2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Problems
The 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse has 166 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls, with structural problems leading the concerns. Based on 166 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Structural Problems the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse has 166 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Structural Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE 2003 has 166 NHTSA complaints, with structural problems (40) and transmission issues (25) most common. It also has 5 recalls and 22 crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Mitsubishi
- Model
- Eclipse
- Model year
- 2003
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 166
- Crash-related complaints
- 22
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Structural Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Structural Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Structural Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
The 2003 Eclipse is a high-risk purchase due to numerous structural and transmission complaints. Only consider if thoroughly inspected and all recalls are addressed.
Structural and transmission problems can lead to costly repairs and safety risks. These patterns indicate potential long-term reliability issues.
May Suit
This year may suit a budget-conscious buyer willing to invest in repairs and inspections.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a reliable daily driver or those without mechanical knowledge should avoid this year.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the vehicle's frame and body for rust or damage.
- Test transmission for smooth shifting and check for leaks.
- Check engine for unusual noises, stalling, or check engine light.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect structural components for rust, cracks, or previous repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse shows a high number of structural problems (40 complaints) and transmission/drivetrain issues (25 complaints). With 22 crash-related complaints and 5 recalls, buyers should be cautious. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, 2003 has a high complaint count, but data for other years is not provided.
Recall context: With 5 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Structural problems account for 40 complaints, the highest category.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues total 25 complaints.
- There are 22 crash-related complaints.
- Structural Problems (40 complaints) – potential frame or body integrity issues.
- Transmission / Drivetrain (25 complaints) – possible failure or rough shifting.
- Engine Problems (16 complaints) – stalling or performance issues.
Full breakdown
All 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Problems | 40 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 25 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 16 | — | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 15 | 13 | 3 | — | |
| Tire Issues | 15 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 12 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 9 | — | 4 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 5 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 5 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The crankshaft sensor is faulty and isn't working properly so my car has been shutting off randomly while I am driving it.
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…
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 CH…
TAKATA AIRBAG: MY INCIDENT HAS ALREADY BEEN REPORTED. I AM ADDING THE POLICE REPORT. I AM STILL REQUIRING SURGERY AND UNABLE TO USE MY LEFT ARM 10 MONTHS LATER.
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 TA…
TAKATA RECALL: MY VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 15V338000.ON OCTOBER 29, 2016, I WAS DRIVING TOWARDS MY HOME. AFTER BEING IN THE STOPPED POSITION FOR THE DURATION OF THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL AT THE INTERSECTION OF FM 518 AND FM 1128 IN PEARLAND, TEXAS, THE LIGHT T…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. WHEN THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, THE VISOR ON THE VEHICLE DETACHED. THE VEHICLE'S TOP WAS DOWN AT THE TIME AND CAUSED THE PASSENGER …
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 HIS…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR ASSURANCE TRIPLETRED TIRES, SIZE P215/55R16. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO DRIVE OVER A CURB. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE TIRE AND FOUND THAT THE TI…
ON NOVEMBER 28, 2015 MY PASSENGER FRONT TIRE EXPLOSIVELY FAILED COMING OUT OF A LEFT TURN AT ABOUT 25 MPH CAUSING MY CAR TO DROP AND SWERVE, CRASHING INTO A TALL STREET CURB AND STORM SEWER DRAIN CAUSING $2000 DAMAGE TO MY CAR. THE OUTER SIDEWALL SEPARATED CIRCUMFERENTIALLY FROM …
THE MAIN ISSUE SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE WAVE/CUSHION SPRING LOCATED IN THE TRANSMISSION. MITSUBISHI HAS DESIGNED THE WAVE SPRING AS A FRAGILE TWO COIL PIECE WHICH HAS BEEN KNOWN TO REPEATEDLY BREAK CAUSING CATASTROPHIC FAILURE IN THE TRANSMISSION. THIS IN TURN PO…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. WHILE VEERING TO THE LEFT AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS AN ODOR OF FUEL PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT WATER HAD LEAKED FROM THE FLOOR BOARD CAUSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BECOME SLIPPERY. I…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT BODY SHOP FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUFFER ANY INJURIES. A…
RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL FROM MITSUBISHI ON THE PASSENGER SUN VISOR REQUIRING A TETHER STRAP. I CALLED THEIR TOLL FREE NUMBER TO LOCATE A DEALER TO INSTALL THE TETHER STRAP AS DIRECTED BY THE NOTICE. MITSUBISHI DOES NOT HAVE A DEALER IN TUCSON AND INFORMED ME WE NEEDED TO TAKE TH…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER. WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
FUEL MILEAGE IS BAD AND WHEN FILLING UP IF YOU CAN IT KEEPS CLICKING AND SMELLING LIKE FUEL INSIDE CAR. NO LIGHTING IN CAR AT ALL. HAD TO REPLACE SUSPENSION AS THE BOLTS WERE WORN. PAINT CHIPPING ALL OVER CAR. COOLING SYSTEM KEEPS FAILING AND SOMEHOW I HAVE WATER KEEPS COMING…
MY VEHICLE HAS A BAD PAINT JOB, NEEDS TO BE REPAINTED. THE HEATER COIL IS LEAKING AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED HAD ESTIMATE OF $1030.44 WITH NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE DASH WILL COME OUT IN ONE PIECE AND CAN BE PUT BACK INTO THE CAR WITHOUT BREAKING INTO SEVERAL PIECES. I FEEL THAT MITSU…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HATCH BACK AND SUN ROOF HAD WATER LEAKAGE. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE …
I BOUGHT AN USED 2003 ECLIPSE AND AT THE TIME I DIDN'T REALIZE HOW BADLY CRACKED THE DASHBOARD WAS. TO MY SURPRISE, I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND AN USED DASHBOARD IN GOOD CONDITION...EVERY SINGLE 2003 ECLIPSE I'VE FOUND AND SEEN HAS THE SAME ISSUE AND AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Safety recalls
2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. With 5 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 166 owner complaints, 22 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2003 Eclipse is a high-risk purchase due to numerous structural and transmission complaints. Only consider if thoroughly inspected and all recalls are addressed. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse?▾
#1: Structural Problems (40 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (25 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (16 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse, NHTSA complaints include 22 crash-related reports and 7 fire reports out of 166 total complaints. 15 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. With 5 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse?▾
The 2003 Eclipse is a high-risk purchase due to numerous structural and transmission complaints. Only consider if thoroughly inspected and all recalls are addressed. Structural and transmission problems can lead to costly repairs and safety risks. These patterns indicate potential long-term reliability issues. Pay extra attention to Structural Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Mitsubishi Eclipse reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.