2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 31about this part
- Share
- 25%of 124 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 46,750miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 25% of the 124 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 46,750 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Purchased brand new 2003 Eclipse in 2004. I am experiencing paint delamination and it's spreading rapidly. Went to the Mitsubishi dealer after finding out many others are experiencing this problem. They took pictures and said they will contact Mitsubishi. I was notified the next day that my car has been declined any help due to expiration in warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10268621, filed 2009-05, 32,000 miles“I noticed recently that a section of the roof on my car was whitish in color. Quite apparent as my car is black in color. I have heard and read from many sources that this issue was prevalent in 2003 models and obviously mine is not exempt much to my disappointment. I hope that Mitsubishi steps up to the plate to correct this manufacturer defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10231149, filed 2008-06, 60,000 miles“I own a 2003 black Mitsubishi Eclipse gts that has a horrible oxidizing paint problem. The hood, trunk and top of my car are nearly all gray at this point. The problem first appeared about two years ago when the car was only three years old. The dealership refused to repaint the car stating that it was past warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10231116, filed 2008-06, 40,000 miles“I own a black 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. On or about june 1, 2007 I noticed a mysterious white spot forming on the roof of my car. Within the next month or so, the white spot turned into several white spots and now currently on august 5, 2008 the entire roof is covered in white and one has even turned to rust. I contacted a Mitsubishi dealership and was told that the car is not covered after 36,000 miles. My question is, what does mileage have to do with paint? …”
NHTSA complaint #10237080, filed 2008-08, 90,000 miles“I purchased the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse new off the lot in april 2003. I have taken care of the car with regular washes and attempts to keep it clean. Last year started noticing light grey spots developing on the top of the car behind the sun roof. Now ,just a year later, the spots increased and are now located all over the car. Every day they appear to be getting wide r and larger in size. I have had many paint chips knocked off the front of the car in just normal driving conditions and those spots are now also starting to rust. …”
NHTSA complaint #10195617, filed 2007-07, 67,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10235609Apr 24, 2023This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.
- 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.
- 10015718Apr 1, 2005Unprimed bumper fascia trail period. Mitsubishi tech talk.
- 10014365May 1, 2004Top latch set screws.
- 10014198Sep 1, 2002Clicking noise at instrument panel.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 | 13% |
| 2009 | 6 | 14% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 5 | 5% |
| 2006 | 5 | 5% |
| 2005 | 1 | 17% |
| 2004 | 5 | 36% |
| 2003 | 31 | 25% |
| 2002 | 15 | 21% |
| 2001 | 21 | 10% |
| 2000 | 41 | 13% |
| 1999 | 24 | 20% |
| 1998 | 11 | 9% |
| 1997 | 10 | 7% |
| 1996 | 11 | 7% |
| 1995 | 12 | 4% |
| 1994 | 1 | 3% |
| 1993 | 4 | 11% |
| 1992 | 2 | 4% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
20 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsFuel system
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 27, 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