2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse recalls and problems

The 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse has 7 safety recalls and 308 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mitsubishi dealer.

Recalls
7
Complaints
308
Crashes / fires
14 / 6
Injuries / deaths
14 / 4

Recalls may cover only some 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse 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-295: Steering

Reported Sep 25, 2001 · 25,803 vehicles affected · MITSUBISHI AMERICA

Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles built with v6 engines to federal emission standards. The power steering fluid feed tube can come in contact with an exhaust manifold mounted heat shield causing a hole to be worn through the power steering pipe allowing fluid leakage.

Risk: Leaking power steering fluid can result in a fire and continued loss of fluid will result in a loss of power assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the power steering tube with one having a new routing. Owner notification began november 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 america 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 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.

Recall 99V-333: Electrical System

Reported Nov 23, 1999 · 19,179 vehicles affected · MITSUBISHI AMERICA

Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with v6 engines and federal emission equipment. The battery cable harness can become heat damaged by the front exhaust manifold which could cause grounded circuits.

Risk: This circuit failure could cause any of the following to occur: (1) the engine will not start because the main fuse will blow if the power lead is grounded; (2) the low oil pressure warning lamp will illuminate if the signal wire is grounded; (3) the airconditioning system will become inoperative if the lead to the magnetic clutch is grounded; and (4) the turn signal/hazard lamps will become inoperative if the voltage monitor lead is grounded.

Fix: Dealers will remove and discard a metal manifold bracket (From galant models only - eclipse has no such bracket). Dealers will also inspect the harness. If the harness wires show no damage, the dealer will install a heat insulator along with heat resistant harness clips. If the harness wires do show damage, the dealers will install a new harness with preinstalled integral heat protection.

Recall 99V-305: Visibility, Exterior Lighting

Reported Nov 1, 1999 · 98,817 vehicles affected · MITSUBISHI AMERICA

Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The column switch levers can become loose or break over time.

Risk: Loosening or cracking of the levers can cause directional lamps that do not self-cancel or operate, head lamps that do not turn off, windshield washers that operate continuously and/or windshield wipers that do not operate.

Fix: Dealers will install a redesigned switch.

2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Wheels129
Structure41
Exterior Lighting25
Visibility25
Electrical System22
Power Train19
Tires19
Unknown or Other13
Steering11
Engine and Engine Cooling11
Air Bags11
Suspension11

Most reported parts

  • Wheels › Rim — 93
  • Structure › Body — 14
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 10
  • Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 8
  • Visibility › Windshield — 6
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 6
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 5
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 5

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 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 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse complaints

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

Exterior Lighting · at 140,000 miles · reported Aug 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the turn signal and headlights failed. The contact stated that the high beam failed to operate correctly whether the vehicle was turned or not. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 99V305001 (Exterior Lighting, Visibility). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Suspension · at 100,000 miles · reported Feb 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2000 mitsubishi eclipse. The contact stated that the upper strut tower was severely corroded. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or and independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Electrical System · at 240,185 miles · reported Jul 29, 2020
Also the person that did the sunvisor recall repair gave me a dirty and/ or used passenger side sun visor tether strap assembly. I was also charged 130 dollars for a miscellaneous diagnostic which states could not duplicate customers concern at this time and I would like to have that same 130 dollars refunded back to me and the $160 dollars for air conditioning inspection deducted from the costs of repairs. I had previously taken this vehicle totowsontowne garage in towson md. For service and was informed to have the air conditioning unit serviced by mitsubishi because he could not locate…
Structure · at 130,000 miles · reported Mar 28, 2020
1) a common issue according to the forums and facebook groups, the strut towers rust through which presents a safety issue when considering that the suspension is connected to the steering which could put an individual or others on the road at risk 2) yet another common issue, the dash and associated bezels crack over time. There has been no solution or alternative to complete replacement from anyone, including (I'm sure) mitsubishi.
Electrical System · at 185,000 miles · reported Oct 30, 2018
The 30 amp fuse connection that controls the A/C-heater blower motor, burns out in the fuse block. I have replaced the fuse block 3 times and they end up burning out this circuit. This could easily start an electrical fire should the fuse be faulty and not blow itself out...

Other Mitsubishi Eclipse years

Compare all Mitsubishi Eclipse years · All Mitsubishi models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse: 15V-338 (air bags), 04V-428 (equipment), 01V-295 (steering), 01V-011 (power train), 00V-225 (steering) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse?

Owners report wheels problems most often (129 reports), followed by structure (41). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 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.