2001 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.
Social links
Common 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder problems
The 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder V6 3.0l has been reported to have several common problems by its owners, primarily related to the engine and transmission.
One of the most common issues is the "Service Engine Soon" light coming on, which can be caused by various problems, including Bank 1 (Sensor 1) issues and misfires. In the case described in the search results, the owner had already replaced the rotor, distributor, spark plugs, wires, oil filter, EGR valve, hoses, and gaskets. However, the issue persisted, and the car still had a "misfire" (P0300) problem.
The 2001 Eclipse Spyder also had catastrophic transmission problems, which led to CarComplaints.com declaring it the worst model year of the vehicle. The NHTSA reported a total of 13 safety recalls, 315 complaints, and four investigations on this car. The recalls ranged from electric wiring issues to fuel system problems to the loss of steering control. Some Eclipse owners found themselves with engines cutting out when driving, which turned out to be due to the wiring harness coming into contact with the heat shield, causing electrical problems.
The fuel leakage problem was another significant issue with the 2001 Eclipse Spyder, which came from a manufacturer's defect. The fuel tank had a bulge that thinned the material, making it prone to punctures, causing fuel to leak. This increased the risk of a fire starting in the vehicle. CarComplaints users also reported an issue with the fuel filter tubes that would rust out for no reason, causing fuel to leak.
The alloy wheels were also a problem for the 2001 Eclipse Spyder, with owners finding themselves with dented or fractured wheels after hitting potholes, which usually resulted in a loss of air in the tire. Initially, the drivers had to replace them at approximately $350. A second investigation opened up as more reports came in of the same problem.
The headlights were another issue, with many owners reporting that their headlight connections melted due to improper installation, causing the connector to overheat and melt. This would cause one of the lights to have problems, but not both at the same time.
However, the most significant issue is transmission failure, which is the biggest problem for the 2001 Eclipse Spyder. Most vehicles have some transmission problems where gears might slip now and then. The Eclipse would lose it completely, and it would happen with reasonably low miles on the vehicle. Owners would have it happen driving down the road. Later, there was a problem coming from a wave cushion spring. It would break apart in the transmission, causing little particles to get circulated throughout the system. Those tiny little pieces caused a lot of damage, rendering the automatic transmission useless. The entire system had to either be replaced or rebuilt. This cost owners an average of $2,280.
In summary, the 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder V6 3.0l had several common problems, primarily related to the engine and transmission. These issues included the "Service Engine Soon" light coming on, catastrophic transmission problems, fuel leakage, alloy wheel damage, headlight connection melting, and transmission failure. These problems led to CarComplaints.com declaring it the worst model year of the vehicle.
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.
What is the top speed of the 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT?
Power is sent to the ground through massive 215/50 tires on 17-inch alloy wheels. (Even the GS has commendably meaty 205/55/16s). They're V-rated, which means they're good for speeds that will cost a lot of points (up to 149 mph) without bei ng quite so harsh as stiffer skins would be.
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.
2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder.
- Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A BULGE IN THE FUEL TANK CAUSED BY THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS RESULTED IN THINNING OF THE MATERIAL DURING A WELDING OPERATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF FUEL LEAKAGE.
- Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 26, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. A HOSE WAS MIS-MANUFACTURED AND COULD WEAKEN OVER TIME, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID.
- Consequence: FLUID LEAKAGE FROM THE COOLER HOSES CAN CAUSE TRANSAXLE DRIVEABILITY PROBLEMS AND SMOKE IF THE OIL CONTACTS THE FRONT EXHAUST PIPE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HOSE ASSEMBLY FOR THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER. OWNER NOTIFICATION MAILING WILL BE PHASED OVER A FIVE-MONTH PERIOD STARTING MARCH 26, THROUGH JULY 23, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A NUMBER OF INCORRECT DRIVER SIDE SEAT MOUNTING BOLTS WERE INSTALLED INTO VEHICLES.
- Consequence: THE REAR ANCHOR BOLTS SECURING THE DRIVER'S SEAT MAY NOT PROPERLY SECURE THE SEAT AND COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF DRIVER INJURY IN AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT MOUNTING BOLTS AND THEN REPLACE THE BOLTS IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 15, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE OUTER LAYER ONLY OF THIS 3-LAYER FUEL RETURN HOSE DOES NOT CONTAIN THE DESIRED OZONE PROTECTION DUE TO A PROCESSING ERROR.
