1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder problems
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a sport compact car that was produced by Mitsubishi in four generations from 1989 until 2011. A convertible body style was added during the 1996 model year.
The first two generations share the automobile platform and parts with the rebadged Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser captive imports. They were built during Mitsubishi Motors' close relationship with Chrysler Corporation. Their partnership was known as Diamond-Star Motors (DSM). In Japan, the first two generations were sold at a specific Japanese retail chain called Mitsubishi Car Plaza. The third, 2000–2005 generation shared a redesigned platform with the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus. In May 2005, the fourth, and final generation Eclipse was introduced, replacing the Chrysler platform used for the third generation with the PS platform.
According to Mitsubishi Motors, the Eclipse was named after an unbeaten 18th-century English racehorse that won 18 races in a row and then retired.
At the end of August 2011, the final Eclipse was manufactured and subsequently auctioned for charity.
In 2017, Mitsubishi resurrected the Eclipse name on a compact crossover vehicle, called the Eclipse Cross.
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Common 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, several common problems have been identified:
- Engine Cooling Problems: Complaints include engine cooling issues, which can result in overheating and potential engine damage. Proper maintenance of the cooling system is crucial to prevent these problems and ensure the engine operates within the optimal temperature range.
- Vehicle Speed Control: Some owners have experienced challenges with the vehicle's speed control, particularly related to the accelerator pedal. Issues in this area can impact the car's acceleration and overall performance, affecting the driving dynamics and safety.
- Reliability Concerns: The Mitsubishi Eclipse has been associated with reliability issues, often attributed to inadequate maintenance. Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to a range of problems, impacting the car's performance, longevity, and overall reliability .
- Door Handle Durability: Another common problem reported by owners is the frequent breakage of door handles in the Mitsubishi Eclipse. While this may seem like a minor issue, it can be inconvenient and affect the usability of the vehicle. Proper handling techniques can help mitigate this problem .
These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any issues that arise with the 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. By addressing these concerns proactively, owners can enhance the performance, reliability, and longevity of their vehicles.
Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder a reliable car?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse received a 4.6 out of 5.0 reliability rating from Kelley Blue Book users, who cited the car's strong performance and low maintenance needs.
Is a Mitsubishi Eclipse expensive to maintain?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Mitsubishi Eclipse is $510, compared to an average of $526 for compact cars and $652 for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.
Are Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable 1999?
Beautiful ageless style,drives like a sports car and it's economic at the same time,reliable,fast,cool,and ofcourse as we all know,it can be modified to look like the Fast and the Furious Eclipse,both the 420a 2.0 non-turbo engine and the 4g63T 2.0 Turbocharged engines are both reliable when taken cared of and if you ...
When did Mitsubishi stop making the Eclipse Spyder?
Mitsubishi Spyder may refer to any of several vehicles by Mitsubishi Motors: Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, any of several convertible cars produced between 1996 and 2011.
1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder.
- Manufacturer: AIRTEX PRODUCTS
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: CERTAIN AIRTEX FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLIES, P/N E7081H, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WALL OF THE FLARED FITTING OF THE FUEL PUMP IS NOT THICK ENOUGH TO PREVENT THE MATING THREADED FITTINGS FROM BOTTOMING OUT BEFORE AN ADEQUATE SEAL IS ACHIEVED. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF FUEL AT THE CONNECTION OF THE VEHICLE FUEL LINE AND THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLY.
- Consequence: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AIRTEX AUTOMOTIVE AT 800-880-3056.
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE RUBBER BOOTS ON THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, DIRT AND WATER CAN INTRUDE. ALSO, MMC HAS ADDED THE POTENTIAL OF LEAKING MOISTURE, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE BALL STUD TO CORRODE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. THIS CAMPAIGN SUPERCEDES MMC'S PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN, SEE 99V-066.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT FOR WEAR. BALL JOINTS THAT EXHIBIT WEAR BEYOND THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEWLY DESIGNED LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS. BALL JOINTS THAT ARE WITHIN THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE CLEANED AND A SPECIAL SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED TO PREVENT INTRUSION OF MOISTURE.
Negative 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder car reviews
Positive 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder car reviews
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Hi everyone, if you're looking to stop leaks in your car, I have a great tip for you! Head over to Walmart and check out the camping section. You'll find a waterproofer there that only costs 4 dollars. It has an orange top on the can. Simply spray your car twice with it and you'll never have to worry about driving in the rain again! Trust me, it's amazing!
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I have had my '97 Eclipse Spyder GS-T for about two years and I have loved every minute of it. It's such a fun car to drive and it's incredibly reliable. The power is great and the handling makes it an absolute blast to come out of a corner. If you take care of these cars, they will last you for 200,000+ miles!
