1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 44%of 16 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the body and structure of the 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, 44% of the 16 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The convertible top motors have gone out again. I have had the motors serviced several time over 4 times in two years. Apparnetly the gear pins break within the motors and cause them to fail. I cannot open nor close my convertible top.”
NHTSA complaint #10082929, filed 2004-07, 26,000 miles“Convertible top does not go down all the way. Design flaw causes the top stack control links to bend upon opening and closing the top. The replacement parts along with labor is ridiculously high over $650. Mitsubishi who is fully aware of this design flaw, refuses to accept any responsibility.”
NHTSA complaint #10066325, filed 2004-04, 65,200 miles“Convertible roof does not fold down due to bent frame members on each side - called bent top stack control links . This prevents the top front bow from closing tightly and allows water to enter the cab causing additional damage from mold and mildew - health hazards. The head liner pulls 1-1/2 from the front bow and sags significantly due to the slack distorting the view forward and limits the view in the mirror - a definite safety issue. The repair should be a factory issue and not cost me more than $500 for the parts and labor. …”
NHTSA complaint #10246649, filed 2008-10, 45,000 miles“Both my handles broke off, the drivers side arm rest,( where the buttons for the windows are), fell off and into the cavity below. The convertible top leaks badly along the point where the top meets the car windshield,windows,and back window. Very upset that there are many people with same problem yet no one wants to address the issue...Mitsubishi should pay for repairs...”
NHTSA complaint #10343464, filed 2010-07“Convertible top is not functioning properly. Adhesive is loosening, creating a strain on the straps. Two levers that help top fold are bending, so top does not close properly.”
NHTSA complaint #8016260, filed 2002-08Related service bulletins
- 10170852Jan 29, 2013This Technical Service Bulletin updates the door adjustment procedure in the Body Section of the applicable service manuals.
- 10170097Jan 15, 2013This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
Body and structure: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology