2003 Mitsubishi Diamante

Recalls

2 recalls name the 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante. Newest first.

• Equipment › Other › Labels

  Sep 1, 2004NHTSA 04V428000100,432 vehicles

  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 dash and to the sunvisor do not meet the size requirements of the standard.

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  This does not meet the requirements of the standard.

  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 current 2000-2004 nativa owners will also receive replacement air bag alert labels for the sun visors. this recall IS expected to begin during march or april 2005. the notification to the nativa owners IS expected to begin during april or may 2005. owners should contact mitsubishi caribbean at 1-787-251-8715.

  Full recall details →

• Equipment › Other › Owners/service/other manual

  Feb 11, 2004NHTSA 04V067000134,000 vehicles

  Certain sport utility and passenger vehicles fail to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." the owner's manual does not contain a step-by-step description for headrest adjustment when installing a child restraint system (crs) tether strap.

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  If the tether strap IS improperly installed to the tether anchor, the child safety seat may not be sufficient restrained. in the event of a crash, the child could be injured.

  Remedy

  A letter outlining the problem will be sent to owners along with a sticker containing the correct instructions as well as instructions on where to affix the sticker in the owner's manual. the recall began on march 29, 2004. owners should contact mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820.

  Full recall details →

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Visibility28
2. Engine and engine cooling18
3. Service brakes, hydraulic6
4. Power train4
5. Tires3
6. Suspension3
7. Equipment3
8. Fuel system, gasoline2
9. Electrical system2
10. Parking brake1

Latest complaints

• Jul 22, 2019MN216,242 mi
  Tires
  TL* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi diamante equipped with cooper CS3 tires (na). While driving 25 mph, air from the vehicle's front driver side tire began to be released. The contact pulled the vehicle into a fuel station/repair shop where the tire was replaced. The contact took the vehicle to…

  TL* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi diamante equipped with cooper CS3 tires (na). While driving 25 mph, air from the vehicle's front driver side tire began to be released. The contact pulled the vehicle into a fuel station/repair shop where the tire was replaced. The contact took the vehicle to the independent mechanic that sold him the tires. The tires were measured and the contact was informed that each of them needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The tire size was unknown. The approximate tire failure mileage was 198,000 and the vehicle failure mileage was 216,242.

• Mar 13, 2013OH164,000 mi
  Power train
  TL* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi diamante. The contact stated that the heater core fluid leaked onto the central computer and caused the transmission to fail. In addition, the gear shifter could not be released from third gear. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not…

  TL* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi diamante. The contact stated that the heater core fluid leaked onto the central computer and caused the transmission to fail. In addition, the gear shifter could not be released from third gear. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure and current mileage was 164,000. The vin was not available.

• Jun 2, 2011CA71,677 mi
  Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
  I have a 2003 mitsubishi diamante LS with 71677 miles on it all of the sudden my husband (the primary driver) tells me that every time he gets out of the car he feels light headed and nauseous. days later the front windshield started fogging up while driving and after turning the car off (whether…

  I have a 2003 mitsubishi diamante LS with 71677 miles on it all of the sudden my husband (the primary driver) tells me that every time he gets out of the car he feels light headed and nauseous. days later the front windshield started fogging up while driving and after turning the car off (whether it IS warm or cold outside) I googled why would this happen and have spoken with a few mechanics and they are telling me that it IS the heater core going out, and that the reason why my husband IS getting light headed and nauseous IS because there IS anti-freeze coming into the interior of the car which IS very detrimental to your health. I have read a ton of complaints on different websites and they all say the same thing. I contacted mitsubishi corporate today and spoke with a [xxx] in customer service and explained to her what was going on and asked why mitsubishi has not done anything about this. first because of the health implications, secondly because of the safety issue of the windshield fogging up while you're driving to where you can't see and thirdly that from reading the complaints, the heater core IS right above the computer in the car so if the heater core IS leaking antifreeze, it could fry the computer and cause a possible crash if the car were to stop suddenly. she said that "seeing that I hadn't had the car into a dealership in the last year that there IS nothing they can do about it". I told her that it just started and what was I suppose to do, look into my crystal ball and know a year ahead of time that the heater core was going to go out. this IS ludicrous! ! ! Mitsubishi knows that this IS a serious issue and are not doing one thing to fix it (by issuing a recall) where do we diamante owners go to get some help? do we need to file a class action lawsuit as that seems like the only way a fire IS going to get lit under them (corporations tend to act if it means losing tons of money) the car can't be driven and I'm still paying on it. Help! information redacted pursuant to the freedo

