VehicleVerdict

1998 Mitsubishi Diamante problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1998 Mitsubishi Diamante sits mid-pack among Diamante years: 35 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 47, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: visibility & wipers issues account for 51% of all reports (18 of 35), far ahead of electrical system at 3.

35

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Diamante years?

Diamante NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted162 complaints1992: 60 complaints1993: 43 complaints1994: 33 complaints1995: 13 complaints1997: 51 complaints1998: 35 complaints1999: 26 complaints2000: 63 complaints2001: 93 complaints2002: 162 complaints2003: 75 complaints2004: 3 complaints
Diamante NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Diamante years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Mitsubishi Diamante problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers1851%
Electrical System39%
Speed Control39%
Brakes39%
Body & Structure26%
Tires & Wheels26%
Seat Belts13%
Engine13%
Steering13%
Other13%

Does the 1998 Mitsubishi Diamante have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

04V428000OtherSeptember 1, 2004 · 100,432 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“EVERYTIME THE HEATER IS SWITCHED ON, I CAN FEEL A WEIRD SMELL WHICH WILL LAST FOR ABOUT 10 MINS. THIS SMELL SEEMS LIKE SUFFOCATING AND HAVE TO OPEN THE WINDOWS FOR THE FRESH AIR TO ENTER. THERE IS SOME KIND OF LEAK IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, I AM NOT SURE WHERE THE LEAK IS FROM. I AM BIT WORRIED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · November 7, 2007

“KUMHO 716 HP4 P215-60-16 94H DOT # 4TL1-YP71-2501 H-RATED TIRES WERE NOT THE CORRECT RATING THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE PUT ON VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER WHO WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK CONSUMER ALSO STATES THAT CD PLAYER IS INOPERATIVE, NO RADIO CODE STORED, ARMREST COMPARTMENT HOOK LOCK BROKEN,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 1, 2002

“THIS IS THE SECOND TIME SINCE DECEMBER 2003 THAT THE ACCELERATOR STUCK WHILE IN REVERSE AND THE BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING PROPERTY DAMAGE AND INJURIES. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I THANK GOD THAT NO LITTLE KIDS WERE KILLED!!! THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED I CALLED MITSUBISHI AND REPORTED THE PROBLEM AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · August 23, 2004 · crash

“KUMHO 716 HP4 P215-60-16 94H DOT # 4TL1-YP71-2501 H-RATED TIRES WERE NOT THE CORRECT RATING THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE PUT ON VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER WHO WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK CONSUMER ALSO STATES THAT CD PLAYER IS INOPERATIVE, NO RADIO CODE STORED, ARMREST COMPARTMENT HOOK LOCK BROKEN,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 1, 2002

1998 Mitsubishi Diamante — common questions

Is the 1998 Mitsubishi Diamante reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 35 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Diamante year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1998 Diamante problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (18 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints), brakes (3 complaints).

Does the 1998 Mitsubishi Diamante have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Mitsubishi Diamante. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.