Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder 1997

Model Eclipse Spyder made in 1997 by Mitsubishi got 23 consumer complains there are 2 recalls as well as 18 service bulletins. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to engine and engine cooling, fuel system, gasoline and power train. Technical service bulletines regarding equipment, power train and seats. There were some recalls concerningfuel system, gasoline, suspension.

Model 1997

Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - FUEL PUMP
07E055000AIRTEX PRODUCTS E (Equipment)22211/19/2007MFRMITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC.07/26/200707/26/2007
Defect SummaryCertain 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.
Consequence SummaryIn the presence of an ignition source, a fuel leak could result in a fire.
Corrective SummaryAirtex 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.
NotesAirtex recall no. fp072007-1.this recall only pertains to aftermarket replacement equipment and has no relation to any original equipment installed on vehicles manufactured by daimlerchrysler or mitsubishi.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER BALL JOINT
00V421001MITSUBISHI AMERICAfrom 12/01/1995 to 06/30/1999V (Vehicle)56743204/02/2001ODIMITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC.12/18/200012/18/2000
Defect SummaryVehicle description: passenger vehicles. 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.
Consequence SummaryThis 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.
Corrective SummaryDealers 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 prevent intrusion of moisture.
NotesOwner notification will be conducted in phases.the first phase began april 2, 2001, and the final phase will be completed on september 3, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mitsubishi america at 1-888-mitsu-2001 (1-888-648-7820).also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
EQUIPMENT - ELECTRICAL - AIR CONDITIONER
025500203/01/20020255002634624Subject regarding corrected air conditioner magnetic clutch service procedures. *jg10/03/2002
TSB98500102/01/1998TSB9855001600327Service manual revision on a/c clutch air gap. *yc05/11/1998
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
992301010/01/19996088731This bulletin contains recommended automatic transmission / transaxle maintenance information. *tt01/06/2000
TSB982301409/01/1998TSR9723013602455Experiencing a/t harsh 3-2 downshifts. *tt11/05/1998
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
992200310/01/19996088726This bulletin contains recommended manual transmission / transaxle maintenance information. *tt01/04/2000
SEATS - FRONT ASSEMBLY - POWER ADJUST
TSB0052A01011/01/2000615981This bulletin describes how to install the new power seat slide motor. *tt02/06/2001
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
6702/01/2001618250Subject regarding power steering pump replacement. *jb04/10/2001
STRUCTURE - BODY
TSB9942A00502/01/1999604255Some customers may complain of excessive water entering the vehicle around the topstack assembly. *tt04/21/1999
TSB9842A00910/01/1998602929Some vehicles may exhibit a squeak and / or rattle at the windshield header. *yc01/21/1999
STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR
TSB9942A00402/01/1999604256Vehicles exhibiting popping and/or creaking noise in door window glass. *tt04/21/1999
STRUCTURE - BODY - ROOF AND PILLARS
TSB9942A00706/01/1999607305This bulletin contains procedures for preventing and repairing bent top stack control links. *tt09/17/1999
TSB9842A00304/01/1998TSB9842A003601213Service manual revision on electric convertible top supplement. *yc07/07/1998
SUSPENSION
TSB983400105/01/1998601500Procedures for repairing abnormal noises from the rear suspension. *yc08/06/1998
SUSPENSION - REAR
TSB993400102/01/1999TSB9834001604258Customers may complain of a squeaking, a hard rubbing noise, and / or a light tapping or knocking sound from the rear suspension when driving over bumps. *tt04/21/1999
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TSB981300506/01/1998601990Vehicles may experience long cold start times, sag during warm-up, and stalling. *tt09/01/1998
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL - CRUISE CONTROL
4806/01/1999606605Exhibiting rough idle after warm-up. *tt08/30/1999
VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM
TSB015500302/01/2001618219Service manual revision on revolution pick-up sensor resistance. *jb04/10/2001
VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
TSB985100410/01/1998TSB9551002602928Some vehicles may experience front windshield washer nozzle leakage. *yc01/21/1999