• Apr 20, 2011MI60,000 mi
  Fuel system, gasoline
  TL* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi diamante. The contact stated the vehicle was consuming excessive amounts of fuel and she was concerned the vehicle would prematurely run out of fuel while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where the contact was told that the intake…

  TL* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi diamante. The contact stated the vehicle was consuming excessive amounts of fuel and she was concerned the vehicle would prematurely run out of fuel while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where the contact was told that the intake air temperature sensor would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 70,000.

• May 20, 2010OH60,000 mi
  Engine and engine cooling
  TL* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi diamante. The contact stated he noticed an unusual odor of coolant and the neutral indicator began sporadically illuminating. Upon further inspection, the contact found coolant leaking onto the floorboard. In addition, the vehicle would intermittently fail to…

  TL* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi diamante. The contact stated he noticed an unusual odor of coolant and the neutral indicator began sporadically illuminating. Upon further inspection, the contact found coolant leaking onto the floorboard. In addition, the vehicle would intermittently fail to start. The dealer performed a diagnostic test and determined the failure was caused by the a.t. Control relay and produced code p1751. The vehicle was not repaired and the vin was not available. The failure and current mileages were approximately 60,000. updated 10/27/10. *Lj

• May 20, 2010OH60,000 mi
  Engine and engine cooling
  TL- the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi diamante. the contact stated that the neutral light on the vehicle started flashing on and off and he noticed a smell of coolant. he noticed that the coolant was leaking onto the floorboard of the vehicle. the failure progresses until the vehicle will not…

  TL- the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi diamante. the contact stated that the neutral light on the vehicle started flashing on and off and he noticed a smell of coolant. he noticed that the coolant was leaking onto the floorboard of the vehicle. the failure progresses until the vehicle will not start. the vehicle was taken to a dealer and the owner was advised the failure was the a.t. Control relay. code p-1751. the failure has not been repaired. the current and failure mileage IS approximately 60,000. rd

• Mar 22, 2010TX48,000 mi
  Visibility
  Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). this concerns my 2003 mitsubishi diamante. It has less than 50,000 miles on it and it has suddenly started spewing a light film on the inside of my front windshield so that I cannot see well...and not at…

  Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). this concerns my 2003 mitsubishi diamante. It has less than 50,000 miles on it and it has suddenly started spewing a light film on the inside of my front windshield so that I cannot see well...and not at all when I am headed into the sun. I have checked on the internet and a lot of people are having the same problem with mitsubishi diamantes going back several model years. all diamantes need to be recalled and the heater core and/or its o rings fixed or replaced. If this doesn't happen, people will die when they suddenly cannot see the road through their front windshield. [xxx] *tr *dt

• Mar 11, 2010TN62,000 mi
  Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Visibility
  I have a 2003 mitsubishi diamante with 60,000 plus miles. For the past several months I have noticed a strong smell of anti-freeze coming from the vents and the windows constantly fogging up, sometimes to the point that I cannot see to drive. I have read many similar complaints and agree with…

  I have a 2003 mitsubishi diamante with 60,000 plus miles. For the past several months I have noticed a strong smell of anti-freeze coming from the vents and the windows constantly fogging up, sometimes to the point that I cannot see to drive. I have read many similar complaints and agree with others that mitsubishi needs to issue a recall for the heater core, as I am sure this IS the problem. I have yet to take mine in to get it repaired, so I don't have a cost quote at this time. *Tr