- Consequence: THIS HOSE IS CONSIDERED TO BE INADEQUATE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RETURN HOSE.
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HARNESS FOR THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH A NEW PROTECTIVE SHIELD CAUSING A GROUNDED CIRCUIT.
- Consequence: PROLONGED WIRING HARNESS CONTACT WITH THE HEAT SHIELD WILL CAUSE THE WIRING INSULATION TO WEAR AND EVENTUALLY TO GROUND OUT. THIS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO DIE-OUT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL RE-ROUTE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR HARNESS.
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
- Components: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A NUT IN THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY WAS NOT PROPERLY TIGHTENED, RESULTING IN SYMPTOMS RANGING FROM STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION TO STIFF STEERING, AND IN THE WORST CASE, NO ABILITY TO TURN LEFT.
- Consequence: A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY IF A LOOSE NUT CONNECTION IS FOUND.
Negative 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder car reviews
Positive 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder car reviews
-
I really love this car! It's so much fun to drive, especially in Southern California.
-
I bought this vehicle in May and haven't regretted it for a second. I debated back and forth between the coupe and the spyder before deciding on the rag top, and I'm glad I did. This car will definitely get you attention. When you drive in the Eclipse, heads turn, but when you drive in the Spyder, heads snap!
-
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share that I've owned the car for 8 months now and I've enjoyed every second of it!
-
The Spyder is a great car that handles well, picks up speed quickly, and is easy on the eyes. It's also not too costly to purchase or drive. I've driven many muscle cars over my 25+ years, including Chargers, Road Runners, Cobras, Novas, Cudas, GTOs, and many others, but I have to say that the Spyder is just plain more fun! At 5'10
-
I'm so glad to hear that you're completely satisfied with your Spyder! It sounds like you made a great choice in switching from Pontiac to your new car. Your Spyder is sporty, eye-catching, and it's wonderful to hear that it exceeded your expectations. Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder problems:
2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT Spyder V6 3.0l Problems | Mitsubishi ...
Jun 3, 2021 ... A few different things can cause that, such as too much air or too little fuel entering the engine. The fact that your car wants to stall out ...
2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Problems and Complaints - 11 Issues
Top 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Problems · The Sunroof May Become Stuck Closed or Have Difficulty Moving · Manual Transmission Shifting Difficulty · Rattle Noise From ...
mitsubishi eclipse spyder gts common transmission problems ...
Jan 16, 2014 ... I have a 2001 Mitsubishi spyder my problem is kinda the same it starts and evrything but when I put it in drive or reverse it doesn't go ...
01 eclipse gt idle problems | Mitsubishi Eclipse 3G Club
Nov 1, 2011 ... I have a 2001 eclipse gt 3.0 v6 5 speed. And for the past month or so the car has been idling funny. It will sometimes idle at right above ...
Q&A: 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT Heat Problem | JustAnswer
Jun 5, 2015 ... I have a heat problem on my 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT. I don't get much heat. I have replaced the heater core, - Answered by a verified ...
Other years of Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder
Are you having problems with your 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder?
Wellington Will 2024-11-04
I had it for about a year and a half. It's unfortunate that the car was poorly made. It seems like it should be much faster for a V6. Also, it depreciates quickly. By the way, make sure you get in on the class action suit against Mitsubishi over the rims they put on the car.
Bruce Kiehn 2024-06-01
The car has several design defects, including issues with the rear axle bushings, front brakes, and rims. Despite these problems, the manufacturer has not taken responsibility for them. It is disappointing to see the number of recalls and TSBs on the NHTSA site, which reflects poorly on the quality of this car. Additionally, the car has experienced a significant drop in depreciation. As a result, I will not be purchasing a Mitsubishi again.
Trey Heathcote 2024-02-18
The vehicle had been performing well until recently when it had to be towed by AAA to the Mitsubishi dealer in Coconut Creek due to a wiring issue with the ignition. The dealer informed me that there were several recalls, some of which were major, that I was not aware of at the time of purchase. Despite this setback, I am confident that the issue will be resolved and I will be back on the road in no time.