Menu

1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse SpyderProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 20 owner complaints about the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, most often about the power train. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints200 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage104kPower train, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 16, 2023. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder has problems

20 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Power train60
Structure50
Engine and engine cooling40
Tires20
Air bags10
Wheels10
Equipment10
Fuel system, gasoline10
Visibility10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Control arm: lower ball joint

Recall 00V-421 · Dec 18, 2000 · 567,432 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mitsubishi.

Best & worst years

1997 vs. every other Eclipse Spyder year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Eclipse Spyder median. How we score

'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'07'08'09
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Eclipse Spyder owners report

Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

MY CAR IS A 1997 ECLIPSE SPYDER AUTOMATIC TRANNY 2.4L. THERE WAS ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION IT WAS ON LEAN MODE, LOCKED ON 2ND GEAR AND IT COULD ONLY GO UP TO 40 MILES PER HR OTHER WISE THE RPM WERE VERY HIGH... *TR
Complaint 10436766 · Nov 22, 2011 · 118,000 miles
SPEED CONTROL ISSUE, GAS PEDAL STICKING, CAR CONSISTENTLY IDLES BETWEEN 1500 TO 3000 RPMS ENGINE REVVING UP AND DOWN WHILE AT A STOP AND WHILE IN PARK. MANUAL SHIFT VERY STIFF. *JB
Complaint 10151247 · Feb 26, 2006
1997 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF CLUTCH. THE LINE THAT RUNS FROM THE SLAVE CYLINDER TO THE MASTER CYLINDER HAS WHAT APPEARS TO BE A CUT IN THE LINE 1MM FROM THE CONNECTION TO THE MASTER CYLINDER. I HAVE NOW REPLACED THIS LINE SIX (6) TIMES IN TWO YEARS. FAILURE USUALLY OCCURS…
Complaint 10145844 · Dec 21, 2005 · 104,000 miles

Own a 1997 Eclipse Spyder?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.