NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 7 owner complaints for the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. Most complaints involve service brakes (5) and service brakes, hydraulic (1). 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 2009 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V337000 (SERVICE BRAKES); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V337000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC SYSTEM). THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 05/31/2016*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL WAS COMPLETED. UPDATED 06/01/16.*JB”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER. WHILE SEATED IN THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE RELEASE MECHANISM WAS DIFFICULT TO ACCESS. THE MECHANISM WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO REACH BECAUSE IT WAS LOCATED BETWEEN THE SIDE OF THE SEAT AND THE CONSOLE. THE EXCESSIVELY SMALL AREA PREVENTED ACCESSIBILITY TO UNLOCK OR LOCK THE SEAT BELT MECHANISM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE MALFUNCTION. A SEAT BELT EXTENDER WAS PURCHASED AND INSTALLED, BUT WAS INEFFECTIVE DUE TO THE LENGTH. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,000.”
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 29, 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 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (5), service brakes, hydraulic (1), seat belts (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder at 19–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).