Three problems related to axle assembly have been reported for the 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse based on all problems reported for the 2001 Eclipse.
The contact stated the vehicle caught on fire. It began as a noise and then the engine area caught on fire. They were no unusual indicators before the fire. The vehicle was burned very badly. The cause of the fire was left undetermined, and vehicle was towed to the insurance company's salvage yard. The dealership and the manufacturer where not contacted because the warranty expired. The police department was notified and a report was taken. The insurance company provided the contact a report of a possible cause of the fire. The report stated a hose defect from the manufacturer could have caused the automatic transmission cooling unit and lines to leak over a period of time. Therefore, the fluid leakage from the cooling hose could cause trans axle problems and smoke if the oil contacted the front exhaust pipe.
Left rear wheel hardware attaching the wheel, backing plate, brake calipers to rear axle failed. There were four attaching bolts that sheared off under stress of crash avoidance that caused the rear wheel to fall off and lose contro of the vehicle.
While driving approximately 38 mph right rear axle broke, and control of the vehicle was lost. Vehicle crashed, resulting in a total loss vehicle. Driver's son sustained head injuries. No determination has been made as to reason for this problem. Please provide any additional information / attachments.