2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse recalls and problems
The 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse has 3 safety recalls and 124 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mitsubishi dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse recalls
Recall 15V-338: Air Bags
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
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 03V-442: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: 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 pressure may result in a leak in the fuel return hose.
Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Fix: 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 should contact mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037 or mitsubishi caribbean at 1-800-981-0452.
2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 32 | |
| Power Train | 22 | |
| Visibility | 12 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 12 | |
| Air Bags | 10 | |
| Tires | 9 | |
| Unknown or Other | 8 | |
| Electrical System | 7 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 7 | |
| Steering | 6 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 5 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 4 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 14
- Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 8
- Air Bags › Frontal — 6
- Power Train › Manual Transmission — 6
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 4
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 4
- Wheels › Rim — 3
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 3
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 36,500 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 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Mitsubishi Eclipse years
Compare all Mitsubishi Eclipse years · All Mitsubishi models
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse: 15V-338 (air bags), 04V-428 (equipment), 03V-442 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Owners report structure problems most often (32 reports), followed by power train (22). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 36,500 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.