CarRecallDB

2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse recalls and problems

3 recalls and 124 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse.

3
recalls
124
owner complaints
15
complaints mentioning a crash
4
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse recalls

Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module

NHTSA campaign 15V338000 · reported June 2, 2015 · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. · 443,442 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
The 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.

Equipment: other, labels

NHTSA campaign 04V428000 · reported September 1, 2004 · MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN · 100,432 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
The 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.

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, fuel pump

NHTSA campaign 03V442000 · reported November 4, 2003 · MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 17,087 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Feb 24, 2025 · Unknown or other

The crankshaft sensor is faulty and isn't working properly so my car has been shutting off randomly while I am driving it.

Jul 25, 2019 · Unknown or other

DASHBOARD CRACKS IN MULTIPLES OF AREA'S, WHICH DOES EFFECT THE POSITION OF THE AIRBAG. THE PLASTIC IS VERY BRITTLE TO THE POINT WHEN IT CRACKS IT'S AS SHARP AS A RAZOR. I REVIEWED SEVERAL WEB SITE AND NOTED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH SEVERAL TYPE OF MITSUBISHI'S. I HAVE A 2003 ECLIPSE THAT HAS A CRACKED DASHBOARD…

Jan 11, 2018 · Air bags · 135,000 miles · crash reported · fire reported

PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED CAUSED ME TO VEER OFF TO THE RIGHT FOR SAFETY.PASSENGER VISOR FLEW OFF HIT MY ARM AND FLEW OUT WINDOW. UNABLE TO SEE WITH AIRBAG IN MY FACE I ENDED UP HALF ON AND HALF OFF A CULVERT WITH CEMENT PIPE.CAR STOPPED AND THEN MY DRIVER AIRBAG SHOT FIRE AND CHEMICALS INTO MY FACE.HORRIBLE STILL…

Aug 24, 2017 · Electrical system · 114,000 miles · fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE ROLLING DOWN THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM THE WINDOW SWITCH AREA. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO…

Oct 25, 2016 · Engine · 140,000 miles

SEARS AUTO CENTER IN MANASSAS, VA PERFORME AN OIL CHANGE ON MY VEHICLE ON 5/16/2016. THE ENGINE FAILED ON 5/24/2016 DUE TO THE OIL PLUG FALLING OUT OF THE ENGINE AND ALL OF THE OIL DRAINING OUT. SEARS HAS ACCEPTED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS. HOWEVER, I HAVE ALSO UNCOVERED A LONG HISTORY OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS REGARDING…

Eclipse model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 7308146
2001 7209246
2002 27354
2003 3124154
2004 41461
2005 3602
2006 49990

Across all years, the 2000 Eclipse has the most complaints (308). All Mitsubishi Eclipse years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse, the most recent reported on June 2, 2015 (Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Owners have filed 124 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (31 complaints), followed by power train (20).
How many 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse complaints mention a crash or fire?
15 of 124 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 10 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received February 24, 2025.