I just recently bought a 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse gs, I never once have hit any pot holes, but for some odd reason, my rim has dented severely. I am not the only person that had this problem with this vehicle, that is why it is a concern to me. If someone could kindly respond it would be greatly appreciated.

- Liverpool, NY, USA

Year 2000 - Mitsubishi Eclipse GT with 17" wheel option - factory equipped 17" wheel/tire option. Dents repeatedly when contact is made with a moderate or larger size road defect. Dented wheels leak air and cause considerable vibration at highway speeds due to out of balance situation dents cause. A wheel suddenly lost all pressure and the tire became unseated from the rim. Fortunately I was able to maintain control of the car because the incident happened at a relatively low speed. The rim struck the ground directly and was damaged where tire contacts wheel. I have seen a number of cars identical to mine and all of them have had at least one dented wheel (17" wheel option). All dents occur where the wheel meets the rim on the outer facing side of the rim. The inner rim does not bend, leading me to believe there is a design flaw. Rims dent at recommended tire pressures. I have already replaced 2 wheels at my own expense, and the replacements now have multiple dents. I have not rotated the tires because the front wheels only dent (I suspect because a higher percentage of the vehicle's weight is borne by the front wheels). If I rotate the wheels, all 4 wheels will soon be dented exacerbating the problem.

- Howard Beach, NY, USA

While driving in boston, MA around rush hour, a small pot hole was hit. Car was not travelling at more then 25mph. The rim bent causing the tire to deflate. Rim now needs to be replaced.

- Waltham, MA, USA

Since I purchased the Eclipse in June of 2002, I have been plagued with deflating tires and flats. No one had diagnosed the problem until 9/16/2002 when I suffered another flat. The previous Friday I had stopped to have air pressure checked and was told the pressure was fine. However, on the morning of 9/16/2002 I suffered another flat tire. This time the tire shop recognized that three of four rims were bent. I went to Mitsubishi, sterling va, to purchase a rim. Upon return to the tire store with the rim, they inspected all rims and said that two others were bent. I ended up replacing all four tires (over $800) and one rim. On 9/17/2002 I called Mitsubishi in California and was told there was a known problem with the 17" alloy wheels but no recall. My concerns about safety and nagging low tire pressure was recognized. However, I was told to have my rims inspected by a Mitsubishi dealer and hope the district manager would work with me. I feel that if the company knows there is a problem they should take immediate steps to make all affected vehicles safe without being told by NHTSA to do a recall. I would like all my rims replaced by the company as well as to be reimbursed for the cost of the new tires.

- Purcellville, VA, USA

I have a real concern regarding the 2000 Eclipse rims. 3 of my 4 rims are dented and one tire leaks air constantly due to the malformed rim.these rims are very soft-they damage extremely easily, on the slightest of bumps. I feel it is only a matter of time before I have a tire failure. The dealership uses the "pothole" excuse and offers no repair or replacement.

- Romeoville, IL, USA

Manufactured rims for the GT series are dented, too soft metal, losing air constantly. Also, rim at one point allowed tire to come off while vehicle was being driven.

- Bridgewater Township, NJ, USA

Consumer states when vehicle hits the sligtest bumb the rims will bend, rims have been replaced 5 times. Contacted dealer.

- Port Washington, NY, USA

All 4 rims are in a bent condition - some bent on the outside of rim and some are bent on inside of rim- my front passenger tire has gone flat 3 times as a result of the bent rims- also the driver front tire has gone flat 1 time as a result of the bent rim condition.

- Downingtown, PA, USA

After consumer had a flat tire she took vehicle to have the tire repaired, and found that 2 of rims were bent. Vehicle has not hit anything, right front and driver side back were bent. Consumer was told that NHTSA is investigating this problem.

- Lindenhurst, NY, USA

Manufactured rims have flat spots, bending when hitting potholes from the road. Rims have caused flats and blowouts while being driven on parkway. Owner is aware of others with same condition.

- Port Monmouth, NJ, USA

Manufactured rims are easily bent with minimum running over small bumps/potholes. When approaching stop, steering wheel vibrates.

- New Rochelle, NY, USA

Front right tires were vibrating. Had them checked, it was as a result of rim bending. Contacted dealer. Jlg

- Cinncinnati, OH, USA

All four wheel rims became bent under normal driving conditions. This caused the rims to separate from the tires, resulting in flat tires. On one occasion, the air loss was rapid and I lost control of the car and nearly crashed. Dealer said that I was responsible for the cost to replace the wheels. These defective wheels are a safety hazard to me as well as to other drivers. I presently only drive this car over short distances and I never drive with passengers in the car because of safety concerns. Hopefully these defective wheels can be replaced before there are any serious injuries or fatalities.

- Hillsdale, NJ, USA

Consumer states while driving vehicle without warning and at any speed, vehicle will shake, mechanic states all four rims are dented resulting in vehicle shaking. Consumer states this also causes the steering to shake. Dealer had to secure clamp due to vehicle losing antifreeze. Brake light illuminated, dealer replaced front brake pads. Sunroof would not tilt, dealer reset the sunroof glass.

- Watchung, NJ, USA

On four separate occasions, while driving at low speed or at highway speed, the front and rear right tires loses air and the left front rim was bent. There were no obvious damage to tire and rims. Dealer found a chunk of beads on the rear right tire and the left front tire was out of round. The right rear tire and wheel was replaced.

- Cherry Hill, NJ, USA

Both left rims bent, no tire damage. Small pothole at 10th&West peachtree in atlanta on far side of intersdection. Pulling slowly away from red light. Impact did not feel severe. Bending is minor. No air leakage. Slight vibration from loss of balance. No change in alignment.

- Bryn Mawr, PA, USA

Rims are bent due to material being too soft, tires do not keep air pressure.

- Carrollton, TX, USA

My 6 spoke Mitsubishi rims are dented from normal driving in the city. They became dented when I had hit mnor potholes going at 20mph or slower. I have talked to the Mitsubishi hotline and they said they could be replaced but for $250. I dont believe I should pay thisas I believe it is a major manufacturers defect. Thank you for all your help and assistance.

- Londonderry, NH, USA

Have to inflate dented rims at least once a week. Cannot hold proper pressure. Hitting small potholes dented 2 rims in 2 places while driving less than 10 mph.

- Warren, NJ, USA

Bent and deformed rims.

- South Bend, IN, USA