Home › Mitsubishi › Eclipse › 2000
2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse: problems, recalls and fuel economy
Owners reported bent and damaged wheels more than any other problem on the 2000 Eclipse, and NHTSA has 311 complaints on file for the year[1][2]. The car also has 7 recalls, so check that the recall work was done[3].
Reported problems
NHTSA lists 311 owner complaints for the 2000 Eclipse[1]. Of these, 14 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 13 injuries and 4 deaths[1]. These are unverified reports from owners. One complaint can name more than one part of the car, and the counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.
Here is how the complaints split by component group:
| Component group | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Wheels[2] | 128 |
| Structure[5] | 41 |
| Exterior lighting[6] | 25 |
| Visibility[7] | 22 |
| Electrical system[8] | 21 |
| Tires[9] | 19 |
| Power train[10] | 17 |
| Unknown or other[11] | 14 |
Wheels. This is the biggest group by a wide margin. It has 128 complaints, 2 crashes and 2 injuries, and the median mileage at failure is 40,500[2]. In the sample of wheel complaints we read, all 12 describe a bent, cracked or damaged rim[2]. Owners describe rims that bent after a pothole, a curb or a bump, and some say there was no obvious impact. Several describe a tire losing air or blowing out, and and several describe paying for new rims themselves after the dealer declined to cover them[2].
Headlights and turn signals. In a sample of 12 exterior lighting complaints, 6 describe headlight wiring, connectors or bulb sockets that overheated and melted[6]. Owners describe one or both headlights going out while driving at night. Two of the 12 describe turn signal trouble[6]. This group lists 2 fires[6].
Water in the doors and cabin. In a sample of 12 visibility complaints, 6 different complaints describe water staying inside the doors after rain or a wash[7]. Owners describe wet windows, frozen windows in cold weather and a mildew smell[7]. In a sample of 12 structure complaints, 7 describe water getting into the doors or the cabin floor[5]. A few say the leak soaked the floor and damaged a stereo amplifier, and that repeated dealer visits did not stop it[5]. Two of the visibility complaints describe a closed sunroof glass that shattered while driving[7].
The electrical system (21 complaints), tires (19) and power train (17) groups are smaller[8][9][10]. We did not read a sample of those, so we do not describe a pattern for them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2000 Eclipse[3]. Newest first:
- Passenger sun visor (15V338). If the passenger air bag goes off while the sun visor is folded down in a certain position, the visor can come loose and fly rearward. That raises the risk of injury. Dealers install a tether strap to hold the visor, free of charge[12].
- Air bag warning labels (04V428). The English and Spanish air bag warning labels on the dash and sun visor were too small to meet the federal standard. The maker's fix was to mail owners a letter with a description and picture of the dash label[13].
- Power steering tube, V6 cars (01V295). In V6 cars the power steering fluid tube can rub on a heat shield and wear a hole[14]. Leaking fluid can cause a fire, and losing the fluid means losing power assist, which raises crash risk. Dealers replace the tube with one routed differently[14].
- Transmission cooler hose, automatic cars (01V011). A badly made hose could weaken and leak transmission fluid. A leak can cause driving problems and smoke if the fluid reaches the exhaust pipe. Dealers replace the hose assembly[15].
- Steering gear nut (00V225). A nut in the steering gear was not tightened properly. Symptoms range from a vibrating wheel to stiff steering, and in the worst case no ability to turn left. That could cause a loss of steering control and raise crash risk. Dealers inspect the car and replace the steering gear if the nut is loose[16].
- Battery cable harness, V6 cars (99V333). In V6 cars the harness can be heat damaged by the exhaust manifold, which can ground the circuits[17]. The result can be a car that will not start, a low oil pressure light, a dead air conditioner or dead turn signals and hazard lights. Dealers inspect the harness and add a heat insulator, or install a new harness if the wires are damaged[17].
- Wiper and signal switch levers (99V305). The column switch levers can come loose or break. That can leave turn signals that do not cancel or work, headlights that will not turn off, washers that run nonstop or wipers that do not work. Dealers install a redesigned switch[18].
The facts we have list a remedy for each of these recalls. The data does not tell us whether the work was done on any single car, so ask the seller for proof or ask a Mitsubishi dealer.