• Feb 16, 2010MA60,000 mi
  Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system

  Anti-freeze leak on carpet passenger side near firewall fogged up windows check engine light comes on and off due to the leak the ecu started working awful. *Tr

• Jul 9, 2009TX50,000 mi
  Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Fuel system, gasoline

  I purchased a used 2003 mitsubishi diamante from bankston dodge in 2007. it was clean and ran well. there was an unusual odor inside, but smelled as if it could have been what the dealership used to clean the inside. it turned out to be anti-freeze. the vehicle had a heater core leak prior to our purchase. recently the gas gauge has stopped working. *Tr

• Oct 18, 2008FL85,000 mi
  Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core

  Heater core leakage causing smoke and antifreeze odor to come out of car vents and underneath dash board (passenger side). There IS a risk of accident, personal injury, or death because use of a/c, heater, and defrost IS not available when windshields and windows fog up. *Tr

• Sep 3, 2008OH60,000 mi
  Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Power train › Automatic transmission
  I own a 2003 mitsubishi diamante, around 60K miles I started noticing a sweet smell from the vents and a constant fog when the heat or air was turned on in the car. After taking my car to the mechanic I was told that my heater core was busted. My car also sdriving in "safe mode" meaning I can only…

  I own a 2003 mitsubishi diamante, around 60K miles I started noticing a sweet smell from the vents and a constant fog when the heat or air was turned on in the car. After taking my car to the mechanic I was told that my heater core was busted. My car also sdriving in "safe mode" meaning I can only run in second gear which IS burning a tank of gas every three day, I love 10 miles from work. My car flashed in neutral will in drive. After researching my problems I've notice well over 1000 posted via internet from other mitsubishi diamante owners having the same issue. Its hard to believe this vehicle has not be recalled. There are great risks of inhaling anti freeze which IS seeping into the car through the floor boards and vents. I have an asthmatic child who has been driving in the car until the problem was brought to my attention. This leak may also make the computer system in the vehicle go out. Something needs to be done before an accident IS caused or a life IS taken. *tr

• May 1, 2008CA114,132 mi
  Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Power train › Automatic transmission

  My transmission relay went out due to a leak heater core. the core has been leaking for some time and has fogged my windows so bad I could not see at times, having to pull over and wipe off the film. this IS a serious problem with these cars. *tr

• Apr 16, 2008TN78,000 mi
  Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Power train › Automatic transmission
  I own a 2003 diamante mitsubishi. The problem started with a check engine light coming on, fogging the window with a fowl toxic smell then the car would not hardly move out gear. I was told that the car's heater core leaked onto the computer which caused the transmission relay to short out do to…

  I own a 2003 diamante mitsubishi. The problem started with a check engine light coming on, fogging the window with a fowl toxic smell then the car would not hardly move out gear. I was told that the car's heater core leaked onto the computer which caused the transmission relay to short out do to the computer failing. The computer was still under warranty at 78,000 miles but I still had to pay for the new computer system because I was told that it was the heater core that caused the computer to fail. This IS such a poor design! The computer should have been protected in such a case...funny thing it IS now that I have had to replace a heater core, a computer and a transmission relay at a cut wrenching cost of $3,675.58. I wrote a letter to the president of north america mitsubishi that the heater core should be a recall but to no avail. I have all maintenance records on the diamante so that was not what caused this heater failure. I do have the computer that was replaced. It IS now april and the check engine light has come back on...now what? Aj *tr

• Apr 7, 2008NC84,900 mi
  Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core

  Driving along and windows started to fog up, and started smelling a odd odor. found out my heater core was bad. apparently cracked for no reason. right now by-passed the heater core because mitsubishi dealer quoted $1,800.00 to fix it. it appears to be a big problem with the diamante's. *tr

