Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1993 Mitsubishi Diamante sits mid-pack among Diamante years: 43 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 47, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (10), airbags (10), and transmission (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
43
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
10
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
7
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 10 | 23% | — flat |
| Airbags | 10 | 23% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 7 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 4 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 2% | new |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
3 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.
Defect
THE REAR OUTBOARD LOWER SAFETY BELT ATTACHMENT BOLT WAS INADEQUATELY TORQUED ON INSTALLATION.
Consequence
THE INADEQUATELY TORQUED ANCHOR BOLT COULD FAIL INA SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT. FAILURE OF THE SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLY RESULTS ININCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Remedy
RETORQUE THE SAFETY BELT ATTACHMENTS TO THE CORRECT SPECIFICATION.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH ON FREEWAY, ANOTHER VEHICLE TURNED DIRECTLY IN FRONT WHICH RESULTED IN A HIGH SPEED IMPACT. NEITHER DUAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK”
“ABS BRAKE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON, SOMETIMES PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR. CAR ZIGZAGS IN THE BACK, AND EVENTUALLY STOPS. ALSO, DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT GETS STUCK IN THE RETRACTOR, EVENTUALLY IT COMES OUT/ AIR CONDITIONER WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY BECAUSE COMPRESSOR AND CLUTCH WERE STUCK. MADE A LOUD…”
“VEHICLE WOULD REMAIN IN LOWER GEARS WHILE IN NORMAL OPERATION, RUNNING RPMS UP HIGHER THAN IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP, WHO REPLACED TRANSMISSION FROM ANOTHER VEHICLE. VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2000, WHEN TRANSMISSION WOULD REV UP TO EXCESSIVE RPMS AT…”
“'93 MITSUBISHI DIAMANTE. BOUGHT IN '98 HAS SMOKED AFTER IDLING AT STOPS FOR YEARS AND I THOUGHT IT WAS NORMAL FOR THIS MAKE AND HAVE FOUND THAT A LOT OF MITSUBISHI'S HAVE THE PROBLEM ALSO AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE CAUSE. MECHANIC'S SAY NEW ENGINE IS NEEDED, BUT NEW CARS ALSO SMOKE? COMPRESSION IS…”
“VEHICLE WOULD REMAIN IN LOWER GEARS WHILE IN NORMAL OPERATION, RUNNING RPMS UP HIGHER THAN IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP, WHO REPLACED TRANSMISSION FROM ANOTHER VEHICLE. VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2000, WHEN TRANSMISSION WOULD REV UP TO EXCESSIVE RPMS AT…”
It is close to typical for the Diamante: 43 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (10 complaints), airbags (10 complaints), transmission (7 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1993 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.