MotorDeets

Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Eclipse Spyder from 1995 to 2009: 242 owner complaints and 29 recalls across 14 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2001 (81), 2003 (27), 2002 (24). Best fuel economy: 23 mpg combined (2005).

Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
Photo: Elise240SX · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Wheels52
Body & structure36
Transmission & drivetrain28
Brakes28
Airbags19
Engine & cooling15
Tires14
Visibility (wipers, glass)13

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199502–
199605–
1997120–
1998116–
1999111–
200013–
200188123
200222422
200332723
20044623
20052223
200742222
200811622
20091722

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2001 (81), 2003 (27), 2002 (24).

How many recalls has the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder had?

Across 1995–2009, NHTSA lists 29 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).