2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse: 7 recalls, 209 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
7 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 3 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #00V299001 · 2000 · 6,037 vehicles
What's wrong: The harness for the crankshaft position sensor could come in contact with a new protective shield causing a grounded circuit.
Why it matters: Prolonged wiring harness contact with the heat shield will cause the wiring insulation to wear and eventually to ground out. This could cause the engine to die-out, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will re-route the crankshaft position sensor harness.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #00V320001 · 2000 · 10,510 vehicles
What's wrong: The outer layer only of this 3-layer fuel return hose does not contain the desired ozone protection due to a processing error.
Why it matters: This hose is considered to be inadequate.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel return hose.
Seats Vehicle recall #01V005001 · 2001 · 47 vehicles
What's wrong: A number of incorrect driver side seat mounting bolts were installed into vehicles.
Why it matters: The rear anchor bolts securing the driver's seat May not properly secure the seat and could increase the risk of driver injury in an accident.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the seat mounting bolts and then replace the bolts if necessary. Owner notification began February 15, 2001.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #01V011001 · 2001 · 277,227 vehicles
What's wrong: A hose was mis-manufactured and could weaken over time, which could result in leakage of the automatic transmission fluid.
Why it matters: Fluid leakage from the cooler hoses can cause transaxle driveability problems and smoke if the oil contacts the front exhaust pipe.
The fix: Dealers will replace the hose assembly for the automatic transmission oil cooler. Owner notification mailing will be phased over a five-month period starting March 26, through July 23, 2001.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #01V069000 · 2001 · 192 vehicles
What's wrong: A bulge in the fuel tank caused by the manufacturing process resulted in thinning of the material during a welding operation, increasing the risk of fuel leakage.
Why it matters: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank assembly. Owner notification began March 26, 2001.
Equipment Vehicle recall #04V428000 · 2004 · 100,432 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
The fix: 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…
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V338000 · 2015 · 443,442 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
The fix: 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.
3 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E049000 · 2006 · 27,176 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the 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.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E060000 · 2006 · 87,745 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash
The fix: Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 6 mention a fire, 13 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Wheels (73): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (40), noise or vibration (7).
- Airbags (22): the most common themes are fails to deploy (6), warning light on (4).
- Body & structure (21): the most common themes are leaks (3), door / lock issues (3), noise or vibration (3).
- Electrical (19): the most common themes are electrical failure (12), stalls / loses power (5), fire / smoke (4).
The 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse has 209 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 23 Eclipse model years for complaints (2.3× the average Eclipse year). Complaints peaked in 2002 (44 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 51,122 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (308 complaints, 7 recalls), 2002 (73 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Premium |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Premium |
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 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recalls for the 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse, plus 3 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 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse problems?
Owners have filed 209 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are wheels (73), airbags (22), body & structure (21).
What gas mileage does the 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.4 L, Manual 5-spd), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse 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.