1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1996
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1996: 5 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 2 |
| 1996 | 5 |
| 1997 | 20 |
| 1998 | 16 |
| 1999 | 11 |
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 81 |
| 2002 | 24 |
| 2003 | 27 |
| 2004 | 6 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2007 | 22 |
| 2008 | 16 |
| 2009 | 7 |
Known problem areas
Only 5 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Wheels
1 of 5 total reports mentions: wheels, most commonly citing rim.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving home from school on a major hig way when I heard an aweful noise coming from under my car, it sounded as if I was dragging something. I got off at the next exit and lookedf under my car but there was nothing there so I continued home.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-05-23
Suspension
1 of 5 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing lower ball joint.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving at normal speed right ball joint broke. As a result, consumer's vehicle was involved in a collision.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-14
Seats
1 of 5 total reports mentions: seats.
Show complaint excerpts
Passenger seat only locks in one position. If you think the seat is locked and it's not, the seat does move/slide backward and forward as you are driving. You must hear the "Locked in place noise" Or it is not locked!!!!
NHTSA ODI report, 2009-05-29
Electrical system
1 of 5 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing interior/under dash.
Show complaint excerpts
I had parked this auto and went inside to sleep- was awaken by horn going off in auto- went out to see what was going on and when I open the door all I saw was a blast of smoke that hit me in the face.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-07-16
Air bags
1 of 5 total reports mentions: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
The accident was a near head on collision with other vehicle (Chevrolet blazer) traveling approximately 40-50 MPH. Neither air bag deployed although entire front of car was destroyed. Car was considered totalled by insurance company.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-02-19
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
2000-08-02Recall queryClosed 2001-04-20 Lower contrtol arm ball joint
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R
2007-11-19Fuel system, gasoline07E055000 Certain airtex fuel pump module assemblies, p/n E7081H, sold for use as replacement equipment for the vehicles listed above. The wall of the flared fitting of the fuel pump is not thick enough to…
Remedy: Airtex will notify owners and replace the fuel pumps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2007. Owners can contact airtex automotive at 800-880-3056.
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Wheels: 1 report on file for this year.
- Suspension: 1 report on file for this year.
- Seats: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 07E055000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder?
- The most-reported component is wheels, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.