1997 Mitsubishi Diamante problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante sits mid-pack among Diamante years: 51 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 47, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 18 reports (35% of the total).
51
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1997 compare to other Diamante years?
What are the most common 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 18 | 35% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 11 | 22% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 4 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 2% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH ABS BRAKES FAILED VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AND CONTINUED TO MOVE HITTING VEHICLE IN FRONT. ALSO, TRANSMISSION FAILURE, RESULTING IN EXTREME SHIFTS. *AK”
“WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH ABS BRAKES FAILED VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AND CONTINUED TO MOVE HITTING VEHICLE IN FRONT. ALSO, TRANSMISSION FAILURE, RESULTING IN EXTREME SHIFTS. *AK”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MITSUBISHI DIAMANTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIATOR LEAKED DUE TO THE HEATER CORE. THE RADIATOR LEAKED ONTO THE CARPET WHEN THE HEAT WAS ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE AND HIS FAMILY HAVE INHALED TOXIC FUMES FROM THE RADIATOR LEAKING ONTO THE CARPET AND THEY…”
“HEATER CORE RANDOMLY CRACKED ONE DAY, CAUSING A TEAR-LIKE SPILL OF ANTI-FREEZE THROUGH THE TOP OF THE RADIATOR. CAR WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC AND WE TRIED WELDING THE CRACKS. ANTI-FREEZE STILL SPILLED OUT AND ANTI-FREEZE SMELL CAME IN THROUGH AIR EVENTS AND THE LIQUID ALSO BURNED, CAUSING SMOKE TO…”
“DT: CONSUMER HAD 1997 MITSUBISHI DIAMANTE. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER,. VEHICLE HAD A GAS LEAK, DEALER COULD NOT FIND HOLE IN GAS TANK, CONSUMER REPLACED GAS TANK, ABOUT 8 MONTHS AFTER GAS TANK WAS REPLACED THE VEHICLE EXPLODED. *AK”
1997 Mitsubishi Diamante — common questions
Is the 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante reliable?
It is close to typical for the Diamante: 51 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 1997 Diamante problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (18 complaints), transmission (11 complaints), engine (4 complaints).
Does the 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante.
Which Mitsubishi Diamante years should you avoid?
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.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.