Most common 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder problems
Share of the 11 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder complaints by model year
Best Eclipse Spyder years: 2005, 1996, 2004. Years to avoid: 2001, 2002, 2007, 2003. Compare all years →
1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder recalls (1)
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
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.
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.
What 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
Transmission sticking between 40-60 miles per hour at 3000 rpms and has a problem shifting down causing the "service engine soon" light to come on. The problem happens on the same 2 roads in the same exact spot. I had the pulse generators in the transmission replaced and one week later it was doing it again. I am trying to determine if it is air intake related since it happens only at those 2 spots on the road. Transmission was diagnosed OK (on computer unhooked to the electrical components in the car) I am taking it back in today to have the code read again, however it resets itself if it does not stick for while when driving. Problem was intermittent starting around August of 2008 and the problem had become more persistent until last week 3/25/09 when I had the pulse generator replaced. It did the same thing 4/1/09 one week later in the same 2 spots on the road. …
I purchased a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder convertible 6-15-06. After driving the car 3 months the "service engine soon" light came on. I was out of town so took to nearest car repair station. They reset light & rcvd code p1750. When I rtnd home I took it in for service & to reset the check engine soon light. After 3 attempts I was referred to an authorized transmission shop where they rebuilt the tranny. I drove 200 miles and the tranny burned up. I was stranded at night on hwy 5...the car was towed to nearest authorized transmission station in bakersfield, ca. Long story short the tranny has been rebuilt 8 times since date of purchase, I have spent over $20,000 in rental cars, cabs, hotels. Etc. I once again was given dec 2007. The tranny began to slip within 3 months. …
Engine & cooling
Crankshaft pulley failed because inner and outer rings separated. Dealership contacted and reported that they are seeing this on a frequent bases. Mechanic and dealership agee that insuffencient glue used to seal rings together.
Main bearing failure @ 65,000 miles. Dealership would not replace, or repair. This is a common problem with this model. I am on my 2nd motor with the same problem.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder a good car?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Eclipse Spyder rates average: 14% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Eclipse Spyder at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder?
The transmission & drivetrain — 5 complaints, 45% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the engine & cooling (3) and windows, wipers & sunroof (1).
How many recalls does the 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder have?
There is 1 recall for the 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, the most recent from December 18, 2000 (lower ball joint). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005, 1996 and 2004. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2001, 2002, 2007 and 2003. See the full Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.