general problems of the 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse

My daughters 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse is leaking fuel from the filler tube. Tube rusted out prematurely due to a defective design of a tube cover that allows dirt and mud to collect around the tube where it bends and causes premature rust through. I am an ase certified mechanic and have performed recalls in the past on other vehicles and this is a poor design that could use some investigation. I am replacing the part with the factory original and will be adding a cover that will block the entry of dirt and mud from around the tube.

The fuel filler has rusted through, resulting in a leak which causes a puddle of gasoline under the car when adding fuel. There are no gas leaks other than when filling, so I assume the leak is limited to the filler portion of the system.