repaired · 2017 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
2003 Mitsubishi EclipseProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 124 owner complaints about the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse, most often about the structure. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 15V-338 the manufacturer reports only 3% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 24, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse has problems
124 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
31Structure
20Power train1 crash/fire/injury
12Engine and engine cooling1 crash/fire/injury
10Air bags9 crash/fire/injury
10Visibility
9Tires2 crash/fire/injury
7Fuel system, gasoline
7Electrical system
6Steering
3312 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 31 | 0 |
| Power train | 20 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 12 | 1 |
| Air bags | 10 | 9 |
| Visibility | 10 | 0 |
| Tires | 9 | 2 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 7 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 7 | 3 |
| Steering | 6 | 2 |
| 12 other systems | 33 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse 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
Other: labels
Risk. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
no report yet
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
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
2003 vs. every other Eclipse 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 median. How we score
'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse safety ratings
2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse 2-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Eclipse owners report
Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS AN ODOR OF FUEL PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT WATER HAD LEAKED FROM THE FLOOR BOARD CAUSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BECOME SLIPPERY. IN ADDITION, THE…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HATCH BACK AND SUN ROOF HAD WATER LEAKAGE. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…
I HAVE A 2003 STERLING SILVER METALLIC ECLIPSE WHICH I PURCHASED NEW IN 2002. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE PAINT ON MY HOOD, ROOF AND TRUCK HAVE STARTED TO DELAMINATE AND THE PRIMER IS STARTING TO SHOW THROUGH. I ONLY HAVE 73,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE NOTICED A LOT OF OTHER 2003 ECLIPSES WITH…
Own a 2003 Eclipse?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.