Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy

Q: What year Eclipse Spyder should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, the 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder has the most documented problems with a problem score of 53 — driven by 3 recalls, 35 complaints, and 1 reported death.

Q: What is the best year Eclipse Spyder to buy?

The 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is the best-scoring year in our analysis with a problem score of only 3, meaning 1 recall and 0 complaints on record.

Q: Which Eclipse Spyder has the fewest problems?

The 2005, 2009, 2004 model years have the fewest reported problems in the NHTSA database. Always verify a specific vehicle's history with a VIN report before purchasing.

Every Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder model year (2001–2012) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.

Years Tracked

Total Recalls

Total Complaints

Reported Injuries

Reported Deaths

Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Years to Avoid

#1 WORST

2001

3 recalls · 35 complaints

2 reported injuries

1 reported death

Top issue: WHEELS:RIM

Problem score: 53

#2 WORST

2003

2 recalls · 22 complaints

8 reported injuries

Top issue: AIR BAGS

Problem score: 44

#3 WORST

2007

3 recalls · 12 complaints

2 reported injuries

Top issue: SERVICE BRAKES

Problem score: 25

Best Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Years to Buy

#1 BEST

2005

1 recall · 0 complaints

Main area: No significant complaints

Problem score: 3

#2 BEST

2009

1 recall · 2 complaints

Main area: SERVICE BRAKES

Problem score: 5

#3 BEST

2004

2 recalls · 2 complaints

Main area: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

Problem score: 10

Found the right year? Verify that specific Eclipse Spyder with a free VIN report.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder — Year-by-Year Problem Report

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Injuries	Deaths	Problem Score	Verdict
2012	0	0	—	—	0	Excellent
2011	0	0	—	—	0	Excellent
2010	0	0	—	—	0	Excellent
2009	1	2	—	—	5	Excellent
2008	1	8	—	—	11	Good
2007	3	12	2	—	25	Caution
2006	0	0	—	—	0	Excellent
2005	1	0	—	—	3	Excellent
2004	2	2	1	—	10	Good
2003	2	22	8	—	44	Avoid
2002	1	16	—	—	19	Caution
2001	3	35	2	1	53	Avoid

All 12 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Shopping Guide by Era

Pre-2013

Proceed with Caution

Older Eclipse Spyder models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year Eclipse Spyder should I avoid?+

Avoid the 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder if possible. It has 3 recalls, 35 owner complaints, and 1 reported death. The overall problem score is 53 — the highest in our dataset.

What is the best year Eclipse Spyder to buy?+

The 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 3. It has only 1 recall and 0 complaints on record with NHTSA.

Which Eclipse Spyder has the fewest problems?+

The 2005, 2009, 2004 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.

More Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Research

Reliability Score

Overall reliability rating and score breakdown for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder.

Common Problems

Full breakdown of every reported defect for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder.

Check a Specific Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder VIN

Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.

Run a Free VIN Report →