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Hey there! Let's talk about this ride for a moment. I'm actually the one driving it, and I'm proud to say that it's not just a 'chick magnet'. I'm not your typical girl, and I love the sporty and fast feel of this car. I'm curious to see if my two toddlers would fit in it though! At 25, I finally got the car of my dreams and I couldn't be happier. To anyone who thinks they need a car to impress girls, good luck at the bar! :)
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Since I bought my Eclipse Spyder GS-T used with 113,000 miles in 06/03, I've put about 40,000 miles on it. Unfortunately, in the last year and a half, I've had a few issues with the car. I've had to replace the passenger window track twice, and the check engine light has come on a few times. Additionally, there has been a problem with thick blue smoke from the tailpipe while idling, rattling doors, a roof that leaks through the back window and the A-pillars, a radio that's never worked, and an antenna that won't go all the way down. I regret buying a car with so many miles, but I was eager to have one at the time. Now, I'm trying to sell it.
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This vehicle is truly amazing on the road! It looks great, runs fast for a 4 cylinder, and has excellent fuel economy. The car can pick up speeds up to 100 MPH, but be careful not to push it too hard or you might damage the engine. In stop-and-go traffic, it performs like a beast. If you're a young driver, people might give you dirty looks, but don't worry, it's just envy! However, it's important to keep up with maintenance to avoid any issues. Luckily, it's not as expensive as some people might think, especially if you do it regularly.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder problems:
Q&A: 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse Engine for Sale, Reliability & Problems
Aug 6, 2011 ... First off, the timing belt is a 60k mile interval and a belt failure will cause severe cylinder head damage. The headgaskets are a weak point on ...
What to look for when buying a 97-99 Eclipse GS?? | DSMtuners.com
Are there any common problems with the 97-99 eclipse GS ... Are there any common problems with the 97-99 eclipse GS? ... 1998 ...
2nd gen. Eclipse (Spyder) reliability? - Mitsubishi Forum - Mitsubishi ...
Oct 28, 2005 ... 2nd Generation - 2nd gen. Eclipse (Spyder) reliability? - Hi, I'm an Eclipse newb. I'm thinking of buying a 98 Eclipse Spyder, GS, GST or GT ...
1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse Problems and Complaints - 10 Issues
Top 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse Problems · Brake Pedal Pulsation · Exterior Door Handle May Break · Airbags may not deploy as expected · Wheels may easily be bent or ...
1998 eclipse reliability - Mitsubishi Forum - Mitsubishi Enthusiast ...
Jan 28, 2010 ... 2nd Generation - 1998 eclipse reliability - Getting ready to possibly purchase a one owner 1998 eclipse with 136000 miles on it.
Other years of Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder
Are you having problems with your 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder?
Nels Renner 2025-10-10
The car is really enjoyable to drive, and my friends are always asking for rides. The only issue with the ride is that the suspension is quite tight. Despite being a non-turbo four-cylinder, it has an amazing kick. However, there is a significant problem with this car that could almost be a deal-breaker: the top quality. In a rainstorm, the top leaks profusely, causing standing water in the rear top cavity and a nasty smell in the car afterwards. Although the upholstery has held up well despite the water damage, the top goes down hesitantly with some startling clicking and needs a little help to go back up, probably due to the motor.
Louie Von 2025-07-07
Although it's fun to drive, unfortunately, I've had some issues with this car. Since I bought it, the spark plug wires have burned through, causing it to run poorly and the spark plugs foul out quickly. Additionally, the top leaks in several places, including the plastic glued onto the metal pillar coming loose, the rubber boot ripping, and the back window stitching coming loose. As expected, it also leaks around the windows. Another issue is that the elastic strap on top failed and bent the support bars, which ripped the rubber boot. However, there is a kit available for this model that costs $200 per side. The outside driver's door handle was also broken by a five-year-old trying to get in, which is a known problem for this car. The replacement part (black) costs $42, and with painting and labor, it comes to $200. Despite these issues, I still plan on selling this car!
Keanu Renner 2025-03-25
I had a difficult experience with my Mitsubishi car. Unfortunately, I faced several issues with it, such as the convertible roof leaking, which caused mold on the seats and floorboards. Additionally, some parts of the car fell off, including the body kit, door handle, and plastic parts inside. The transmission also went out at barely 120K miles, and the battery and timing belt had issues. The CD player also stopped working. I would not recommend this car to anyone. However, I understand that everyone's experience may differ, and this is just my personal experience.
Gust Crist 2025-03-02
Hi there! I wanted to share with you my experience with my gst that I bought brand new back in July of '98. I've put 141,000 miles on it since then and I have to say, I still love the look and performance of this car. It brings a smile to my face every day I get in it! I also have an extended warranty which has been a lifesaver, covering almost $3k in repairs so far. While it may not be the most reliable car out there, it's definitely one of the most fun to drive. The back seat is a bit cramped and the trunk space is small, but overall it's been a great ride. Thanks for listening!
Ulices Skiles 2025-02-03
This car has had some issues with oil leakage from the beginning, and the top has rubbed through due to lack of support rail padding. The factory radio stopped working in the second year, and most of the interior plastic has cracked and needed replacement. The driver's side door switch panel fell inside the door one day. The front hub splines did not have anti-seize, which made them difficult to remove and caused damage. The timing belt replacement cost is over $700 every 60K miles. The car also lacks a drip edge on the roof, which causes rain to leak onto the seats when opening doors. The soft top and headliner had to be replaced after 4 years, and I went with aftermarket Kee tops and a local upholstery shop.