Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
The 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse shows mixed results with used purchase viability. With 308 complaints and 10 recalls, many issues are related to wheels, exterior lighting, and power train. Complaints suggest a need to scrutinize these areas. Recall data on airbags and steering highlight safety concerns. Limited data in some areas necessitates general caution when assessing this model.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse has 10 NHTSA recall campaigns and 308 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #15V338000 Sun Visor May Detach During Air Bag Deployment NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E060000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E049000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E026000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V428000 MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN/FMVSS 208/AIR BAG LABEL NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #01V295001 MITSUBISHI AMERICA/POWER STEERING TUBE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #01V011001 MITSUBISHI AMERICA/TRANSMISSION HOSE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #00V225001 MITSUBISHI AMERICA/STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #99V333001 MITSUBISHI AMERICA/BATTERY WIRING HARNESS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #99V305001 MITSUBISHI AMERIC/HEADLAMP-WINDSHIELD WIPER SWITCH NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Wheels 128 complaints
- Structure 41 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 25 complaints
- Electrical System 21 complaints
- Tires 20 complaints
- Visibility 20 complaints
Of the 308 complaints on file, 13 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 308 complaints, owners report 13 injuries and 4 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Passenger airbag inflator risk
How to check: Verify recall completion via NHTSA website.
Steering gear nut not tightened
How to check: Check for steering vibration or stiffness.
ATF leakage from cooling line
How to check: Inspect transmission fluid levels and leaks.
Battery cables heat damage
How to check: Inspect for cable heat damage near exhaust.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual noise from engine.
Red flag: Persistent knocking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard for warning lights.
Red flag: Check engine light stays on
- 03
Low speed maneuvering
What to check: Test steering for smoothness and noise.
Red flag: Rough or loose steering feel
- 04
Normal city driving
What to check: Ensure smooth transmission shifts.
Red flag: Rough or hesitant shifts
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check power response and stability.
Red flag: Poor acceleration or vibrations
- 06
Braking from high speed
What to check: Feel for smooth, firm brake response.
Red flag: Soft or unresponsive brakes
- 07
Parking
What to check: Inspect for fluid leaks after parking.
Red flag: Transmission or oil fluid leaks
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been addressed?
- Any recent issues with the steering?
- Have you experienced transmission leaks?
- Are there any electrical problems?
- What recent maintenance has been done?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle history report
- Maintenance records
- Recall repair receipts
- Title and registration
- Warranty if available
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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