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1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse SpyderProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 16 owner complaints about the 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, most often about the structure. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints160 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage45kStructure, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 19, 2019. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder has problems

16 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
Structure70
Latches/locks/linkages30
Power train20
Equipment20
Visibility10
Steering10
Suspension10
Engine and engine cooling10

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

1 recall

1998 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

1998 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 structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

BOTH MY HANDLES BROKE OFF, THE DRIVERS SIDE ARM REST,( WHERE THE BUTTONS FOR THE WINDOWS ARE), FELL OFF AND INTO THE CAVITY BELOW. THE CONVERTIBLE TOP LEAKS BADLY ALONG THE POINT WHERE THE TOP MEETS THE CAR WINDSHIELD,WINDOWS,AND BACK WINDOW. VERY UPSET THAT THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WITH SAME PROBLEM…
Complaint 10343464 · Jul 15, 2010
CONVERTIBLE ROOF DOES NOT FOLD DOWN DUE TO BENT FRAME MEMBERS ON EACH SIDE - CALLED "BENT TOP STACK CONTROL LINKS". THIS PREVENTS THE TOP FRONT BOW FROM CLOSING TIGHTLY AND ALLOWS WATER TO ENTER THE CAB CAUSING ADDITIONAL DAMAGE FROM MOLD AND MILDEW - HEALTH HAZARDS. THE HEAD LINER PULLS 1-1/2"…
Complaint 10246649 · Oct 24, 2008 · 45,000 miles
THE CONVERTIBLE TOP MOTORS HAVE GONE OUT AGAIN. I HAVE HAD THE MOTORS SERVICED SEVERAL TIME OVER 4 TIMES IN TWO YEARS. APPARNETLY THE GEAR PINS BREAK WITHIN THE MOTORS AND CAUSE THEM TO FAIL. I CANNOT OPEN NOR CLOSE MY CONVERTIBLE TOP.*AK
Complaint 10082929 · Jul 29, 2004 · 26,000 miles

Own a 1998 Eclipse Spyder?

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