1997 MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN ECLIPSE SPYDER Problems, Recalls & Safety Rating

Overview of the 1997 MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN ECLIPSE SPYDER

The 1997 MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN ECLIPSE SPYDER has received a total of 2 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There has been 1 recall campaign affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT. The most commonly reported problem area is the Air Bagsfrontal (1 complaint).

Recalls for the 1997 MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN ECLIPSE SPYDER

NHTSA has recorded 1 recall for the 1997 MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN ECLIPSE SPYDER, potentially affecting up to 5,164 vehicles.

Recall 00V421003 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

May 24, 2001 | 5,164 vehicles affected

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE RUBBER BOOTS ON THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, DIRT AND WATER CAN INTRUDE. ALSO, MMC HAS ADDED THE POTENTIAL OF LEAKING MOISTURE, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE BALL STUD TO CORRODE.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. THIS CAMPAIGN SUPERCEDES MMC'S PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN, SEE 99V-066.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT FOR WEAR. BALL JOINTS THAT EXHIBIT WEAR BEYOND THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEWLY DESIGNED LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS. BALL JOINTS THAT ARE WITHIN THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE...

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Owner Complaints for the 1997 MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN ECLIPSE SPYDER

2 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1997 MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN ECLIPSE SPYDER. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Air Bagsfrontal

Complaints: 1 1 Crash

Structure

Complaints: 1

Component	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Deaths
Air Bagsfrontal	1	1	0	0	0
Structure	1	0	0	0	0

Most Recent Complaints

#10113028 | STRUCTURE | February 24, 2005 | 88,000 miles

COMPLAINT RECEIVED VIA E-MAIL."THE CONVERTIBLE TOP LITERALLY LEAKS SO BAD THAT THE WHOLE INTERIOR IS MOLDY. THERE IS A "LAKE" IN THE TRUNK UNDER THE SPARE TIRE. ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION, THE TOP WILL BECOME UNLOCKED AND FLY UP. THE SUPPORT BARS ARE BENT AND THE STRAPS ARE JUST HANGING. THE TOP DOES GO UP AND DOWN, BUT VERY SLOWLY AND NOT STRAIGHT. I HAVE TO ADJUST THE TOP AS IT IS GOING UP AND DOWN. MITSUBISHI HAS LOOKED AT THE CAR AND SAID THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CONVERTIBLE TOP. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT AND I AM BEGINNING TO FEEL VERY UNSAFE IN MY CAR. THE TOP HAS GOTTEN SO UNSTABLE THAT I CAN'T GO OVER 60 MPH. OR I CAN HEAR THE LOCKS LOOSENING UP AND WIND STARTS TO COME IN TO THE CAR NEAR THE LOCKS. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME IN MY BATTLE TO DRIVE A SAFE CAR. I ALSO HURT MY SHOULDER WHEN I CAUGHT THE TOP WHEN IT FLEW UP THE FIRST TIME. I HAVE ALL THE DOCTOR RECORDS AND PHYSICAL THERAPY RECORDS." *NM

#10097193 | AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | October 19, 2004 | 60,000 miles Crash

THE CONSUMER HAD AN ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. SHE HIT A PARKED POLICE CAR AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. *JB NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *SC