The 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse is a vehicle from Japan. Below are the specifications, open safety recalls and NHTSA data available for this specific model year. Decode a 2002 Eclipse VIN to see the exact trim, engine and equipment for one particular vehicle.
Value calculator
Move the slider: the estimate applies the observed one-year depreciation rate for this model line (28.8%/year) to the value you enter. It updates instantly, right here.
Estimated value
$0
Source: Craigslist U.S. used listings (2020-2021 snapshot) + Car Features & MSRP dataset. Asking prices run above negotiated sale prices, and the snapshot was taken in 2020–2021 — pair the estimate with live listings for your area before pricing a car.
Overview
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a vehicle sold in the U.S. market. Enter its 17-character VIN below to pull the exact build from NHTSA vPIC: model year, trim, engine, drivetrain and assembly plant, plus any open safety recalls filed for that model year.
Specifications at a glance
Basic build info
Model year
2002
Make
Mitsubishi
Model
Eclipse
Body
Vehicle
Country of origin
Japan
Model-year-exact trim, engine and equipment vary by VIN. Decode the specific VIN above to confirm.
U.S. used-market listings for the 2002 Eclipse (Craigslist, 2020–2021 snapshot) cluster around a median asking price of $2,995 at roughly 188,692 miles, based on 10 listings. Asking prices run above negotiated sale prices, and values have moved since the snapshot — pair with live listings for your area.
Used median price
$2,995
Median mileage
188,692
Sample: 10 listings
Median of real U.S. Craigslist asking prices for this model year; asking prices skew above negotiated sale prices. Snapshot taken 2020-2021.
NHTSA safety recalls — 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
4
open recall campaigns on file with NHTSA for this year/make/model. Repairs are free at any authorized Mitsubishi dealer (within 10 years of first sale). See all recalls →
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Campaign: 15V338000 · Filed: 02/06/2015
Defect description: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2000-2005 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 5, 1999, to December 17, 2004, 2001-2005 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured January 19, 2000, to March 18, 2005, 2001-2005 Chrysler Sebring vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 21, 2005, and 2001-2005 Dodge Stratus vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 22, 2005. In the affected vehicles, the passenger side sun visor may be folded down in such a position that, if the passenger frontal air bag deploys, the passenger side sun visor may detach.
Consequence: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
Corrective action: MMNA will notify their owners, and Chrysler will notify the Chrysler and Dodge owners. Dealers will install a tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-15-005. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R30.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Campaign: 06E060000 · Filed: 29/06/2006
Defect description: CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
Corrective action: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Campaign: 06E026000 · Filed: 23/03/2006
Defect description: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Corrective action: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Campaign: 04V428000 · Filed: 01/09/2004
Defect description: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE BILINGUAL ENGLISH/SPANISH REMOVABLE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS AFFIXED TO THE DASH AND TO THE SUNVISOR DO NOT MEET THE SIZE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Corrective action: MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN WILL MAIL A CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION LETTER CONTAINING A WRITTEN DESCRIPTION AND A GRAPHIC OF THE BI-LINGUAL DASHBOARD AIR BAG WARNING LABEL. IN ADDITION, ALL CURRENT 2000-2004 NATIVA OWNERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE REPLACEMENT AIR BAG ALERT LABELS FOR THE SUN VISORS. THIS RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH OR APRIL 2005. THE NOTIFICATION TO THE NATIVA OWNERS IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL OR MAY 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.
Source: NHTSA Recalls API. Snapshot last checked: October 19, 2026. Recall status changes — verify by VIN for any vehicle you own or plan to buy.
Common problems to check on this generation
Wear items (brakes, suspension bushings, tires) at a rate set by mileage and prior care
Electronics and infotainment faults reported on some model years
Any open recall: verify by VIN, since repairs are free at the dealer
Applies to the model line as a whole; the 2002 model year may have specific TSBs, always verify by VIN.
Owner-reported problems — 2002 Eclipse
104
owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this year/make/model. Complaints are self-reported by owners and are separate from formal recalls.
Most-reported problem areas:
WHEELS — 30 reports
STRUCTURE — 19 reports
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — 6 reports
TIRES — 12/30/2002
WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLOWOUT. PLEASE PROVIDE THE SIZE AND DOT#. DEALER NOTIFIED. TX
TIRES — 12/29/2004
ON HIGHWAY WITH 65 MPH, FRONT TIRE (BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RE92 P205/55R) BLEWOUT WITH NO REASON. THERE WAS A QUARTER SIZED HOLE ON THE SIDEWALL. THIS CAUSED DAMAGE TO RIM AS WELL. BRIDGESTONE AUTHORIZED DEALER DID NOT ACCEPT THIS AS A DEFECTIVE TIRE EVEN THOUGH TIRES SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY. I HAD TO BUY A NEW TIRE AND RIM AND PAID TOW. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — 12/10/2014
CAUGHT FIRE OVER NIGHT WHILE PARKED IN MY DRIVE WAY. WOKE UP THE FOLLOWING MORNING TO FIND THE DASH BOARD MELTED, WINDOWS SMOKED OUT, FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED AND DRIVER SIDE DOOR BURNT. *TR
Ask a specific question about this year and model. Our editors review every submission and publish answers with sources on this page — typical response time is 2-5 business days.
Related guides for 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse owners & buyers
The 2002 Eclipse is a Vehicle. Decode a specific VIN above for the exact trim, engine, transmission and factory options for one particular vehicle.
Are there recalls on the 2002 Eclipse?
Yes — 4 recalls on record. Repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Is the 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse reliable?
How long a used Mitsubishi Eclipse lasts depends mostly on its maintenance history, not the badge. Pull the recall list for the model year, read the service records and pay for an independent inspection before you commit.
Values vary by trim, mileage, condition and region. Check Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds and NADA/J.D. Power for a range, see our guide comparing them — and pair with 5–10 local listings for your exact year and mileage.
What common problems should I watch for on a 2002 Eclipse?
Segment-wide issues like brake and suspension wear are the norm at this age; model-specific issues vary by generation. Review the "common problems" section above, check NHTSA complaints and TSBs for the specific year, and get an independent inspection focused on those areas.
Sources on this page:NHTSA vPIC (specifications),
NHTSA Recalls,
NHTSA NCAP (safety),
EPA FuelEconomy.gov (MPG),
NHTSA Complaints, SAE J2012 (OBD-II standard). VinSpecs is an independent service, not affiliated with Mitsubishi or any government agency.
