2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 5%of 81 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,262miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, 5% of the 81 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,262 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“One afternoon I got into my car and started it up, when suddenly I saw smoke arise from the front of my engine and smelled a sweet smell, but the smoke and smell soon dissipated, however I then noticed that my driver's side headlight was going dim and shortly thereafter I had no headlights! I am currently without headlights making it difficult to go to and from work. We have not tried to repair this ourselves because we did not know what the problem was. We checked the fuses and the bulbs which all seem to be normal. …”
NHTSA complaint #10202287, filed 2007-09, 51,998 miles“The headlight plug burned the connection. This resulted in a substantial loss of light output/ no headlights. The plastic plug is also melted, causing a concern for fire and appearing that a small fire may have happened.”
NHTSA complaint #10347568, filed 2010-08, 64,526 miles“On my 2001 Eclipse Spyder, headlights began to go out, but moving wire connection on back of headlamps would correct the problem momentarily. The problem occurred more and more frequently, and one headlamp stopped functioning altogether, and now both went out on me while driving almost getting into a accident. When I checked the problem the headlight boxes that connect to the wires were melted and eventually burned off and broke.”
NHTSA complaint #10209290, filed 2007-11“Clear headlight covers are slowly becoming covered with residue to the point that it is noticeable when lights are shining on something white (garage door, rear of semi truck, new concrete, etc). Mitsubishi refuses to admit that the covers are not properly sealed. Since they are never open at night, they never test drive the vehicle at night. Service manager admits that the covers are building up a residue, but says it does not impair visibility. 1. It is very distracting and 2. It looks terrible! I've noticed that I am not the only one with the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10126000, filed 2005-06Related service bulletins
- 10211530Apr 7, 2022This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by…
- 10170074Aug 28, 2015This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 4 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
37 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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