2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
Overview
The 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante, a mid-size sedan known for its comfortable ride and distinctive styling, offered a blend of performance and luxury for its era. While generally considered a reliable vehicle, like any car, it has specific areas that have seen more attention from owners and mechanics over the years. This analysis focuses on common technical issues reported, excluding routine maintenance and normal wear and tear, to provide a clear picture of its long-term reliability. Understanding these potential problem areas can help owners anticipate and address issues proactively, ensuring the continued smooth operation of their 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, significant internal engine damage if belt breaks.
- Solution: Replacement of timing belt, tensioners, and idler pulleys. If failure occurred, engine rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
- Cost: $600 - $1200 (preventative replacement), $2000+ (if failure occurred)
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic (F4A51)
Slipping Gears / Delayed Shifting
- Symptoms: Transmission hesitates to shift, slips out of gear, or feels like it’s not engaging properly.
- Solution: Transmission fluid and filter change, solenoid replacement, or full transmission rebuild.
- Cost: $250 - $500 (fluid/filter), $500 - $1500 (solenoids), $2000+ (rebuild)
5-Speed Automatic (V5A51)
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: N/A
- Solution: N/A
- Cost: Varies
Suspension
Standard Suspension
Worn Control Arm Bushings
- Symptoms: Clunking noises over bumps, uneven tire wear, vague steering feel.
- 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/strut bodies.
- Solution: Replacement of struts 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 assembly.
- 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 - $900
Exterior
Body and Trim
Clear Coat Peeling
- Symptoms: Paint fading, peeling, or chalking, especially on horizontal surfaces like the roof and hood.
- Solution: Repainting affected areas or full vehicle repaint.
- Cost: $500 - $3000+ (depending on extent)
Interior
Cabin Components
HVAC Blower Motor Failure
- Symptoms: No air coming from vents, or air only comes out at high speeds.
- Solution: Replacement of the HVAC blower motor and resistor.
- Cost: $200 - $450
Sunroof Mechanism Issues
- Symptoms: Sunroof fails to open or close, makes grinding noises.
- Solution: Lubrication, repair, or replacement of sunroof motor and tracks.
- Cost: $300 - $700
Summary Verdict
The 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante is a reasonably reliable vehicle, particularly with its 5-speed automatic transmission and standard suspension components showing fewer widespread issues. The 3.5L V6 engine, while generally robust, can be prone to issues like intake manifold gasket leaks and requires diligent maintenance of the timing belt. Electrical components, such as power window motors and instrument clusters, are areas where owners might encounter problems. Exterior paint, specifically clear coat degradation, is a common cosmetic concern for vehicles of this age. Interior issues like HVAC blower motor failure are also noted. Overall, with proactive maintenance and attention to these specific potential problem areas, the Diamante can remain a dependable car.