Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Under normal driving conditions, I hit a small pothole while changing lanes while heading to the Mitsubishi dealership (where I used to work) and lost control of my 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse gt. Upon changing my tire, my rim was bent so severely that I had a hard time getting the lug nuts off of the vehicle. Over 2 inches the rim dented in. Now, 2 weeks later, I noticed a problem in the front left end, that rim is dented severly in two places, not just one. I am going to have to replace that rim as well. To top everthing off, I also had to replace my tire because the first time I blew out the sidewall. This is over $1,000 in just wheel and tire damage. Also, during employment at the Mitsubishi dealership, I reported defect's with my wheels and it was not brought to the attention of the district service manager, bob desimone. …
I have a black I guess you can call it black and white 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The clear coat it completely off and the black paint is just about gone. I have rust spots coming through now. It first started on the hood about a year ago and now it is everywhere. I also had to replace two of my rims because they were bent. Now I have a shimmy in my steering wheel when I get up to 65mph this started about a year ago also. I have gotten new tires and rims on it hoping that would help the problem but it is just as bad as it was last year.
2002 Eclipse coupe, OK this is a major promblem, hope someone will listen the wheels (rims) crack on these cars "cheap" both front wheels and drivers side back wheel. If you hit a pothole your gonna purchase new wheels. I am a single mom my kids ride in this car. Many others have "complained" do something before you are scrapping children off the expressway.....these wheels on the 2002 Eclipse are dangerous and expensive to keep replacing I can not afford it,,
Third time wheels have failed causing rapid deflation of tire and subsequent control of the car. Tire sustains no damage, but lip on rim gets bent back releasing air. Rims are too soft, or the car needs a higher profile rim and tire. Damage always occurs on front wheels due to extra weight of engine, etc. On front end. At age 62, I've owned a number of cars with alloy wheels and caught a pothole or two, but never had a wheel failure.
On 2 separate occasions the front passenger side rim bent, causing the tire to lose air and deflate rapidly. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle ,and coasted it to a complete stop. The rim metal was flimsy and bend very easily. A stronger metal was needed. Both rims were pounded out using homemade tool. Consumer did not replace rims because Mitsubishi has not changed to a harder material.
While driving on normal condition at city speed front right tire blewout. Six months previous to this incident, dealership indicated to the consumer the rim was bent but would not cause the tire to blowout. Subsequently, on two different occasions two more rims bent. Each rim will cost $300.00 at consumer's expense. The dealer refused to replace any of the rims at their expense.
2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse had a tire blow out. Consumer states that the vehicle then struck another vehicle and then hit the median wall before coming to a rest on the opposite side of the road. Examination of the tire revealed two holes in the sidewall which caused the blowout. The consumer suffered a laceration to her knee. (ohio traffic crash report # 10-0220-91
This is the second time that I've had to replace my rim due to the lip bending back causing the tire to deflate. Both times it was on the front tire. Looking at all the other complaints this is a common defect with the Mitsubishi rims which results in decreased steering control and needs to be address before someone gets seriously injured.
I almost lost control of the car when the rim bent and expelled all air out of the tire, but at 35 MPH I was able to maintain control, this can be a serious hazard, and if injury or even death occurs to any one, lawsuits will most likely be in order. ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis*761599
Drove over pothole in road. This dented and created crack in rim, which LED to a slow leak from wheel. Need a new wheel rim for replacement. A rim should not crack this easily. A certain amount of durability should be expected from parts of the car and this is plainly not acceptable.
NHTSA investigations
Aluminum alloy wheel denting
See attached report.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Eclipse years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 44% of the model year's 73 complaints. The component named most often is rim (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires recall for the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 32,000 miles, and 42% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to wheels & tires problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.