MYRModel Year Report

1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

○ Not enough data
1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:51:23.496Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
20

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1995: 2 complaints 1995 1996: 5 complaints 1997: 20 complaints 1997 20 1998: 16 complaints 1999: 11 complaints 1999 2000: 3 complaints 2001: 81 complaints 2001 2002: 24 complaints 2003: 27 complaints 2003 2004: 6 complaints 2005: 2 complaints 2005 2007: 22 complaints 2008: 16 complaints 2008 2009: 7 complaints
1995: 2 complaints 1995 1996: 5 complaints 1996 1997: 20 complaints 1997 20 1998: 16 complaints 1998 1999: 11 complaints 1999 2000: 3 complaints 2000 2001: 81 complaints 2001 2002: 24 complaints 2002 2003: 27 complaints 2003 2004: 6 complaints 2004 2005: 2 complaints 2005 2007: 22 complaints 2007 2008: 16 complaints 2008 2009: 7 complaints 2009
1995: 2 complaints 1995 1996: 5 complaints 1996 1997: 20 complaints 1997 20 1998: 16 complaints 1998 1999: 11 complaints 1999 2000: 3 complaints 2000 2001: 81 complaints 2001 2002: 24 complaints 2002 2003: 27 complaints 2003 2004: 6 complaints 2004 2005: 2 complaints 2005 2007: 22 complaints 2007 2008: 16 complaints 2008 2009: 7 complaints 2009

1997: 20 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19952
19965
199720
199816
199911
20003
200181
200224
200327
20046
20052
200722
200816
20097

Known problem areas

Only 20 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Power train

7 of 20 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing floor shift assembly and driveline.

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, 2000-12-19

Structure

5 of 20 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing roof and pillars and body.

Show complaint excerpts

1997 mitsibishi convertible. Brackets on both sides of convertible top have bent preventing top from opening completely.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-09

Engine and engine cooling

4 of 20 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and emission control.

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, 2003-05-06

Tires

2 of 20 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.

Wheels

1 of 20 total reports mentions: wheels, most commonly citing rim.

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-03

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2001-04-02Suspension00V421001 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 00V421001 · Suspension
  • Recall 07E055000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 power train, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.