• Apr 7, 2008CA20 mi
  Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core

  I have 2003 mitsubishi diamante. My "check engine" light came on, so I took it in for service, and my heater core was leaking on my computer...now it's going to cost me around 3,500 dollars....this IS a very flawed design. There should be a recall on this item. *tr

• Mar 18, 2008VA
  Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
  I bought an 2003 mitsubishi diamante in 2005. My wife and I noticed an occasionally "syrup" smell, but didn't think much of it. This week end (march 08)anti-freeze (coolant) began to come out of the vents in a mist. It even turned the bottom half of my front windshield green created a film on the…

  I bought an 2003 mitsubishi diamante in 2005. My wife and I noticed an occasionally "syrup" smell, but didn't think much of it. This week end (march 08)anti-freeze (coolant) began to come out of the vents in a mist. It even turned the bottom half of my front windshield green created a film on the windows which made it hard to see. I have a new born child that IS now sick as well myself and my 2 1/2 year old. They have a doctors appointments tomorrow and I hope they are not sick from the car. Estimated cost to fix was about $1150. *tr

• Dec 23, 2007GA67,000 mi
  Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
  I own a 2003 mitsubishi diamante LS with 70,000. I purchased the car from the dealership brand new. in november 2007, there was a strong smell of antifreeze in the car. after some investigation, it was discovered there was a leak in the heating core, which was causing the antifreeze to leak out…

  I own a 2003 mitsubishi diamante LS with 70,000. I purchased the car from the dealership brand new. in november 2007, there was a strong smell of antifreeze in the car. after some investigation, it was discovered there was a leak in the heating core, which was causing the antifreeze to leak out of the compartment and into the cabin of the car...needless to say, the car IS undriveable because of the health risks associated with breathing antifreeze. estimated repairs are around $1500. this IS completely ridiculous!!!! I am outraged to see that so many 2003 diamante owners are having the same problem. I believe an investigation needs to be conducted, and mitsubishi motors should be held accountable for this!!! *tr

• Dec 19, 2007CA37,813 mi
  Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core

  37813 miles. heater core leaking. notice the sweet smell and now overheating occurs. *tr

• Dec 8, 2007FL86,000 mi
  Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
  This IS a mitsubishi diamante 2003 ES. I'm experiencing a sweet smell of anti-freeze inside the car as soon as I turn on heating. Anti-freeze contains ethylene glycon and the fumes are highly toxic. Fixing the heater core will cost $1300. I am filing this complaint to ascertain that this IS a very…

  This IS a mitsubishi diamante 2003 ES. I'm experiencing a sweet smell of anti-freeze inside the car as soon as I turn on heating. Anti-freeze contains ethylene glycon and the fumes are highly toxic. Fixing the heater core will cost $1300. I am filing this complaint to ascertain that this IS a very very common problem in mitsubishi diamante and mitsubishi motors should be aware of three main risk associated with this: (1) the defect exposes customers to unusual level of toxic ethylene glycol which should not exceed 10-25 ppm levels (consult msds for ethylene glycol) (2) the leak can affect the car's microprocessor and poses a severe hazard for drivers. (3) faulty heater core makes the visibility difficult due to fogging of windshield thus putting the driver at greater risk. I will eventually fix the problem by spending $1300 if mitsubishi refuses to issue a recall. Right now I am trying some radiator anti-leak to delay the costly repair. But I want nhtsa to be aware of the hazards that has been ignored by the manufacturer. *tr

• Nov 5, 2007TN
  Engine and engine cooling

  2003 diamante issues. Started smelling a syrupy type smell, coolant smell throughout the cabin and had fumes escaping through the vent in the car. Coolant level dropping with no visible signs on the ground. Looks to be the heater core. Nothing has been done yet. Seen multiple complaints regarding the same issue and on this site. Wondering why so many complaints have been sent, but nothing done yet? *tr

