2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Body, Seats & Latches
Body, Seats & Latches leads by volume: 41 of 151 complaints (27%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (12) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 97 in 2002 to 151 in 2003.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | vs. 2003 Subcompact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,700–4,100 | 2,700–3,900 | 2,600–3,900 | 2,700–3,700 | 2,700–3,900 | |
| Combined MPG | 19–23 | 20–23 | 20–24 | 20–23 | 20–23 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 17–20 / 24–27 | 17–20 / 24–28 | 18–21 / 24–29 | 18–20 / 24–28 | 18–20 / 24–28 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 386–468 | 386–444 | 370–444 | 386–444 | 386–444 | |
| Complaints filed | 290 | 97 | 151 | 20 | 8 | |
| Recalls issued | 11 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 30 | 10 | 20 | 8 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 8 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 3 | |
| Injuries reported | 17 | 11 | 14 | 6 | 1 | |
| Deaths reported | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 5 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse have?
5 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Body, Seats & Latches: 41 of 151 NHTSA complaints (27%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse get?
EPA rates it 20–24 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
EPA estimates $2,600–$3,900 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (14)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Minicompact Cars | 20 mpg | 28 mpg | 23 mpg | $2,700 | 386 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Minicompact Cars | 20 mpg | 28 mpg | 23 mpg | $2,700 | 386 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S4) | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Minicompact Cars | 18 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | $3,100 | 444 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S4) | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Minicompact Cars | 18 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | $3,100 | 444 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 5 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Minicompact Cars | 18 mpg (low) | 26 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic (S4) | 6 | 3.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Minicompact Cars | 18 mpg (low) | 25 mpg | 20 mpg (low) | $3,900 (high) | 444 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 19 mpg | 25 mpg | 21 mpg | $2,950 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 19 mpg | 26 mpg | 21 mpg | $2,950 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 20 mpg | 28 mpg | 23 mpg | $2,700 | 386 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 21 mpg (high) | 29 mpg (high) | 24 mpg (high) | $2,600 (low) | 370 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 12 | Automatic (S4) | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 18 mpg (low) | 26 mpg | 21 mpg | $2,950 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 13 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 18 mpg (low) | 26 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 14 | Automatic (S4) | 6 | 3.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 18 mpg (low) | 25 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 423 g/mi |
Show 1 more configuration
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 11 | Automatic (S4) | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Subcompact Cars | 19 mpg | 25 mpg | 21 mpg | $2,950 | 423 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 15 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 21 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 9 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 18 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 14 | 12 | 3 | 12 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 41 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 20 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Other | 17 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (5)
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 15V338000 · Jun 2, 2015
Defect: 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 06E060000 · Jun 29, 2006
Defect: CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 06E026000 · Mar 23, 2006
Defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · Campaign 04V428000 · Sep 3, 2004
Defect: 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP · Campaign 03V442000 · Nov 5, 2003
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL RETURN LINE HOSE FITTING ON THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP MAY BE RESTRICTED, CAUSING EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE TO BUILD UP IN THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE MAY RESULT IN A LEAK IN THE FUEL RETURN HOSE.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP PRESSURE. THOSE VEHICLES EXHIBITING HIGHER THAN NORMAL FUEL PUMP PRESSURE WILL RECEIVE FUEL PUMP MODIFICATIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN DECEMBER 3, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037 OR MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-800-981-0452.