VehicleVerdict

2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 19 complaints on file for the 2008 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.

19

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Eclipse Spyder years?

Eclipse Spyder NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 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, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Eclipse Spyder years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes842%
Airbags316%
Engine211%
Tires & Wheels211%
Visibility & Wipers15%
Electrical System15%
Other15%
Seat Belts15%

Does the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder have recalls?

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

15V337000BrakesJune 2, 2015 · 74,836 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 20, 2005, to February 13, 2009, and 2007-2009 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured December 23, 2005, to February 13, 2009. Due to corrosion inside the antil-lock brake system (ABS) unit, one or more of the internal valves may seize. In a braking event that uses the ABS, a seized valve would increase brake pedal travel and reduce braking ability.

Consequence

A sudden reduction of braking performance may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, flush and clean the ABS hydraulic unit using high grade brake fluid, free of charge. If the inspection shows that the valves may seize, the ABS unit will be replaced. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-15-004.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 26, 2016 · crash

“I HAVE A MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE AND IT KEPT GOING TO THE LEFT SIDE WHEN YOU DRIVE IT, EITHER IN TOWN OR ON THE HIGHWAY. IT START HAPPENING AFTER THE 2 MONTH FROM THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. THE DEALER SAID THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM BY MAKING AN ALIGNMENT, BUT THE SAME THINGS HAPPENED AFTER 2 MONTHS AND I WENT TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 16, 2009 · crash

“2008 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SYPDER GT. CONSUMER STATED THAT THEY LOST POWER AND CONTROL WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF THE 2008 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SYPDER GT, AUTOMIBLE MANUFACTURER, DISTRIBUTOR, SERVICE CENTER, AND THE CRASH. THE CONSUMER STATED PRIOR TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 5, 2021 · crash

“I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE USED IN 2008, AFTER DRIVING FOR A WEEK OR 2 I NOTICE THE TIRES WERE LOOSING AIR. I AM CONSTANTLY FILLING THE TIRES WITH AIR EVERY 2 TO 3 DAYS. I HAVE TAKEN THIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND 2 OTHER SHOPS FOR A DIAGNOSIS AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE TIRES, I REPLACED THE TIRES AND I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · January 31, 2016

“I HAVE A MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE AND IT KEPT GOING TO THE LEFT SIDE WHEN YOU DRIVE IT, EITHER IN TOWN OR ON THE HIGHWAY. IT START HAPPENING AFTER THE 2 MONTH FROM THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. THE DEALER SAID THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM BY MAKING AN ALIGNMENT, BUT THE SAME THINGS HAPPENED AFTER 2 MONTHS AND I WENT TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · August 16, 2009 · crash

2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder — common questions

Is the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder reliable?

The record is thin — 19 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2008 Eclipse Spyder problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (8 complaints), airbags (3 complaints), tires & wheels (2 complaints).

Does the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.