2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
Overview
The 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante, a mid-size sedan known for its comfortable ride and distinctive styling, presented a mixed bag in terms of long-term reliability. While generally considered a decent vehicle for its era, certain components and systems were more prone to issues than others. Owners often reported a good experience with the powertrain when properly maintained, but electrical gremlins and some suspension wear were not uncommon. The interior, while luxurious for its time, could also show signs of age. This analysis focuses on documented common failures, excluding routine maintenance and standard wear and tear, to provide a clear picture of potential reliability concerns for prospective owners or those maintaining a Diamante.
Engine
3.5L V6 (6G74)
Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks
- Symptoms: Coolant leaks, engine misfires, rough idle, overheating.
- Solution: Replacement of intake manifold gaskets.
- Cost: $300 - $600
Timing Belt Failure
- Symptoms: Sudden engine shutdown, no start, potential internal engine damage.
- Solution: Replacement of timing belt, tensioners, and water pump.
- Cost: $600 - $1000
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic (F4A51)
Slipping Gears / Delayed Shifting
- Symptoms: Transmission hesitates to shift, slips out of gear, or feels sluggish.
- Solution: Transmission fluid and filter change, solenoid replacement, or transmission rebuild.
- Cost: $400 - $2500+
5-Speed Automatic (V5A5A)
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Suspension
Standard Independent Suspension
Worn Control Arm Bushings
- Symptoms: Clunking noises over bumps, vague steering feel, uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replacement of control arm bushings or entire control arms.
- Cost: $300 - $700
Leaking Struts/Shocks
- Symptoms: Bouncy ride, reduced handling, visible fluid leaks on shock bodies.
- Solution: Replacement of struts and/or shocks.
- Cost: $400 - $800
Electrical
General Electrical System
Power Window Motor Failure
- Symptoms: Power windows stop working, slow operation, grinding noises.
- Solution: Replacement of power window motor and regulator.
- Cost: $200 - $400 per window
Instrument Cluster Malfunctions
- Symptoms: Gauges not working, warning lights staying on, dim or flickering displays.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the instrument cluster.
- Cost: $400 - $800
HVAC Blower Motor Resistor Failure
- Symptoms: HVAC fan only works on high speed or not at all.
- Solution: Replacement of the blower motor resistor.
- Cost: $100 - $250
Exterior
Body and Trim
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Interior
Cabin Components
Headliner Sagging
- Symptoms: Fabric lining of the roof begins to detach and sag.
- Solution: Re-gluing or replacement of the headliner.
- Cost: $200 - $500
HVAC Control Panel Issues
- Symptoms: Buttons become unresponsive, climate control settings do not change.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the HVAC control panel.
- Cost: $300 - $600
Summary Verdict
The 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante offers a comfortable and stylish driving experience, but potential buyers should be aware of common reliability concerns. The 3.5L V6 engine, while generally robust, can suffer from intake manifold gasket leaks and requires timely timing belt replacement to avoid catastrophic failure. Automatic transmissions, particularly the 4-speed, may develop shifting issues over time. Electrical gremlins, such as faulty power window motors and instrument cluster problems, are also frequently reported. Interior components like sagging headliners and HVAC control panels can also require attention. Despite these potential issues, with diligent maintenance and addressing problems promptly, the Diamante can remain a reliable vehicle.