Eclipse Spyder (2003)
Engine Reliability Ratings
Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.4-I4-Gas
2.4L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
3.0-V6-Gas
3.0L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
3.8-V6-Gas
3.8L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
6G74
3.5L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (3)
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.
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.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder problems?
The 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder has accumulated 40 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Body/Trim, Safety Systems, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder engine is most reliable?
The 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder was offered with 5 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.4L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder a good used car?
The 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 40 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder have?
The 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder has 40 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder?
There are 3 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder?
Before buying a used Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Body/Trim, Safety Systems, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Does the Eclipse Spyder have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 40 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-05-23.