2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 16%of 124 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 19,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 16% of the 124 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 19,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I just bought this car and yesterday I noticed a grinding sound when I let out the clutch to start the car. I took it into the shop and was told that it was the clutch disk that was gone and thefore probably my flywheel too. They also told me this wasn't covered under warranty as it was considered normal wear and tear.”
NHTSA complaint #10074604, filed 2004-06, 5,800 miles“At approximately 36,500 miles or so noticed the car not wanting to grip on take off. Seemed to want to rev higher randomly.. Over a period of 2 days went from no big deal to not being able to drive. I have had previous experience with manual transmissions (2 other personal vehicles ). I contacted dealership and warranty provider to find out this is normal and considered wear and tear. Have been priced upwards of 1000 usd if not more to replace this clutch. And I just got this car.”
NHTSA complaint #10155931, filed 2006-04, 36,800 miles“Selecting the second gear of my car often causes undesirable grinding and under no circumstances can that gear by used. This is a safety issue because I do not have power on demand and could cause an accident if the gear does not go in properly.”
NHTSA complaint #10043465, filed 2003-10, 6,800 miles“I bought my car in october of 2003 and immediately I noticed a grinding coming from the transmission. I took it into lancaster Mitsubishi in pennsylvania and they told me it was a common trans noise. A couple of weeks passed by and the noise kept getting louder and now my clutch is slipping. I have never beat or raced my car. It is one of the best cars I have ever owned and the one of the most reliable. I don't have much choice to keep driving it the way it is and it is getting worse. Pretty soon I will be out of a car.”
NHTSA complaint #10144119, filed 2005-12, 19,000 miles“I do have a 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse and at 27,000 I had a clutch replaced and a price tag of $1,250.00 for the dealership the I purchased the car from I thought I would get a long time out of that repair that cost so much. I was only up set that the same problem arose again so called from the dealership. I called independent shop the diagnostic the complete problem the dealership stated was not wrong, I was told by an independent garage that the leaking was caused by the sled and that I needed the lines need to be replaced and possible a new clutch again. Because of the leakage problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10223460, filed 2008-04, 51,224 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10170074Aug 28, 2015This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170071Jul 22, 2015This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170096Mar 5, 2013This 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.
- 10170086Nov 1, 2012This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10021743May 1, 2007Reprogramming the pcm drivability or sensitivity issues can be corrected.
- 10017676Oct 1, 2005Clutch release bearing installation.
- 10016754Jul 1, 20052-3 SHIFT FLARE.
- 10014359May 1, 20042-3 SHIFT FLARE.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 6 | 6% |
| 2003 | 20 | 16% |
| 2002 | 4 | 5% |
| 2001 | 19 | 9% |
| 2000 | 17 | 6% |
| 1999 | 25 | 21% |
| 1998 | 28 | 22% |
| 1997 | 22 | 16% |
| 1996 | 16 | 10% |
| 1995 | 48 | 16% |
| 1994 | 10 | 29% |
| 1993 | 13 | 36% |
| 1992 | 21 | 43% |
| 1991 | 19 | 35% |
| 1990 | 25 | 54% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
31 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 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