1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder — 2.4L

The 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is not listed in the federal record that begins in 2000, but its own complaint profile records 28 crash complaints, 6 fire complaints, and the top complaint categories of suspension (25), service brakes hydraulic (22), engine & engine cooling (20), and power train (16). Across the available generation (2000‑2012), complaints rose from 3 in 2000 to a peak of 99 in 2006, recalls peaked at 4 in both 2004 and 2006, and TSBs peaked at 108 in 2002 before declining to 35 in 2010 and 34 in 2012, while complaints fell to 1 in 2010 and 8 in 2012 with no recalls recorded in those years. Because 1996 precedes the dataset, we have no recall or investigation numbers for that year, but its complaint volume is notably lower than the mid‑2000s peaks, suggesting a comparatively quieter early‑life record. The dominance of suspension, brake, and engine complaints in 1996 indicates that any prospective purchase should focus on a detailed inspection of these systems. Overall, while the 1996 Eclipse Spyder shows a lower complaint burden than later model years, its age and lack of recall data mean buyers should budget for possible hidden wear and prioritize a thorough mechanical inspection before buying.