Mitsubishi›Eclipse›2003›3.0L/mitsubishi/eclipse/2003/3-0l/

2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse — 3.0L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2003 Eclipse 3.0L.

Body PASSENGER CAREngine 3.0LTransmission Automatic (S4)

The 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse 3.0L is a passenger car powered by a 3.0L engine and Automatic (S4) transmission, rated at 18/25/21 mpg while requiring 4.5 qt of 10W-30 or 5W-30 API oil for maintenance. Within the model's documented history from 1990 to 2012, this specific year accumulated 166 total owner complaints primarily focused on Structure, alongside 5 recalls. Consequently, the 2003 model occupies a moderate position in the vehicle's reliability history, falling significantly short of the 392 complaints logged in 1995 while exceeding the single complaint noted for 2011.

Model year2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.5 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type10W-30 / 5W-30 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque65-80 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy18/25/21 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 86 · 525 CCA battery, OE oil filter MZ690072. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 86 · 525 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP205-55R16OEM · verified

Wheel / rim6-JJ inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	MZ690072 alt MZ690116
Engine air filter	MB906051
Fuel filter	MR993092
Spark plug	MS851357 alt MS851728
Front wiper blades	8250A174 alt 8250A536
Serpentine belt	MN187017 alt MN187016
Thermostat	MD328070 alt MD350415
Cabin air filter	MR500360

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic (S4)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	176.8 in
Overall width	68.9 in
Overall height	51.6 in
Wheelbase	100.8 in
Curb weight	3142 lb
Track (front / rear)	59.1 / 58.3 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	63/37

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	18 / 25 / 21 mpg
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuel	Premium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent published road-test results.

6.7–8.1 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.70 sec — 2003 GTS V6 Coupe

210 hpHorsepower (as tested)

205 lb-ftTorque (as tested)

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2003	GTS V6 Coupe 3.0L V6	6.70 sec	15.20 sec	210 hp	FWD
2003	GTS V6 Coupe 3.0L V6	8.10 sec	16.10 sec	210 hp	FWD
2001	Spyder GT V6 3.0L V6	8.20 sec	16.40 sec	200 hp	FWD
2000	GT V6 Coupe 3.0L V6	6.90 sec	15.30 sec	200 hp	FWD
2000	GT V6 Coupe 3.0L V6	7.60 sec	16.00 sec	200 hp	FWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.5 qt of 10W-30 / 5W-30 API engine oil, 85W-90 · 80W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 · DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 65-80 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 18.0-22.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake Fluid	DOT 3 · DOT 4
Differential Gear Oil	85W-90 · 80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	1.3 Pints
Engine Coolant	ETHYLENE GLYCOL
Engine Oil	10W-30 · API · 5W-30
Engine Oil Capacity	4.5 qt
Power Steering Fluid	Genuine Mitsubishi PS fluid
Power Steering Fluid	Use Mitsubishi PS fluid

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs	DOHC: 14 ft-lbs; SOHC:
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	134 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	54 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	18 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	33 ft-lbs
Main Bearings	57 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	18.0-22.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	10 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	65-80 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	167 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub	166 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order	1-2-3-4-5-6
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	100 rpm
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance	8500-11,500 ohms
Spark Plug Gap	0.039-0.0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque	15.0-21.0 ft-lbs
Ignition Timing	5, Not adjustable degrees

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.00-2.00 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Standard BCI Group Number	86
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	525 cca

Service checks

Regulated Fuel System Pressure (Without Vacuum)	47.0-50.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	38.0 psi
Engine Compression	83-119 psi
Engine Compression	139-185 psi
Engine Oil Pressure	4.2 psi @ Idle, 43-100 psi @ 3500 rpm psi
Intake Valve Lash	Hydraulic in
Exhaust Valve Lash	Hydraulic in

Brakes

Brake Application	WITH REAR DISC
Torque Caliper to Bracket	32 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	44 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket	74 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	87-101 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket	28 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	74 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.080; Rear: 0.080 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

25 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

25 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	80 ft. lbs.	80 ft. lbs
2	Loosen all bolts completely.
3	80 ft. lbs.	80 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs every 60,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 mi	Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Power Steering System (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 mi	Axle Shaft Oil Seal (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect)
At 60,000 mi	Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 mi	Distributor Cap (inspect) · Distributor Rotor (inspect) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System (inspect) · Fuel Tank (inspect) · Fuel Tank Filler Cap (inspect) · Spark Plug Wires (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse sits within the fourth generation (2000–2005), a period marked by elevated federal activity compared to the model’s earlier years. Complaints spiked sharply in 2000 (314) and 2001 (316), then declined in 2002 (104) before rising again in 2003 (166), suggesting lingering quality or design issues unresolved from the generation’s launch. Recalls and investigations followed a similar arc, peaking in 2000–2001 and tapering afterward, though the 2003 model still saw five recalls—higher than 2002 (four) but below the generation’s average. The data shows the 2003 Eclipse’s complaints were concentrated in structural (33) and powertrain (19) areas, with notable crash (22) and fire (7) reports, indicating persistent reliability concerns. Compared to the quieter 2004–2005 models, the 2003’s figures imply it falls mid-cycle in the generation’s reliability arc, neither the worst nor fully stabilized. **Takeaway: While not the riskiest year, the 2003 Eclipse’s complaint volume and recall count suggest buyers should prioritize a meticulously documented service history and pre-purchase inspection.**

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

115

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

166

Owner complaints

22 involved a crash · 7 a fire

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02’03’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’11 ’12

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 166 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Structure33

Power Train19

Air Bags11

Tires11

Unknown Or Other9

Engine & Engine Cooling8

Visibility8

Electrical System7

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 5 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

03V442000Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel PumpReported 04/11/2003

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL RETURN LINE HOSE FITTING ON THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP MAY BE RESTRICTED, CAUSING EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE TO BUILD UP IN THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE MAY RESULT… Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP PRESSURE. THOSE VEHICLES EXHIBITING HIGHER THAN NORMAL FUEL PUMP PRESSURE WILL RECEIVE FUEL PUMP MODIFICATIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN DECEMBER 3…

04V428000Equipment:Other:LabelsReported 01/09/2004

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… Remedy: 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 115 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
DEALER LETTER	2023-07-21	Equipment	This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has…
TSB-23-00-004	2023-04-24	Structure	This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for…
TSB-23-00-001	2023-04-24	Equipment	This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the…
DEALER LETTER	2023-04-21	Equipment	This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has…
TSB-22-54-003	2022-04-07	Exterior Lighting	This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Eclipse. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 86 battery Vehicles taking 4.5 qt Engine oil filter MZ690072 Engine air filter MB906051 Fuel filter MR993092 Spark plug MS851357

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2003 Eclipse 3.0L take?

4.5 qt of ABOVE 0 degreesF 10W-30 SL API, BELOW 100 degreesF 5W-30 SL API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2003 Eclipse have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 3.0L get?

EPA figures are 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined mpg.