NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 16 owner complaints for the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. Most complaints involve service brakes (8) and engine (2). The EPA rates it 19–22 mpg combined.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 20, 2005, to February 13, 2009, and 2007-2009 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured December 23, 2005, to February 13, 2009. Due to corrosion inside the antil-lock brake system (ABS) unit, one or more of the internal valves may seize. In a braking event that uses the ABS, a seized valve would increase brake pedal travel and reduce braking ability.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V337000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,031.”
“2008 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SYPDER GT. CONSUMER STATED THAT THEY LOST POWER AND CONTROL WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF THE 2008 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SYPDER GT, AUTOMIBLE MANUFACTURER, DISTRIBUTOR, SERVICE CENTER, AND THE CRASH. THE CONSUMER STATED PRIOR TO THE CRASH, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE DUE TO NOT HAVING THE PROPER EQUIPMENT. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN INOPERABLE SINCE THE CRASH.”
“PLEASE VERIFY IF THIS VEHICLE HAS TAKATA AIRBAGS THAT ARE BEING RECALLED FOR SAFETY REASONS. IF THIS VEHICLE DOES HAVE THE TAKATA BAGS, WHAT PROCEDURE DO I FOLLOW WITH THE MITSUBISHI DEALERS TO CORRECT THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM. THANK YOU. S THOMPSON”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eclipse Spyder Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Eclipse Spyder Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Eclipse Spyder Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | $4,200 | 468 |
| Eclipse Spyder Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 25 | 19 | $4,200 | 468 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 16 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (8), engine (2), air bags (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder at 19–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).