2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse recalls and problems

The 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse has 2 safety recalls and 73 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mitsubishi dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
73
Crashes / fires
5 / 4
Injuries / deaths
7 / 0

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

2002 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.

2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Wheels30
Structure16
Tires6
Electrical System5
Power Train4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4
Exterior Lighting3
Air Bags2
Engine and Engine Cooling2
Visibility2
Fuel System, Gasoline2
Fuel System, Other1

Most reported parts

  • Wheels › Rim — 20
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 2
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 2
  • Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood — 2
  • Tires › Sidewall — 2
  • Structure › Body — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 45,593 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 complaints

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

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 185,000 miles · reported Sep 1, 2015
The contact owns a 2002 mitsubishi eclipse. The contact stated that upon refueling the vehicle, fuel leaked out through the fuel neck due to rust. The contact also stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 185,000.
Structure · at 200,000 miles · reported Jul 29, 2015
The contact owns a 2002 mitsubishi eclipse. While in park, the contact noticed that there were multiple fractures across the dashboard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Electrical System · at 70,000 miles · reported Dec 10, 2014
Caught fire over night while parked in my drive way. Woke up the following morning to find the dash board melted, windows smoked out, front windshield cracked and driver side door burnt.
Structure · reported Jul 29, 2014
The dashboard on my 2002 mitsubishi eclipse cracked several years ago. I had no idea what had happened, as I was not involved in an accident. I had assumed that it possibly got too hot from the sun one day. I was appalled to hear that this is a common problem. Parts of a car should not break in two or three pieces. Mitsubishi should take responsibility for their issues. I have to take a bite in the value of the vehicle, the funds should come out of mitsubishi's pocket, not mine! I also AM having issues with the paint on the spoiler. The paint has strangely disappeared and the part has turned…
Child Seat · reported Jul 25, 2013
The contact owns a baby trend child restraint seat, model number: tj94128 (Na), and manufactured july 7, 2012. The child seat was being used in a 2002 mitsubishi eclipse. The contact stated that the child seat lower latch connector failed to lock during the installation of the base. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The contact stated that the child seat would be replaced. The vehicle information was unavailable.

Other Mitsubishi Eclipse years

Compare all Mitsubishi Eclipse years · All Mitsubishi models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse: 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?

Owners report wheels problems most often (30 reports), followed by structure (16). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 45,593 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.