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
06/11/19971
 Mitsubishi eclipse suck! i was driving on the freeway when my engine shut off! luckly, i was going down hill and was able to coast off to the left, after almost getting hit a couple of times. my mechanic (brother) took a look at it and said it was the crank shaft, so i googled it and guess what???? im not the only one with this problem... take a look http://www.roadraceengineering.com/walkingcrankshaft.htm. *ak
07/08/2002232110511/01/1997
 The thrust washer is welded to the crankshaft in my car. for whatever reason, there is a defect in the thrust washers that cause there to be an increase in the amount of play in the crankshaft. this causes what had been termed the crankshaft walk. among other symptoms, common and what happened to my car was that the 5 speed manual transmission started to lock up on me where i could not even get the car in gear. the movement in the crankshaft caused the crankshaft positioning sensor to go out, and when it did, i was driving on the freeway at 65 mph and the car shut off on me causing me to lose my power brakes and steering. i did not get into an accident, but i could have. i had the thrust washer replaced and now have the same problem. i am not alone. the following is a website that contains post after post of the same problem. ph *nlm **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**767675
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
06/18/200696000106/01/2006
 Coolant tank cracked leading to loss of overflow coolant and potential engine failure from overheating. mitsubishi no longer makes a replacement part. *jb
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL
05/05/200557595105/01/2003
 Car fails mandatory obd-ii smog test due to non-continuous readiness monitors failing to set to complete during normal driving. dealer must use mut-ii diagnostic tool to set monitors to ready state. when diagnostic mode is exited and ignition turned off monitors revert to not-ready state. problem common to 1997 mitsubishi eclipse gst according to dealer. no remedy available. car does not meet federal emission requirements.*jb
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
01/25/20055900106/01/2004
 I purchased my 97 eclipse sypder convertible in june 04. after 3 months the check engine came on. diagonosed as small evap leak code 0442. took to dealer. the fuel cut off valve is cracked and the vapor hose is separated (has a leak) parts are on order and total cost $475.00. how can a valve crack and a vapor hose have a leak? are these parts defective? please note that i was told that if i was in an accident, the car would explode because of these 2 problems. i purchased my vehicle at desert chrysler jeep, here in las vegas, nv, 702-457-0293. when i called them about this, the service department referred me to courtesy mitsubishi. i have provided that info on the dealer information page.*ak
POWER TRAIN
11/09/2011118000
 My car is a 1997 eclipse spyder automatic tranny 2.4l . there was issues with the transmission it was on lean mode, locked on 2nd gear and it could only go up to 40 miles per hr other wise the rpm were very high...
06/11/19971
 Mitsubishi eclipse suck! i was driving on the freeway when my engine shut off! luckly, i was going down hill and was able to coast off to the left, after almost getting hit a couple of times. my mechanic (brother) took a look at it and said it was the crank shaft, so i googled it and guess what???? im not the only one with this problem... take a look http://www.roadraceengineering.com/walkingcrankshaft.htm. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
06/01/2005101000104/29/2005
 Transmission was slipping so i stop driving it. when i tested it out again, it was even worst and i can't even go past 40 mph. so far there hasn't been any repairs done to the car since i was told by a mechanic that there are transmission recalls on the automatic 97 gs eclipse and was advise not to drive it anymore because it can result in a accident. did a little research online and found out that this car does have a recall on the automatic transmission. http://www.autosite.com/content/own/service/index.cfm/action/recallsview/seriesid/509. *nm
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
12/20/2005104000609/15/2000
 1997 mitsubishi eclipse spyder catastrophic failure of clutch. the line that runs from the slave cylinder to the master cylinder has what appears to be a cut in the line 1mm from the connection to the master cylinder. i have now replaced this line six (6) times in two years. failure usually occurs after driving the car at highway speeds for 2 or more hours. clutch goes to the floor due to loss of fluid. i have also replaced the master cylinder twice & the slave cylinder three times, the last time was 2 weeks ago. *nm
