2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Reliability ReportC+ grade · moderate risk · system-by-system breakdown
Quick Facts · 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
- The system most likely to surface first: automatic transmission (major severity).
- Has 5 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump.
- Scores 10 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse earns a 78.
Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Worth Buying?
The 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse offers an attractive, sporty package for a budget-conscious buyer, but it demands careful pre-purchase inspection and diligent maintenance. Its automatic transmission is a known weak link, making a manual transmission a far safer bet for long-term ownership and overall satisfaction. Do not overlook its specific maintenance requirements.
Biggest Strengths
- Stylish and distinctive design
- Available V6 engine offers decent power
- Generally robust manual transmissions
What Tends to Fail First on the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
The systems that break first on the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Recall History
5 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL RETURN LINE HOSE FITTING ON THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP MAY BE RESTRICTED, CAUSING EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE TO BUILD UP IN THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE MAY RESULT IN A LEAK IN THE FUEL RETURN HOSE.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE BILINGUAL ENGLISH/SPANISH REMOVABLE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS AFFIXED TO THE DASH AND TO THE SUNVISOR DO NOT MEET THE SIZE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
What breaks on the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Other Mitsubishi Eclipse Years to Consider
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Mitsubishi Eclipse. Click any year for its full report.
2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Alternatives
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Parts and accessories matched to your 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
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Frequently Asked Questions
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