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2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is wheels. Its complaint count is close to a typical Eclipse Spyder model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
68/100
Owner complaints
24
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
103
Worst area
Wheels
Fuel economy
20-22mpg

The worst 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Wheels
    8
  • Body
    4
  • Airbags
    3
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Tires
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Wheels
    8
  • Body
    4
  • Airbags
    3
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Brakes
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Suspension
    1

Recalls 2

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported June 2, 2015 · 443,442 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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 number 15V338000 · Recall details

Equipment: other: labelsReported September 1, 2004 · 100,432 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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 number 04V428000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

Defect investigations

Aluminum alloy wheel dentingOpened May 31, 2002, closed May 1, 2003

See attached report.

EA02007

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder 103

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 103 bulletins for the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.4L 4‑cylFWD17-1924-2720-22
3.0L 6‑cylFWD17-1825-2620-21

What 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 9, 2022 · Brakes, Steering · 138,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power inadvertently. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle instead started reversing unintendedly. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys, where it was diagnosed that the power train needed to be reprogrammed and other repairs needed to be completed. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was locked and the brake pedal was firm. The traction control and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was not drivable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

Filed Sep 16, 2011 · Airbags, Seat belts · 73,500 miles · UT · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mitsubishi eclipse spyder. The contact stated that he approached an intersection driving 15 MPH when he was involved in a crash. The air bags did not deploy and the seat belt did not restrain him. Both vehicles were inoperable and were towed from the scene. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact sustained three cracked ribs and was transported to the hospital. The police were also contacted and a report was filed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 73,500. Mitsubishi was called with same info. Updated 11/03/2011 *ln

Filed Mar 28, 2011 · Wheels · 69,050 miles · CA

Under normal driving conditions, tire began losing air. Took to the tire dealer and no tire problem was found. Two weeks later tire would hold no air, returned to the tire dealer and they found that the wheel was cracked and would not allow the tire to hold air. I had to purchase a new wheel and a new tire since riding on low / no air damaged the tire.

Filed Jan 26, 2010 · Body · 38,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mitsubishi eclipse spyder. While driving approximately 45 MPH the driver observed that the dashboard cover sustained excessive cracks. The manufacturer was notified of the defect; however, the part was unavailable. The vehicle has not been repaired due to the unavailability and uncertainty of the part. The failure mileage was 38,000.

Filed Jan 12, 2010 · Engine · NC · crash · fire · 1 injury

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mitsubishi eclipse spyder convertible. The vehicle exploded while driving approximately 45 MPH and the driver was killed as a result. The contact was not given a diagnosis as to what caused the vehicle to explode. A police report is available if needed. The mitsubishi manufacturer has not been notified. The failure mileage was unknown. Updated 1/28/10 *cn the consumer nor the decedent her husband owned the vehicle. The consumer husband died trying to help the other occupant who did own the vehicle that caught on fire. According to the police report, the vehicle ran off the roadway on the left into the median. The vehicle then re-entered the roadway and ran off the roadway on the left a second time. The vehicle struck the median barrier cable face and a bridge pier. The vehicle then came to rest in the median facing north after the collision. Updated 02/03/10

Filed Mar 7, 2008 · Body · PA

Incidents: the convertible top leaks and the seatbelts get completely soaked with water every time it rains especially in downpours.

Filed May 9, 2007 · Electrical · 69,000 miles · CO

Mitsubishi paint problem! 2002 mitsubishi eclipse, black. The paint has faided white into huge patches on the hood and trunk. A shame mitsubishi has such a paint problem from the earlier 2000's and will not do anything about it.

Filed Jun 17, 2006 · Suspension · 35,000 miles · CA

I bought the car in apr. 2002 and since then have only put 40k miles on it. There was a squeaky noise from the suspension when I bought it but the dealership said it is nothing. Now, the car shakes at speeds of 60 MPH and more and if brakes are applied at the same time, it shakes almost as if it is going to fall apart. Diagnosis has revealed that the rear control arm bushings are resulting in this problem. I have asked to replace the entire rear control arm. I would like to request the federal safety agency to investigate for possible manufacturing faults.

Filed Sep 8, 2005 · Body · FM

Cracking dashbord on 2002 mitsubishi eclipse spider .no incident yet,could happen driving with the top down.

Filed Jun 9, 2005 · Fuel system · 44,000 miles · CA

My check engine light came on and my car felt wobbly. I took it to my mechanic who said there was a misfire which could mean I needed new spark plugs but shouldn't until 60,000; I only have 44,000 miles on my car. He replaced all six spark plugs but that did not fix the problem so he replaced the wires, cap and rotor, the check engine light was still on so he did a compression test and said my 6th piston was not holding compression and this was a bigger problem so I should take it to the dealership. I took it to miller mitsubishi and they said there was a misfire and my 6th piston was not holding compression. My warranty expired. They said there are dents on the 6th piston from something being dropped into the engine therefore that is why it won't hold compression and I need a new engine block. The only work I ever had done prior to this was oil changes every 3,000 miles. They want me to pay for a new engine at 44,000 miles. My car is still at the dealership.

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Questions about the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

Is the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder reliable?

Owners have filed 24 complaints about the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, close to a typical Eclipse Spyder model year.

What is the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder year score?

The 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder scores 68 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder?

Wheels, with 8 complaints. Next is body (4).

How many recalls does the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder have?

2 recalls, covering air bags and equipment.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder get?

Official estimates for the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder range from 20 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 17-19 city and 24-27 highway.

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