Fuel economy
The EPA lists four versions of the 2000 Eclipse. All are front-wheel drive.
| Engine and gearbox | City / highway / combined MPG | Fuel | Est. annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cylinder, automatic 4-speed[19] | 18 / 25 / 21 | Regular | $3,200 |
| 2.4L 4-cylinder, manual 5-speed[4] | 20 / 28 / 23 | Regular | $2,900 |
| 3.0L 6-cylinder, automatic 4-speed[20] | 18 / 25 / 20 | Premium | $4,100 |
| 3.0L 6-cylinder, manual 5-speed[21] | 18 / 26 / 21 | Premium | $3,900 |
The 4-cylinder with the manual gearbox gets the best combined rating, at 23 MPG[4]. The 6-cylinder versions need premium fuel, and their yearly fuel cost is $1,000 to $1,200 higher than the 4-cylinder manual[4][20][21][4][20][21]. The EPA's yearly cost uses current fuel prices, not the price when the car was new.
How 2000 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 309 | 5 |
| 1996 | 164 | 4 |
| 1997 | 156 | 3 |
| 1998 | 145 | 4 |
| 1999 | 131 | 2 |
| 2000 | 311 | 7 |
| 2001 | 290 | 8 |
| 2002 | 97 | 2 |
| 2003 | 151 | 3 |
| 2004 | 20 | 4 |
| 2005 | 8 | 3 |
| 2006 | 99 | 4 |
| 2007 | 129 | 4 |
| 2008 | 87 | 1 |
| 2009 | 49 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 | 0 |
| 2011 | 1 | 0 |
| 2012 | 8 | 0 |
Among the Eclipse model years in NHTSA's records, 2000 has the highest complaint count at 311[3]. The 1995 model year follows closely at 309, and 2001 has 290[3]. Every other year listed has 164 or fewer[3].
For recalls, 2001 has 8 and 2000 has 7[3]. The 1995 model year has 5, and every other year has 4 or fewer[3]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so read these as a rough guide, not a score.
Should you buy a used 2000 Eclipse?
The 2000 Eclipse draws more owner complaints than any other Eclipse year in the NHTSA data, and wheels are the clear leader at 128 of 311[1][2][3]. Before you buy, look closely at the rims and tires and ask about past wheel replacements. Check the headlights and any signs of water in the doors or on the floor, since owners describe these problems in the samples we read[5][6][7].
Ask for proof that the seven recalls were handled, especially the steering, power steering tube and cooler hose recalls[14][15][16]. Expect fuel costs between $2,900 and $4,100 a year at EPA prices, depending on the engine[4][20]. Our data has nothing on crash-test scores, so look elsewhere for safety ratings.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the common problems with the 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
- NHTSA has 311 owner complaints, and 128 name the wheels group, with a median mileage at failure of 40,500[1][2]. In the samples we read, owners also describe melted headlight wiring and water in the doors[6][7].
- Does the 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse have any recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 7 recalls, covering the sun visor, air bag labels, power steering tube, transmission cooler hose, steering gear nut, battery cable harness and switch levers[12][13][14][15][16][17][18][3].
- What gas mileage does a 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse get?
- The EPA rates it from 20 to 23 combined MPG depending on engine and gearbox[4][20]. The 2.4L manual gets 23 and the 3.0L automatic gets 20[4][20].
- Is the 2000 Eclipse a reliable car?
- Our data does not give a reliability score. It shows 311 complaints and 7 recalls, the highest complaint count of any Eclipse year listed[1][3].
- Which Eclipse year has the fewest complaints?
- Among the years listed by NHTSA, 2010 and 2011 have 1 complaint each[3]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 311 owner complaints on file for the 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse (14 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 13 injuries, 4 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 128 complaints name the wheels component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Mitsubishi Eclipse model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Eclipse, 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 41 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 25 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,862). NHTSA vehicle records
- 22 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 61,250). NHTSA vehicle records
- 21 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 98,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 19 complaints name the tires component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 17 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 14 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 94,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 15V338, filed June 2, 2015: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 04V428, filed September 1, 2004: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 01V295, filed September 25, 2001: Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, And Connections. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 01V011, filed January 16, 2001: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Cooling Unit And Lines. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 00V225, filed August 10, 2000: Steering › Gear Box (Other Than Rack And Pinion). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 99V333, filed November 23, 1999: Electrical System › 12V / 24V / 48V Battery › Cables. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 99V305, filed November 1, 1999: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer › Switch / Wiring. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Eclipse, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Eclipse, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Eclipse, 3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov