2009 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 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder 2009, several common problems have been reported:
- Transmission Problems:
- Owners have reported difficulty shifting gears due to issues with the synchronizer gear binding to the gear surface. This can be caused by burrs developing on the main shaft of the synchronizer assembly. Adding a special friction modifier to the manual transmission fluid or installing a revised synchronizer kit may help resolve this issue. A bad clutch disc or clutch pressure plate can also lead to difficult shifting.
- Clutch Problems:
- Some owners have noticed rattle noises when the car is idle, indicating potential issues with the clutch pressure plate. A creaking noise when pressing down on the clutch pedal may signal a problem with the pressure plate. Checking the spring alignment in the clutch disc for wear is recommended to address this issue.
- Sunroof Issues:
- The sunroof in 2002 to 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse models may become stuck. Owners have reported being able to open the sunroof by pushing the sunroof cover forward. This problem can be caused by various factors, including a faulty motor or a leak in the hydraulic arms. Manual methods can sometimes be used to resolve sunroof sticking issues.
- Water Leak at A-Pillar:
- A common concern is water leaks at the A-pillar, particularly in non-Spyder models with a sunroof. This issue is often due to the seal around the sunroof glass shrinking over time, leading to a poor seal. Replacing the sunroof glass and checking the gaps between the seal and the roof of the car are recommended solutions.
- Engine Noise and Coolant Leak:
- Engine noise, such as valve/lifter knocking or tapping, can be attributed to bad bleeding in lifters. Adjusting valve lash and using a rev pattern to bleed the lifters may help alleviate this issue. Coolant leaks are also common in Mitsubishi Eclipse models due to water pump issues, necessitating the replacement of the water pump and related components.
These common problems with the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder 2009 can impact the driving experience and require proper diagnosis and repair to ensure the vehicle's optimal performance and safety.
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.
How much horsepower does a 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder have?
It comes in two trim levels: GS and GT. The GS has a 162-hp four-cylinder engine mated to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The GT has a 265-hp 3.8-liter V6 mated to a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission.
What is the recall on the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Recall Alert: 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 2007-2009 Eclipse...
- Vehicles Affected: Approximately 75,000 model-year 2006-09 Mitsubishi Eclipse sports cars manufactured April 20, 2005, to Feb. ...
- The Problem: Corrosion inside the antilock brake unit may cause one or more of the internal valves to seize.
2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder complaints
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-13
- VIN: 4A3AL25F69E
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V337000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC SYSTEM). THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 05/31/2016*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL WAS COMPLETED. UPDATED 06/01/16.*JB
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-06-02
- VIN: 4A3AL25F19E
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V337000 (SERVICE BRAKES); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-01-22
- VIN: 4A3AL25F39E
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: SAME AS 1/21/2016 COMPLAINT. DEALER INFORMS TODAY THAT HIS TECHNICIAN MUST FIRST DETERMINE ABS MALFUNCTION BEFORE OBTAINING MMNA (MFG) APPROVAL TO FLUSH BRAKES, DETERMINE CORRECT VALVE FUNCTION, AND THEN INSTALL NEW HIGH QUALITY BRAKE FLUID. OUTRAGEOUS. MMNA SHOULD AUTHORIZE THE ABOVE AT CUSTOMER REQUEST NOW. CHEAPER FOR THEM TO AUTHORIZE A FREE, ANNUAL BRAKE FLUSH/INSPECTION VS. NEW ABS PARTS THAT MAY NOT EVEN BE NEEDED. PUT PRESSURE ON MMNA TO COMPLY WITH ABOVE.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-01
- VIN: 4A3AL25F39E
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: IN JULY OF 2015,I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE CONCERNING THE ABS IN MY VEHICLE. MITSUBISHI WROTE, "MMNA WILL CONTACT YOU AGAIN BY MAIL, WITH A FOLLOW-UP RECALL NOTICE, WHEN THE REMEDY PARTS ARE AVAILABLE." I HAVE CALLED MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP, AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT NOTHING HAS HAPPENED WITH THE RECALL. SO, I HAVE BEEN DRIVING (AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE) A VEHICLE THAT COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH FOR SEVEN MONTHS, WHILE NEW PARTS ARE MANUFACTURED. PLEASE LIGHT A FIRE UNDER MITSUBISHI TO GET THE PARTS MADE!!!!!!
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-10-06
- VIN: 4A3AL25F39E
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V337000 (BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-07
- VIN: 4A3AL25F69E
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: THIS VEHICLE MODEL IS KNOWN FOR INTERMITTENT BRAKE PROBLEMS WHERE THE BRAKES WILL GO TO THE FLOOR AFTER A SUDDEN BRAKING. BRAKES THEN CATCH DANGEROUSLY LOW FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME UNTIL THE SYSTEM RECOVERS. *TR
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-04-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER. WHILE SEATED IN THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE RELEASE MECHANISM WAS DIFFICULT TO ACCESS. THE MECHANISM WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO REACH BECAUSE IT WAS LOCATED BETWEEN THE SIDE OF THE SEAT AND THE CONSOLE. THE EXCESSIVELY SMALL AREA PREVENTED ACCESSIBILITY TO UNLOCK OR LOCK THE SEAT BELT MECHANISM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE MALFUNCTION. A SEAT BELT EXTENDER WAS PURCHASED AND INSTALLED, BUT WAS INEFFECTIVE DUE TO THE LENGTH. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder.
- Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
- Summary: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 20, 2005, to February 13, 2009, and 2007-2009 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured December 23, 2005, to February 13, 2009. Due to corrosion inside the antil-lock brake system (ABS) unit, one or more of the internal valves may seize. In a braking event that uses the ABS, a seized valve would increase brake pedal travel and reduce braking ability.
- Consequence: A sudden reduction of braking performance may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, flush and clean the ABS hydraulic unit using high grade brake fluid, free of charge. If the inspection shows that the valves may seize, the ABS unit will be replaced. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-15-004.
Negative 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder car reviews
Positive 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder car reviews
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The car has been totally reliable so far and I received excellent service at the dealer for the normal warranty schedule. While some have pointed out the poor rear and side visibility when the top is up, and the interior plastic that marks quite easily, these are the only negative aspects of the car.
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I drove several other makes and models before purchasing, but this is my first Eclipse. From the moment I started the test drive, I knew this was the car for me. It has lots of power with the 260 hp and the seating is very comfortable. I absolutely love it!
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I've always driven small pickup trucks like rangers and s10s, so this is a completely new experience for me. Although the turn radius is greater than my last pickup and with the top up you can see very little around you, it more than makes up for having to be extra careful with the fun of owning a convertible AND the really flashy look that draws everyone's attention! I work at a school and the kids LOVE it when I put the top up/down because they think it looks like a transformer! I never dreamed I would own an orange car, but I wouldn't trade it for another color now if offered!! :D
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What a fantastic little sports car that turns heads! I couldn't resist purchasing it on a whim after it caught my eye on a dealer parking lot in Texas (Sunset Pearlescent). With only 57,000 miles on the clock for a 9-year-old car, it was a no-brainer with its superb handling, styling, and of course, the ability to let the top down. This is a beautiful and fun ride, and according to the reviews, I'll be enjoying it for some time to come!
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When searching for a new vehicle, I had a few specific criteria in mind: a convertible with front-wheel drive that could fit my golf clubs, all for a reasonable price. This car met all four of those criteria. My son always told me to get a fun car, and that's exactly what I got! This car is an absolute joy to drive - it's comfortable, quiet, and has a great sound system with fingertip controls. The only downside is the blind spot, which can make it difficult to see out the back and sides. However, since my criteria were met, I'm very happy with my choice. I get about 18 mpg locally and 27 mpg on the highway, but it's important to note that it requires premium gas. Overall, I'm thrilled with my purchase and always receive compliments on the car. Thank you for considering my review!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder problems:
2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
Top 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Problems · Manual Transmission Shifting Difficulty. 63 people have reported this · Airbags may not deploy as expected · Wheels may ...
GUIDE: Common Problems/Concerns | Mitsubishi Eclipse 4G Forums
Jan 26, 2012 ... GUIDE: Common Problems/Concerns · Concern: Rattle under vehicle. · Concern: Air Blower not working, no air coming out of vents. · Concern: Noise ...
Q&A: 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS - New Belts & Air Conditioning ...
Nov 8, 2010 ... The other common issues are even the compressor clutch seizing or alternator bearing seizing causing this issue. This is not hard to diagnose.
2001 Spyder - Trunk Release Issues | Mitsubishi Eclipse 3G Club
Aug 21, 2009 ... 2001 Spyder - Trunk Release Issues ... Okay so on my 2001 Eclipse Spyder, when I I turn the key on the trunk itself or pull the lever inside, the ...
Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Convertible - Q&A for 2009 Model & Top ...
Feb 4, 2012 ... those two switch sets are still common issues though on 2009s. The big red -what if- on this one is the forcible entry however, as that ...
Other years of Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder
Are you having problems with your 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse spyder?
Rocky Kutch 2024-09-26
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my '07 Eclipse Spyder that I bought in June. It was great until I had an incident in September where one of the rear Bridgestone tires separated the tread at only 2,400 miles. It was quite scary, and I'm grateful that it wasn't on the front where I could have been injured. Unfortunately, when I went back to the dealer, they said it wasn't covered under warranty and directed me to Bridgestone. Although Bridgestone did replace the tire, they didn't cover the damaged rim. It's frustrating that Mitsubishi put defective tires on their new cars, and I wish the dealer had been more receptive to this dangerous condition. Despite this, I still love my vehicle, but I don't trust my life to the tires anymore. I've decided to use my own money to replace all four tires now. Thanks for listening to my story!