MotorDeets

1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder: 1 recall, 20 owner complaints.

1vehicle recalls
20owner complaints
0mention a crash
–best combined mpg
No free-license photo yet

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Suspension Vehicle recall #00V421001 · 2000 · 567,432 vehicles

What's wrong: If the rubber boots on the lower lateral arm ball joints of the front suspension were damaged during assembly, dirt and water can intrude. Also, mmc has added the potential of leaking moisture, which can cause the ball stud to corrode.

Why it matters: This condition could cause the lower lateral arm ball joint to separate, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. This campaign supercedes mmc's previous safety recall campaign, see 99v-066.

The fix: Dealers will inspect the lower lateral arm ball joint for wear. Ball joints that exhibit wear beyond the established tolerance will be replaced with newly designed lateral arm ball joints. Ball joints that are within the established tolerance will be cleaned and a special sealant will be applied to…

1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #07E055000 · 2007 · 222 vehicles

What's wrong: Certain airtex fuel pump module assemblies, p/n e7081h, sold for use as replacement equipment for the vehicles listed above. The wall of the flared fitting of the fuel pump is not thick enough to prevent the mating threaded fittings from bottoming out before an adequate seal is achieved. This condition May result in leakage of fuel at the connection of the vehicle fuel line and the fuel pump module assembly.

Why it matters: In the presence of an ignition source, a fuel leak could result in a fire.

The fix: Airtex will notify owners and replace the fuel pumps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2007. Owners can contact airtex automotive at 800-880-3056.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Transmission & drivetrain6
Body & structure5
Engine & cooling4
Tires2
Wheels1
Visibility (wipers, glass)1
Fuel system1
Equipment1

What owners describe

The 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder has 20 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 14 Eclipse Spyder model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 17). Complaints peaked in 2005 (7 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 98,500 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (5 complaints, 0 recalls), 1998 (16 complaints, 1 recalls).

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder manual

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FAQ

Does the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder problems?

Owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (6), body & structure (5), engine & cooling (4).

Where can I get a 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Eclipse Spyder years

19951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200720082009