Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 1992 Mitsubishi Diamante sits mid-pack among Diamante years: 60 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 47, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (12), brakes (10), and electrical system (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
60
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 12 | 20% | new |
| Brakes | 10 | 17% | new |
| Electrical System | 8 | 13% | new |
| Airbags | 6 | 10% | new |
| Suspension | 5 | 8% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 7% | new |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 7% | new |
| Transmission | 4 | 7% | new |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 3% | new |
| Steering | 2 | 3% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 2% | new |
| Speed Control | 1 | 2% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
UNDER CONDITIONS OF FULL LOCK STEERING AND FULL SUSPENSION TRAVEL, THE LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT WHEEL-SIDE BRAKE HOSE CAN CRACK, RESULTING IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE.
Consequence
BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE WILL CAUSE ILLUMINATION OF THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP AND REDUCTION IN BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT WHEEL-SIDE BRAKE HOSES WITH REVISED HOSE ASSEMBLIES.
Defect
UNDER CONDITIONS OF FULL LOCK STEERING AND FULL SUSPENSION TRAVEL, THE LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT WHEEL-SIDE BRAKE HOSE CAN CRACK, RESULTING IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE.
Consequence
BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE WILL CAUSE ILLUMINATION OF THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP AND REDUCTION IN BRAKING EFFICIENCY INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT WHEEL-SIDE BRAKE HOSES WITH REVISED HOSE ASSEMBLIES.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“MITSUBISHI HAS PRODUCED 3.0 LITER V6 ENGINES FROM ABOUT 1990 THROUGH 1996 THAT EXHIBIT CHRONIC EXHASUT VALVE GUIDE FUNCTION DETERORIATION AFTER APPROXIMATELY 60,000 MILES. THIS RESULTS IN HEAVY OIL CONSUMPTION AND EVENTUAL ENGINE FAILURE.*AK THIS ENGINE WAS UTILIZED IN THE MITSUBISHI DIAMIANTI,…”
“1. FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WERE REPLACED AT MILEAGE 82500 FOR PULSATION WHEN BRAKING. NEW ROTORS BEGAN TO PULSATE BEFORE 5000 MILES USE. ROTORS WERE TURNED AND TRUED BY DEALER AT 90,100 MILES, BUT BEGAN TO PULSATE AGAIN WITH IN 2000 MILES. 2. ENGINE EXHAUSTS LIGHT GREY SMOKE UPON ACCELERATION AFTER…”
“EVERYTIME WHEN USING AIR CONDITIONER, OR PUTTING ON THE RADIO, THE VEHICLE IS STALLING AND CUTTING OFF WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING DUE TO BATTERY. CONSUMER HAS REPLACED BATTERY FOUR TIMES, BUT STALLING CONTINUES. DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *AK”
“TRAVELING ABOUT 40 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO HIT A FIRE HYDRANT. THE DRIVER'S NOR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, CAUSING INJURIES TO THE PASSENGER. *AK”
“ABS BRAKE/SUSPENSION AND TCL TRACTION LIGHTS STAY ON WHILE DRIVING, INDICATING THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM, BUT THE DLR CANNOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK”
It is close to typical for the Diamante: 60 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (12 complaints), brakes (10 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Mitsubishi Diamante. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Diamante years to avoid are 2002, 2001, 2003. The cleanest record among Diamante years belongs to 2004.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.