2003 Mitsubishi Diamante

The 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante is a mid-size sedan known for its comfortable ride and relatively spacious interior. It came standard with a 3.5L V6 engine producing around 205 horsepower and 231 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciate the car’s smooth engine and comfortable seating, but some dislike the fuel economy and somewhat dated styling, as well as some reliability concerns as the vehicle ages.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations, including the valve cover gaskets and the oil pan gasket. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the car, the smell of burning oil, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ depending on the location of the leak and whether it’s a DIY or professional repair.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The crankshaft position sensor is prone to failure as it ages. Symptoms include a check engine light, difficulty starting, rough idling, or stalling.
  • Solution: Replacing the crankshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $80 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Shifting Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported hard or erratic shifting, especially as the vehicle ages. This can be caused by worn solenoids or a failing transmission control module (TCM).
  • Solution: Replacing the solenoids or TCM, or in some cases, a transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (solenoids) - $2500+ (rebuild/replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Suspension Components
  • Description/Symptoms: As with many older vehicles, suspension components such as ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings can wear out over time. This can lead to clunking noises, poor handling, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacing the worn suspension components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the components needing replacement and the labor involved.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Failed Window Regulators
  • Description/Symptoms: The power window regulators are known to fail, causing the windows to not roll up or down properly.
  • Solution: Replacing the window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350+ per window.
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABS Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The ABS sensors can fail, triggering the ABS warning light and potentially disabling the ABS system.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty ABS sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust can be a problem, especially in areas with road salt. Common areas include the rocker panels, wheel wells, and undercarriage.
  • Solution: Rust repair or panel replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the severity and location of the rust.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard can crack due to prolonged exposure to sunlight.
  • Solution: Replacing or covering the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $800+ depending on whether it’s a cover or a replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

In summary, the 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante, while offering a comfortable driving experience, suffers from typical aging car issues. The most common complaints revolve around engine oil leaks, transmission shifting problems, worn suspension components, electrical issues, and rust. The severity of these issues varies, but repairs can range from relatively inexpensive fixes to more costly engine or transmission work.