2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse.

20012003
Complaints
84
Crashes
6
Fires
4
Injuries
8
Fatalities
Recalls
1

Worst 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#120 complaints

Wheels:Rim

Avg mileage:31,656 mi
Crash-related:1
#210 complaints

Wheel Issues

Avg mileage:59,702 mi
#39 complaints

Structural Problems

Avg mileage:62,833 mi
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse.

Wheels:Rim
20
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
31,656
Wheel Issues
10
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
59,702
Structural Problems
9
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
62,833
Tire Defects
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical Faults
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Frontal
2
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Gasoline Fuel System
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Automatic Transmission
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Hydraulic Brakes
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tires:Sidewall
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Child Seat:Latch Connector/Clip
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Other Equipment
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Headlight/Taillight Failures
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Exterior Lighting:Headlights
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Exterior Lighting:Headlights:Switch
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System, Other:Storage:Tank Assembly
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Transmission / Drivetrain
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Power Train:Clutch Assembly
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seats:Front Assembly:Power Adjust
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Body:Door:Hinge And Attachments
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate:Support Device/Strut
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Body:Trunk Lid
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Frame And Members
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Frame And Members:Underbody Shields
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Suspension:Rear
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse

1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting ~443,442 vehicles.

15V338000Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
~443,442 affected

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.

Other Mitsubishi Eclipse Years

2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse has 84 NHTSA complaints, 6 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most common issue is Wheels:Rim with 20 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Top reported problems: Wheels:Rim (20 complaints, avg 31,656 mi); Wheel Issues (10 complaints, avg 59,702 mi); Structural Problems (9 complaints, avg 62,833 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 46,042 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
NHTSA complaints for the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse include 6 crash-related reports, 4 fire reports, 8 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse have any recalls?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 443,442 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Mitsubishi Eclipse reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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