2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder recalls and problems

The 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder has 8 safety recalls and 81 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mitsubishi dealer.

Recalls
8
Complaints
81
Crashes / fires
6 / 2
Injuries / deaths
4 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder recalls

Recall 15V-338: Air Bags

Reported Jun 2, 2015 · 443,442 vehicles affected · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2000-2005 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 5, 1999, to December 17, 2004, 2001-2005 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured January 19, 2000, to March 18, 2005, 2001-2005 Chrysler Sebring vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 21, 2005, and 2001-2005 Dodge Stratus vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 22, 2005. In the affected vehicles, the passenger side sun visor may be folded down in such a position that, if the passenger frontal air bag deploys, the passenger side sun visor may detach.

Risk: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-15-005. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R30.

Recall 04V-428: Equipment

Reported Sep 1, 2004 · 100,432 vehicles affected · MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN

Problem: Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, 'occupant crash protection.' the bilingual english/spanish removable air bag warning labels affixed to the dash and to the sunvisor do not meet the size requirements of the standard.

Risk: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.

Fix: Mitsubishi caribbean will mail a customer notification letter containing a written description and a graphic of the bi-lingual dashboard air bag warning label. In addition, all current 2000-2004 nativa owners will also receive replacement air bag alert labels for the sun visors. This recall is expected to begin during march or april 2005. The notification to the nativa owners is expected to begin during april or may 2005. Owners should contact mitsubishi caribbean at 1-787-251-8715.

Recall 01V-069: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Mar 8, 2001 · 192 vehicles affected · MITSUBISHI AMERICA

Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A bulge in the fuel tank caused by the manufacturing process resulted in thinning of the material during a welding operation, increasing the risk of fuel leakage.

Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank assembly. Owner notification began march 26, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.

Recall 01V-011: Power Train

Reported Jan 16, 2001 · 277,227 vehicles affected · MITSUBISHI AMERICA

Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. A hose was mis-manufactured and could weaken over time, which could result in leakage of the automatic transmission fluid.

Risk: Fluid leakage from the cooler hoses can cause transaxle driveability problems and smoke if the oil contacts the front exhaust pipe.

Fix: Dealers will replace the hose assembly for the automatic transmission oil cooler. Owner notification mailing will be phased over a five-month period starting march 26, through july 23, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.

Recall 01V-005: Seats

Reported Jan 8, 2001 · 47 vehicles affected · MITSUBISHI AMERICA

Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A number of incorrect driver side seat mounting bolts were installed into vehicles.

Risk: The rear anchor bolts securing the driver's seat may not properly secure the seat and could increase the risk of driver injury in an accident.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the seat mounting bolts and then replace the bolts if necessary. Owner notification began february 15, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.

Recall 00V-320: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Oct 27, 2000 · 10,510 vehicles affected · MITSUBISHI AMERICA

Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The outer layer only of this 3-layer fuel return hose does not contain the desired ozone protection due to a processing error.

Risk: This hose is considered to be inadequate.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel return hose.

Recall 00V-299: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Oct 2, 2000 · 6,037 vehicles affected · MITSUBISHI AMERICA

Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The harness for the crankshaft position sensor could come in contact with a new protective shield causing a grounded circuit.

Risk: Prolonged wiring harness contact with the heat shield will cause the wiring insulation to wear and eventually to ground out. This could cause the engine to die-out, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will re-route the crankshaft position sensor harness.

Recall 00V-225: Steering

Reported Aug 10, 2000 · 228,294 vehicles affected · MITSUBISHI AMERICA

Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A nut in the steering gear assembly was not properly tightened, resulting in symptoms ranging from steering wheel vibration to stiff steering, and in the worst case, no ability to turn left.

Risk: A loss of steering control could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect these vehicles and replace the steering gear assembly if a loose nut connection is found.

2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Wheels37
Power Train11
Structure9
Air Bags8
Visibility5
Engine and Engine Cooling5
Suspension4
Tires4
Exterior Lighting4
Electrical System3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Unknown or Other1

Most reported parts

  • Wheels › Rim — 30
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 4
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 3
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Rear Window — 2
  • Air Bags › Side/Window — 2
  • Suspension › Front — 2
  • Visibility › Windshield — 2
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 42,300 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · reported Jan 18, 2017
The contact owns a 2001 mitsubishi eclipse spyder. The contact stated that the transmission failed due to an internal spring fracturing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who rebuilt the transmission. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 01v011001 (Power train). The dealer and manufacturer had been notified of the failure and indicated that there was no service campaign and recall to provide a solution. The failure mileage was not available.
Electrical System · at 315,000 miles · reported Aug 26, 2015
The contact owns a 2001 mitsubishi eclipse spyder. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a tune up and the failure codes for p0301, p0401, and the EGR appeared. The codes were cleared, but the p0301 failure code reappeared. The vehicle was repaired; however, the vehicle was later taken in for smog inspection and failed. The vehicle was diagnosed for EGR failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician repaired the problem, however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to a dealer but the failure was unable to be duplicated. The…
Visibility/Wiper · at 125,000 miles · reported Jul 23, 2015
The contact owns a 2001 mitsubishi eclipse spyder. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the drivers side sun visor opened independently and struck the contact on the bridge of her nose, breaking her glasses. The contact pulled over and repositioned the sun visor back on the clips. The contact sustained injuries that required medical attention. The failure recurred on several occasions on the driver and passenger side sun visors. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that NHTSA campaign number: 15v338000 (Air bags) did not include…
Power Train · at 110,000 miles · reported Mar 28, 2014
While driving from the highway on an off ramp at 50 MPH, engine (Rpm) started bogging down, then both front tires locked up to a screeching halt. I almost slide off the ramp and almost got rear ended by a semi truck behind me. Front tires were locked up, would not move out of the road and would not come out of gear. Had it towed to repair shop and was quoted $3,000 just to pull the transmission for diagnostics. Was told transmission failed and vehicle would not be worth the money to fix because front strut towers both were rusted. Had vehicle towed home and I will try to perform the repair…
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 148,000 miles · reported Mar 27, 2014
The fuel filler neck rusts severely around the passenger rear tire causing large amounts of fuel to leak on the ground and gasoline vapors to escape. The filler neck assembly is constructed out of metal and includes a large tube/pipe for the fuel to enter the gas tank, as well as several other smaller metal pipes. The filler neck assembly extends from the filler door, which is situated in the rear passenger quarter panel, down and across to the fuel tank which is situated in the undercarriage. There is a particular point where the pipes in the assembly make an approximately 45 degree bend…

Other Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder years

Compare all Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder years · All Mitsubishi models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder: 15V-338 (air bags), 04V-428 (equipment), 01V-069 (fuel system, gasoline), 01V-011 (power train), 01V-005 (seats) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder?

Owners report wheels problems most often (37 reports), followed by power train (11). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 42,300 miles.

Are Mitsubishi recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mitsubishi dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.