2002 Mitsubishi ECLIPSE SPYDER problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
24 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
38,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2002 model year. Data snapshot: . 11 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Wheels:Rim is the most frequently named component, appearing in 6 of 24 complaints (25.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 2 | 8.3% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 4.2% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Wheels:Rim | 6 |
| Structure | 3 |
| Air Bags | 2 |
| Fuel System, Other:Fuel Injection System | 2 |
| Tires | 2 |
| Visibility:Glass, Side/Rear | 2 |
| Wheels | 2 |
| Air Bags:Side/Window | 1 |
Wheels:Rim: 6; Structure: 3; Air Bags: 2; Fuel System, Other:Fuel Injection System: 2; Tires: 2; Visibility:Glass, Side/Rear: 2; Wheels: 2; Air Bags:Side/Window: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 2 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 5 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 3 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 5; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0
25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (5). 13 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 2 |
| 2003 | 3 |
| 2004 | 8 |
| 2005 | 3 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 2 |
| 2022 | 1 |
2002: 2; 2003: 3; 2004: 8; 2005: 3; 2006: 1; 2007: 1; 2008: 1; 2010: 2; 2011: 2; 2022: 1
Pattern summary
Wheels:Rim leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10160083 · 2006-06-17 (June 17, 2006)
I BOUGHT THE CAR IN APR. 2002 AND SINCE THEN HAVE ONLY PUT 40K MILES ON IT. THERE WAS A SQUEAKY NOISE FROM THE SUSPENSION WHEN I BOUGHT IT BUT THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT IS NOTHING. NOW, THE CAR SHAKES AT SPEEDS OF 60 MPH AND MORE AND IF BRAKES ARE APPLIED AT THE SAME TIME, IT SHAKES ALMOST AS IF IT IS GOING TO FALL APART. DIAGNOSIS HAS REVEALED THAT THE REAR CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS ARE RESULTING IN THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE ASKED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE REAR CONTROL ARM. I WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE FOR POSSIBLE MANUFACTURING FAULTS. *JB
Owner-reported narrative. 35,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10160083 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11468436 · 2022-06-09 (June 9, 2022)
The contact owns a 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power inadvertently. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle instead started reversing unintendedly. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys, where it was diagnosed that the power tr…
Owner-reported narrative. 138,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11468436 at NHTSA ↗