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE
06/11/19971
 Mitsubishi eclipse suck! i was driving on the freeway when my engine shut off! luckly, i was going down hill and was able to coast off to the left, after almost getting hit a couple of times. my mechanic (brother) took a look at it and said it was the crank shaft, so i googled it and guess what???? im not the only one with this problem... take a look http://www.roadraceengineering.com/walkingcrankshaft.htm. *ak
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION - FLOOR SHIFT ASSEMBLY
02/24/20062502/24/2006
 Speed control issue, gas pedal sticking, car consistently idles between 1500 to 3000 rpms engine revving up and down while at a stop and while in park. manual shift very stiff. *jb
01/02/20001
 The manual gear shifter locked up in the position of third gear, shifter has been a chronic problem since ownership, dealer claims failure resulted in the need for a complete transmission rebuild as the bottom section broke off and fell into the gear works. recall (97v-069 and 97v-069001) are similar, dealer did not disclose recall related repairs. *mjs
STRUCTURE
09/15/2005105/05/2001
 Paint job defects. i have owned several mitsubishis vehicles in my family. all resulting in paint defects on the car. only one has not, dealership said because there is a defect and that one vehicle not affected was made and painted in japan. cost of repaint of vehicle is $1500 to $2500 depending on where you go. *tr
STRUCTURE - BODY
03/09/200542500403/28/2000
 Convertible top will not open all the way. support bracket is bent and will not let top lower completely into housing. there is no complete fix for this. dealer says, this is a manufacture defect, support brackets are to thin for this type of top.
STRUCTURE - BODY - ROOF AND PILLARS
01/10/200547000103/01/1997
 Roof leaked & would not fully retract due to deformation of structural roof members (roof pillars). required replacement of 3 major roof members plus installation of straps (as defined in technical service bulletin). this was a structural failure of the roof design known to mitsubishi, but no recall or consumer alert was communicated.*jb
05/01/2003580001
 Convertible leaking by driver and passenger area which drips on power window /door lock/window lock switch. *jb
04/03/200461008/09/1997
 1997 mitsibishi convertible. brackets on both sides of convertible top have bent preventing top from opening completely. it happens on all convetibles of this type and has already been identified by manufacturer, however, they won't do anything about it.*ak
TIRES
04/22/2010132593
 Tire tread separation on passenger car tires. brand = kumho line = ecsta asx size = 225/40/r18 dot # = yomx yc2f while driving down the road, my son noticed rubber chunks flying from the front end of his car. when he stopped to check things over, he found that the tread of one of the front tires was separating right down to the base cords of the tire. the separation occurred on just one edge of the tread and was being un-spooled from the tire. i am reporting this so that it may be documented for future reference in the nhtsa database.
TIRES - TREAD/BELT
08/26/200410327710
 Front left tire continuously deflating, leading to rapid deflation because of a seven inch cut along the seam of the tire. fortunately it happened at a very low speed and i was able to get off the road safely. i had just left the highway and was driving 70 mph. replaced all four tires.*ak
VISIBILITY - GLASS, SIDE/REAR
07/18/2004102000107/15/2003
 97 spyder convertible - i am the owner since 08/03. rear window was leaking a bit and last week literally fell out. had to replace top, window could not be repaired. corners of driver and passenger sides are leaking seriously despite top replacement. seals may have to be replaced. cost so far - $2001 plus rental car. passenger seat slides and is difficult to lock.*ak
WHEELS - RIM
12/01/20013
 The left front right front tires blewout on highway due to the rims cutting into the tires, causing tread separation. dealership was aware of problem.*ak *jb

Car dealers selling


StateCityZipNamePhone
CANATIONAL CITY91950BALL MITSUBISHI619) 474-6431
FLKEY LARGOLARGO HONDA/MITSUBISHI
NCRALEIGHLEITH MITSUBISHI
NJMONMOUTH JUNCTION08852BRAD BENSON
NVLAS VEGAS89117COURTESY MITSUBISHI702-256-7100
NVLAS VEGAS89102INTEGRITY IMPORTS7028518340
TXHOUSTONTEXAN FORD