2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder recalls and problems

The 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder has 2 safety recalls and 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mitsubishi dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

5 / 1

Injuries / deaths

4 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 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.

2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Wheels	8
Structure	4
Air Bags	3
Visibility	2
Fuel System, Other	2
Tires	2
Power Train	2
Suspension	1
Electrical System	1
Engine and Engine Cooling	1
Seat Belts	1
Service Brakes	1

Most reported parts

Wheels › Rim — 6
Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 2
Fuel System, Other › Fuel Injection System — 2
Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars — 1
Air Bags › Side/Window — 1
Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 1
Suspension › Rear — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 38,000 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 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder complaints

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

Power Train · at 138,000 miles · reported Jun 9, 2022

The contact owns a 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power inadvertently. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle instead started reversing unintendedly. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys, where it was diagnosed that the power train needed to be reprogrammed and other repairs…

Air Bags · at 73,500 miles · reported Sep 16, 2011

The contact owns a 2002 mitsubishi eclipse spyder. The contact stated that he approached an intersection driving 15 MPH when he was involved in a crash. The air bags did not deploy and the seat belt did not restrain him. Both vehicles were inoperable and were towed from the scene. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact sustained three cracked ribs and was transported to the hospital. The police were also contacted and a report was filed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 73,500. Mitsubishi was called with same info. Updated 11/03/2011

Wheels · at 69,050 miles · reported Mar 28, 2011

Under normal driving conditions, tire began losing air. Took to the tire dealer and no tire problem was found. Two weeks later tire would hold no air, returned to the tire dealer and they found that the wheel was cracked and would not allow the tire to hold air. I had to purchase a new wheel and a new tire since riding on low / no air damaged the tire.

Structure · at 38,000 miles · reported Jan 26, 2010

The contact owns a 2002 mitsubishi eclipse spyder. While driving approximately 45 MPH the driver observed that the dashboard cover sustained excessive cracks. The manufacturer was notified of the defect; however, the part was unavailable. The vehicle has not been repaired due to the unavailability and uncertainty of the part. The failure mileage was 38,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling · reported Jan 12, 2010

The contact owns a 2002 mitsubishi eclipse spyder convertible. The vehicle exploded while driving approximately 45 MPH and the driver was killed as a result. The contact was not given a diagnosis as to what caused the vehicle to explode. A police report is available if needed. The mitsubishi manufacturer has not been notified. The failure mileage was unknown. Updated 1/28/10 the consumer nor the decedent her husband owned the vehicle. The consumer husband died trying to help the other occupant who did own the vehicle that caught on fire. According to the police report, the vehicle ran off the…

Other Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder years

2009 2008 2007 2005 2004 200320022001 2000

Compare all Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder years · All Mitsubishi models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder: 15V-338 (air bags), 04V-428 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder?

Owners report wheels problems most often (8 reports), followed by structure (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 38,000 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.