1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
Only 20 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 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 20 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 20 total reports mention: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
1997 MITSIBISHI CONVERTIBLE. BRACKETS ON BOTH SIDES OF CONVERTIBLE TOP HAVE BENT PREVENTING TOP FROM OPENING COMPLETELY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040409
2 of 20 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
THE MANUAL GEAR SHIFTER LOCKED UP IN THE POSITION OF THIRD GEAR, SHIFTER HAS BEEN A CHRONIC PROBLEM SINCE OWNERSHIP, DEALER CLAIMS FAILURE RESULTED IN THE NEED FOR A COMPLETE TRANSMISSION REBUILD AS THE BOTTOM SECTION BROKE OFF AND FELL INTO THE...
NHTSA ODI report, 20001219
2 of 20 total reports mention: power train.
2 of 20 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
THE THRUST WASHER IS WELDED TO THE CRANKSHAFT IN MY CAR. FOR WHATEVER REASON, THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE THRUST WASHERS THAT CAUSE THERE TO BE AN INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF PLAY IN THE CRANKSHAFT. THIS CAUSES WHAT HAD BEEN TERMED THE "CRANKSHAFT WALK".
NHTSA ODI report, 20030506
1 of 20 total reports mentions: wheels.
Show complaint excerpts
THE LEFT FRONT RIGHT FRONT TIRES BLEWOUT ON HIGHWAY DUE TO THE RIMS CUTTING INTO THE TIRES, CAUSING TREAD SEPARATION. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20020903
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE RUBBER BOOTS ON THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, DIRT AND WATER CAN INTRUDE. ALSO, MMC HAS ADD
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT FOR WEAR. BALL JOINTS THAT EXHIBIT WEAR BEYOND THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEWLY DESIGNED LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS. BALL JOIN
Campaign 00V421001 — check if this car was fixed
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 PRE
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.
Campaign 07E055000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 00V421001 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E055000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1997 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 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder?
The most-reported component is structure:body:roof and pillars, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.