2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 8%of 124 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the fuel system of the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 8% of the 124 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“My 2003 Eclipse gts has been serviced for about 10 different things in a matter of 8 months. 4 seperate times I had brought it in for a jerking automatic transmission 3 times they told me nothing was the matter and it was fine. Finally the check engine light came on and they then informed me that the transmision needed to be reprogrammed. It worked for about 4 months. Also 20 days after buying the car my check engine light came on and the fuel pump and sensor needed to be replaced. 4 times I have also brought the car in becuase when the sunroof opens it jerks really bad. …”
NHTSA complaint #10088460, filed 2004-08, 2,000 miles“Fuel mileage is bad and when filling up if you can it keeps clicking and smelling like fuel inside car. No lighting in car at all. Had to replace suspension as the bolts were worn. Paint chipping all over car. Cooling system keeps failing and somehow I have water keeps coming in on floor boards and the floor is soaked and stinks.”
NHTSA complaint #10736178, filed 2015-07, 132,000 miles“This vehicle suddenly started stalling whether idling, accelerating, or coasting. It would then have trouble starting and run fine again. After taking it to the mitsubshi dealership on western blvd in jacksonville, nc, they could not diagnose it but found in their data base that there is a tiny part in the crank shaft that could cause this problem. After waiting a week for parts they realized they had the wrong tool. Another week waiting for the tool and the new part did not fix the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10428223, filed 2011-10, 68,000 miles“This vehicle suddenly started stalling whether idling, accelorating, or coasting. It would then have trouble starting and run fine again. After taking it to the mitsubshi dealership on western blvd in jacksonville, nc, they could not diagnose it but found in their data base that there is a tiny part in the crank shaft that could cause this problem. After waiting a week for parts they realized they had the wrong tool. Another week waiting for the tool and the new part ddid not fix the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10428608, filed 2011-10, 68,000 miles“Check engine light illuminated-dealer scanned code po455 - gross evap. Leak. Tech. Removed and re-installed gas cap, cleared code, ran evap. Test, drove car to set readiness test. Cost $120.00 because pei failed and they had to remove and re-install gas cap. No other parts or fixes offered. Engine light illuminated again 3 months after inspection and so called fix. Concerned since this had been happening for approx. 2 yrs. On and off. When first happened dealership said not to worry most likely will correct itself. Went looking and found campaign 03v442000 - same problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10216303, filed 2008-01, 20,057 milesRelated recalls
- 03V442000Nov 4, 2003On 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…Covers: Mitsubishi Eclipse 2003–2004, Eclipse Spyder 2003–2004, Galant 2003
Related service bulletins
- 10170071Jul 22, 2015This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170100Feb 6, 2013This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170097Jan 15, 2013This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170087Dec 7, 2012This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 2 | 14% |
| 2003 | 10 | 8% |
| 2002 | 4 | 5% |
| 2001 | 11 | 5% |
| 2000 | 8 | 3% |
| 1998 | 5 | 4% |
| 1997 | 5 | 4% |
| 1996 | 5 | 3% |
| 1995 | 23 | 7% |
| 1993 | 2 | 6% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1991 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsTires
9 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsEquipment
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
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