Verdict · NHTSA data
Among the better years
The 1994 Mitsubishi Diamante is among the quieter years of the Diamante on NHTSA's books: 33 complaints (30% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (7), brakes (6), and seat belts (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
33
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 7 | 21% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 6 | 18% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 2 | 6% | new |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 3% | new |
| Steering | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
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.
“OWNER HIT ANOTHER CAR FROM BEHIND AND THE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. ALSO, SEAT BELT DIDN'T RESTRAIN DRIVER FROM HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. *AK”
“ROTORS WERE TURNED ON 6/17/98 DUE TO BEING WARPED, HOWEVER 6 MONTHS LATER ROTORS EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM, BRAKES PULSATE WHEN BRAKING, A MECHANIC ADVISED CONSUMER TO REPLACE, HOWEVER IT'S VERY EXPENSIVE TO DO SO. *SLC”
“OWNER HIT ANOTHER CAR FROM BEHIND AND THE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. ALSO, SEAT BELT DIDN'T RESTRAIN DRIVER FROM HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. *AK”
“WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 75 MPH LEFT REAR TIRE HAD A BLOWOUT AND LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, CRASHING INTO A DIVIDER ON THE HIGHWAY. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. BRIDGETONE BT 70S, P205/65 R15. *AK”
Its record is better than the model's norm: 33 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Diamante year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (7 complaints), brakes (6 complaints), seat belts (4 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1994 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.