VehicleVerdict

1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

5

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Eclipse Spyder years?

Eclipse Spyder NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted97 complaints1995: 2 complaints1996: 5 complaints1997: 23 complaints1998: 21 complaints1999: 11 complaints2000: 3 complaints2001: 97 complaints2002: 29 complaints2003: 32 complaints2004: 6 complaints2005: 3 complaints2007: 27 complaints2008: 19 complaints2009: 7 complaints
Eclipse Spyder NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Eclipse Spyder years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags120%
Electrical System120%
Seats120%
Suspension120%
Tires & Wheels120%

Does the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E055000Fuel SystemJuly 26, 2007 · 222 units

Defect

CERTAIN 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

IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

AIRTEX 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“PASSENGER SEAT ONLY LOCKS IN ONE POSITION. IF YOU THINK THE SEAT IS LOCKED AND IT'S NOT, THE SEAT DOES MOVE/SLIDE BACKWARD AND FORWARD AS YOU ARE DRIVING. YOU MUST HEAR THE "LOCKED IN PLACE NOISE" OR IT IS NOT LOCKED!!!! THIS IS IMPORTANT ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE A PASSENGER RIDING IN THIS SEAT. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · May 26, 2004

“THE ACCIDENT WAS A NEAR HEAD ON COLLISION WITH OTHER VEHICLE (CHEVROLET BLAZER) TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40-50 MPH. NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED ALTHOUGH ENTIRE FRONT OF CAR WAS DESTROYED. CAR WAS CONSIDERED TOTALLED BY INSURANCE COMPANY. MITSUBISHI CONTACTED AND DENIED THERE WAS A PROBLEM. CLAIMED AIR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 19, 1999 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM SCHOOL ON A MAJOR HIG WAY WHEN I HEARD AN AWEFUL NOISE COMING FROM UNDER MY CAR, IT SOUNDED AS IF I WAS DRAGGING SOMETHING. I GOT OFF AT THE NEXT EXIT AND LOOKEDF UNDER MY CAR BUT THERE WAS NOTHING THERE SO I CONTINUED HOME. WHEN I WAS BACK ON THE HIGHWAY THE NOISE STARTED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · March 15, 2002

“WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED RIGHT BALL JOINT BROKE. AS A RESULT, CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · April 14, 2004 · crash

“I HAD PARKED THIS AUTO AND WENT INSIDE TO SLEEP- WAS AWAKEN BY HORN GOING OFF IN AUTO- WENT OUT TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON AND WHEN I OPEN THE DOOR ALL I SAW WAS A BLAST OF SMOKE THAT HIT ME IN THE FACE. FIRE CHIEF SAID IT WAS A ELECTRICAL FIRE THAT STARTED BEHIND THE DASH WHERE THE INSTRUMENTS ARE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 8, 2001 · fire

1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder — common questions

Is the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Eclipse Spyder years to avoid are 2001, 2003. The cleanest record among Eclipse Spyder years belongs to 1995.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.