2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 0 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 2 |
| 1990 | 47 |
| 1991 | 55 |
| 1992 | 49 |
| 1993 | 37 |
| 1994 | 35 |
| 1995 | 307 |
| 1996 | 159 |
| 1997 | 136 |
| 1998 | 129 |
| 1999 | 120 |
| 2000 | 308 |
| 2001 | 209 |
| 2002 | 73 |
| 2003 | 124 |
| 2004 | 14 |
| 2005 | 6 |
| 2006 | 99 |
| 2007 | 107 |
| 2008 | 71 |
| 2009 | 42 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 8 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
26% of complaints: structure — 32 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and door.
18% of complaints: power train — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing clutch assembly and manual transmission.
CRASH INJURY10% of complaints: visibility — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sun/moon roof assembly and windshield.
10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and emission control.
FIRE8% of complaints: air bags — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED CAUSED ME TO VEER OFF TO THE RIGHT FOR SAFETY.PASSENGER VISOR FLEW OFF HIT MY ARM AND FLEW OUT WINDOW.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180111
Also filed under VISIBILITY/WIPER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT BODY SHOP FOR FURTHER INSPECTION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150922
THE DAY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED DRIVER APPLIED PRESSURE TO BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE FISHTAILED ACROSS THE ROAD. VEHICLE WENT AIRBORNE, AND FLIPPED OVER INTO A DITCH. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE AIR BAGS ALSO DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030806
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER S
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE RE
Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
Campaign 06E060000 — 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 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V428000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V442000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E060000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V338000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.