2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
Only 27 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 27 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 27 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 27 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DRIVERS AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE. AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT CAUSED BRUISING AND LACERATIONS TO NECK AND CHEST. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20130415
3 of 27 total reports mention: structure.
CRASH FIRE INJURY3 of 27 total reports mention: structure.
2 of 27 total reports mention: tires.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
ON NOVEMBER 28, 2015 MY PASSENGER FRONT TIRE EXPLOSIVELY FAILED COMING OUT OF A LEFT TURN AT ABOUT 25 MPH CAUSING MY CAR TO DROP AND SWERVE, CRASHING INTO A TALL STREET CURB AND STORM SEWER DRAIN CAUSING $2000 DAMAGE TO MY CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160322
2 of 27 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPIDER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT 25 - 30 MPH ON A NICE DAY WHEN THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. SHE STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS AND THE ALTERNATOR WERE THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070326
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP PRESSURE. THOSE VEHICLES EXHIBITING HIGHER THAN NORMAL FUEL PUMP PRESSURE WILL RECEIVE FUEL PUMP MODIFICATIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN DECEMBER 3, 2003. OWNERS SHO
Campaign 03V442000 — check if this car was fixed
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Remedy: MMNA will notify their owners, and Chrysler will notify the Chrysler and Dodge owners. Dealers will install a tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015.
Campaign 15V338000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.
Remedy: MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN WILL MAIL A CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION LETTER CONTAINING A WRITTEN DESCRIPTION AND A GRAPHIC OF THE BI-LINGUAL DASHBOARD AIR BAG WARNING LABEL.
Campaign 04V428000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V428000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V442000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V338000 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2003 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 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder have?
3 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.