• Sep 26, 2007NC
  Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Visibility

  Heater core (and a/c condensate) leaks into passenger compartment causing window to "fog up". This could be very dangerous as it impairs the drivers sight. *tr

• Aug 14, 2007NH
  Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core

  Regular use. failure causes an odor inside the vehicle and a film which inhibits visibility on the windshield. *Tr

• Jul 16, 2007NJ33,000 mi
  Structure · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
  For the past two years our car has had a very pungent fowl smelling odor when the air conditioner or heater IS engaged that has gotten progressively worse. I took the car for repairs prior to the termination of the warranty and was told (by the dealership) that they did not notice a smell, and…

  For the past two years our car has had a very pungent fowl smelling odor when the air conditioner or heater IS engaged that has gotten progressively worse. I took the car for repairs prior to the termination of the warranty and was told (by the dealership) that they did not notice a smell, and there was no problem. Six moths ago the car began to run hot and I took the car to our neighborhood mechanic. under pressure he noticed a small leak in the coolant piping and replaced a section of pipe ($150.00). I asked if this could be causing the odor (as mentioned earlier and he stated maybe, or it could be the heater core).within the past two weeks the 'check engine soon' light has come on and upon checking the message and inspection of my car I've been told the heater core needs to be replaced. my neighborhood mechanic was at a loss because told me it was very odd for the heater core to fail so early in a car. I've checked the internet and have come across hundreds of people in the same situation (with mitsubishi's). I am very upset with the fact that the mitsubishi dealer may have lied to me (when the car was under warranty). I asked for multiple items to be fixed (under warranty) and they refuted every request. the heater core will be replaced within two weeks. *tr

• Jul 10, 2007OK42,900 mi
  Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
  Maple syrup smell from air vents then car started to overheat heatercore failure, antifreeze in floorboards on windshield and coming through air vents. a new heatercore installed very costly had to do work myself because warranty expired. Had to shampoo carpets and buy new floormats because the…

  Maple syrup smell from air vents then car started to overheat heatercore failure, antifreeze in floorboards on windshield and coming through air vents. a new heatercore installed very costly had to do work myself because warranty expired. Had to shampoo carpets and buy new floormats because the anitfreeze ruined them. after reading many complaints you would think that a recall would be made. just because no deaths the consumer should suffer. what about the money that it took to make the repair. that was money taken from my family that we use to feed us and have shelter. come on you have to authority to do something so why don't you. *tr

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 10240443This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
• 10235609This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.
• 10235608This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more than 1.5 percent of the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or 100 lbs.
• 10235606This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
• 10211530This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a defective/broken part.
• 10170852This Technical Service Bulletin updates the door adjustment procedure in the Body Section of the applicable service manuals.
• 10170100This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
• 10170099This is an index of Tech Talk newsletter articles released in 2012.
• 10170097This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
• 10170096This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
• 10170087This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
• 10170086This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
• 10170074This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
• 10170071This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
• 10170070This TSB contains troubleshooting steps for diagnosis of various customer complaints relating to the audio system speakers in Mitsubishi vehicles equipped with original equipment audio components.
• 10169006This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
• 10163703This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin supersedes TSB-18-00-003, issued April, 2018, to add updated information for Carrying Capacity Reduced Label.
• 10130469This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
• 10130468This is a message sent to dealers, to inform them that an update for MEDIC will be available.
• 10019918Loose center high mount stop lamp.
• 10019045Rear axle knuckle assembly bushing replacement - service manual revision.
• 100167542-3 shift flare.
• 10005286Test specifications for the cruise control vacuum pump are incorrectly printed in the affected service manuals.
• 10004449Revised parking brake adjustment specifications - service manual revision.
• 10002722Vibration increasing with speed.
• 10002720Vibration increasing with speed.
• 10002027Immobilizer system information update (2003 models).

Every Mitsubishi Diamante model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.