 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,...Normally free
04V428000EquipmentCERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.Normally free
03V442000Fuel System, GasolineON 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.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2015220
2015-05-22
Airbag3,260On certain vehicles, in the event of a collision that warrants a deployment of the front passenger airbag, the deploying airbag could strike the passenger sun visor if it is in the down position.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
DEALER LETTER
Jul 2023
EquipmentThis is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
TSB-23-00-001
Apr 2023
EquipmentThis 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.
TSB-23-00-004
Apr 2023
StructureThis Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.
DEALER LETTER
Apr 2023
EquipmentThis is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
TSB-22-54-003
Apr 2022
Exterior LightingThis 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.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
TT253
Nov 2019
EquipmentThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TSB-19-00-008
Jul 2019
EquipmentThis 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.
MEDICUpdate517
Feb 2018
EquipmentThis is a message sent to dealers, to inform them that an update for MEDIC will be available.
TT237
Feb 2018
EquipmentThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TT218
Aug 2015
WheelsThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TSB-15-54-004
Jul 2015
EquipmentThis 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.
TT217
Jul 2015
SeatsThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TT195
Mar 2013
Electrical SystemThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TTIndex12
Mar 2013
EquipmentThis is an index of Tech Talk newsletter articles released in 2012.
TT194
Feb 2013
SteeringThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TSB-13-42A-002
Jan 2013
StructureThis Technical Service Bulletin updates the door adjustment procedure in the Body Section of the applicable service manuals.
TT193
Jan 2013
StructureThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TT192
Dec 2012
Electrical SystemThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TT191
Nov 2012
Power TrainThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
137
May 2007
Power TrainREPROGRAMMING THE PCM DRIVABILITY OR SENSITIVITY ISSUES CAN BE CORRECTED. *KB
0617001
Jan 2006
Vehicle Speed ControlCRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM CHECKS - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT
0522003
Oct 2005
Power TrainCLUTCH RELEASE BEARING INSTALLATION. *TT
0523004
Jul 2005
Power Train2-3 SHIFT FLARE. *TT
115
Apr 2005
StructureUNPRIMED BUMPER FASCIA TRAIL PERIOD. MITSUBISHI TECH TALK. *TT
0513006
Apr 2005
Electrical SystemALTERNATOR FR TERMINAL VOLTAGE - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT
0513004
Mar 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingPOWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) REPROGRAMMING FOR COLD ENGINE MISFIRE / HOT SOAK RESTART / ROUGH IDLE. REVISION. *TT
0213015R
Feb 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingINCORRECT POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) SOFTWARE PARAMETERS MAY CAUSE A MISFIRE CONDITION WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD, SETTING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0300 THROUGH P0306 IN THE PCM. *TT
0413006
Feb 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingPOWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) REPROGRAMMING FOR HOT SOAK RESTART AND ROUGH IDLE CONDITION (DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0300-P0306). *TT
42A
Dec 2004
VisibilityDOOR GLASS ALIGNMENT. MITSUBISHI. TECH TALK. *TT
06012004
Jun 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingCOLD ENGINE MISFIRE. *EH
05012004
May 2004
Power Train2-3 SHIFT FLARE. *EH
0413003
Mar 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPOWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) REPROGRAMMING FOR HIGH SPEED MISFIRE, SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT AND (DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0300 - P0306). *TT
0342A005
Dec 2003
VisibilityTHE SUNROOF MAY JUDDER OR VIBRATE DURING OPENING/CLOSING OPERATION. *TT
0314002
Dec 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingCORRECTED SPECIFIED ENGINE COOLANT - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT
SC03001
Oct 2003
EquipmentVACUUM HOSE ROUTING DIAGRAM LABEL MUST BE CHANGED- SERVICE CAMPAIGN. *TT
0323006
Oct 2003
Power TrainTORQUE CONVERTER SHUDDER, SURGE, AND/OR VIBRATION (POSSIBLY INTERMITTENT) WHEN DRIVING 35-50 MPH AT STEADY THROTTLE. *TT
0342A004
Oct 2003
Latches/Locks/LinkagesAFTER PULLING THE HATCH RELEASE LEVER AND EXITING THE VEHICLE, AIR PRESSURE FROM CLOSING THE DOOR MAY CAUSE THE LIFTGATE TO HALF-LATCH. THE LIFTGATE CAN THEN ONLY BE OPENED BY PULLING THE RELEASE LEVER AGAIN OR USING THE KEY IN THE LIFTGATE LOCK. *TT
0355006R
Oct 2003
EquipmentAIR CONDITIONING REFRIGERANT PIPE REPLACEMENT. *TT
0355008
Oct 2003
VisibilityDEBRIS (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. *TT
0355008R
Oct 2003
VisibilityDEBRIS (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. *TT
0355006
Jul 2003
EquipmentAIR CONDITIONER REFRIGERANT PIPE REPLACEMENT. *TT
0354007
Jun 2003
Electrical SystemIMMOBILIZER SYSTEM INFORMATION UPDATE (2003 MODELS). *TT
0355005
May 2003
EquipmentAIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR HIGH-PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE PARTS AVAILABILITY. INCLUDING 2004 MODELS. *TT
93
May 2003
Exterior LightingHEADLIGHT BULB CONNECTORS. *TT
0323004
Apr 2003
Power TrainCOLOR VARIATION OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID (AFT) USED IN CERTAIN MITSUBISHI VEHICLES. *TT
0317003
Mar 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingCORRECTED VACUUM HOSE ROUTING DIAGRAMS - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT
0355002
Mar 2003
EquipmentAIR CONDITIONER REFRIGERANT AND AIR CONDITIONER ECU VOLTAGES - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT
0313004
Feb 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingPOWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) REPROGRAMMING FOR HIGH SPEED MISFIRE, SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT AND (DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0300 - P0306). *TT
0313002
Jan 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingPOWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) REPROGRAMMING FOR HOT SOAK RESTART AND ROUGH IDLE CONDITION (DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0300-P0306). *TT
0354001
Jan 2003
Exterior LightingCLEANING PROCEDURE FOR HEADLAMP FOGGING. *TT
0242A019
Dec 2002
VisibilitySUNROOF JUDDER / LACK OF GREASE. *TT
89
Dec 2002
StructureDOOR MIRRORS/DOOR HANDLES PAINT APPEARANCE. *TT
88
Dec 2002
EquipmentHEATED DOOR MIRROR STICKERS. MITSUBISHI MOTORS TECH TALK. VOL. 88. NOV. 2002. *TT
0242A017
Nov 2002
StructureWATER LEAK AT DELTA SASH / SIDE MIRROR. *TT
88
Nov 2002
Air BagsCLOCK SPRING INSTALLATION. MITSUBISHI MOTORS. TECH TALK. VOL. 88. NOV. 2002. *TT
10012002
Oct 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingMIL ON HOT ENGINE MISFIRE NO DRIVEABILITY CONCERNS. *EH
0213017
Sep 2002
Power TrainPOWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) REPROGRAMMING FOR MISFIRE CODE SET WITH NO DRIVEABILITY CONCERNS. *TT
0252A003
Sep 2002
SeatsFRONT SEAT ADJUSTMENT. *TT
09012002
Sep 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingCOLD ENGINE MISFIRE. *EH
0213015
Aug 2002
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE REPROGRAMMING FOR COLD ENGINE MISFIRE. *JG

Showing 60 of 71 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
  2. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  3. Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Mitsubishi Eclipse →