Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - HEATER CORE
7802/01/2002629347Subject regarding heater core gasket for heater core leakage. *tt04/01/2002
12120112/12/2001627114Subject regarding heater core leakage.*jb02/05/2002
VISIBILITY - POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
TSB0242A00101/01/2002TSB0242A001628977Subject regarding door glass adjustment - service manual revision. *tt03/25/2002

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM
12/22/200466000109/09/2004
 Purchased 2001 diamante in september 2004. had approximately 66,000 miles when purchased and approximately 73,000 miles now. at the time i purchased the car, i noticed a maple syrup smell in the interior, but i didn't know that it was an indicator of a problem so i didn't mention it, i thought it might be a cleaner that was used in the car. in december 2004, brought car to mitsubishi dealer where car was purchased for a routine oil change and tire rotation. was informed that strong coolant smell in interior (maple syrup smell) was from a coolant leak caused by broken o-ring which i was told by the service manager happens in almost all diamantes. i told them that the smell was in my vehicle when i purchased it from the dealer in august and i believe they were aware of it at that time because they were able to quickly identify that same odor when i brought the car in for service. i have asked the dealership to pay for the repair since it is apparent they sold me a defective car. i have not resolved this issue yet with mitsubishi so the repairs have not been made as of the date of this report. currently the symptoms of this coolant leak are consistently and severely fogged up windows (all windows of the car) making visibility difficult. i am also quite concerned about the health consequences, including respiratory problems, i am facing from inhaling antifreeze fumes for the last 7 month which are only getting worse. *ak
02/08/2005532005
 After turning on the defroster the window was still not clearing up, and there was an odor of antifreeze. *ak
11/26/2004400001
 Vehicle experienced problems with the defroster. it will not clear the windows. also, there was a mist coming out of the vent. consumer has an appointment with the dealer on thursday 27 january, 2005. *ak
11/10/200458000111/14/2000
 The defroster no longer works on this vehicle. instead a stream of 'fog' is emitted through the ducts and the windows are clouded over. this required me to stop driving because i could not see through the window. there is a definite smell of coolant in the passenger vehicle and it is difficult to breathe. *jb
VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - HEATER CORE
03/10/20081
 Windows are fogging up do t a faulty heater core. i really don't mind repairing the car seeing that it has 120k on it.. i purchased the car brand new and this will be the 3rd heater core!!! what's going on! *tr
10/01/2007750001
 Mitsubishi diamante infamous heater core problem antifreeze leaks into interior of car. horrible sickening anti freeze smell, happens on an abundance of mitsubishi cars. *tr
03/25/20081
 Heater core is causing the windows to fog up, the car to smell like antifreeze and may be damaging the ecu. there are hundreds of posts online about people having this problem over and over with this car. it is clearly a manufacturers defect and customers are left paying thousands of dollars fo the repair. *tr
03/14/2008104000103/14/2005
 Heater core went bad at 105,000 miles. this seems to be a manufactoring problem and mitsubihi should adress the issue. *tr
10/01/2007109/01/2006
 My 2001 mitsubishi diamante's heater core went up. i have massive amounts of coolant leaking on my passenger side, thick smoke coming from my vents and a bad odor coming from the vents. i have read this is a very very common thing with mitsubishi's especially diamante's. *tr
11/23/2007810001
 Just recently started having really foggy windows and started to notice sweet smell coming from car when heater/defrost was turned on. notified dealer of problem and dealer quickly identified problem as heater core defect. *tr
02/22/200770000105/01/2005
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mitsubishi diamante. the windows fogged up when the air and heat were activated. the passengers could smell antifreeze. the dealer stated that the heater core failed due to defective o-rings and noticed antifreeze leaking onto the micro processor. the micro processor and heater core were replaced. the failure mileage was 70,000 and current mileage was 75,000.
11/12/200765000105/01/2002
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mitsubishi diamante. the windows fogged up when the air and heat were activated. the passengers could smell antifreeze. the dealer stated that the heater core failed due to defective o-rings. the heater core was replaced. the current and failure mileages were 65,000.
08/19/200784560105/28/2007
 2001 mitsubishi diamante - have antifreeze odor coming from ac vents. after much research i find that this is a recurring problem with second generation diamantes (1997-2004) with the 2001 year model being the most effected. the odors have even caused respiratory problems. i myself have experienced severe headaches and sleepiness due to this problem. the odor at first was very faint but became worse over time. with as many problems that has occurred and the health implications related to this obvious defect, this problem should be a manufacturers recall to resolve this potentially dangerous and health hazardous issue. *tr
05/03/200764000103/15/2007
 I have a 2001 mitsubishi diamante ls with 66,000 mile and my heater core went out. i noticed my window would fog up and you can smell antifreeze in the car, to have this replaced is going to cost me almost $998.00 for part and labor. most mechanics i have talked to about this problem said that i shouldn't be having this problem with the heater core so early. i know of numerous complaints of this defect for this (none of which i knew about before i bought the car) i know that it is dangerous for the antifreeze to be inhaled, and with all the complaints about this obvious defect something should be done about it. there is health risks with the heater core going out and releasing the antifreeze not to mention the safety concerns with the heater core being so near important computer components. *tr
04/25/20075810002/12/2005
 For no particular reason my car fills up with the smell of anti-freeze coolant when i turn on the heater. i have read that this is caused by leaking 0-rings and that this will damage the computers which are underneath the leak. the car is a 2001 mitsubishi diamante l.s. the dealer says it is not a common issue. google says otherwise. *tr
02/19/200550000110/15/2002
 My windshield was fogging up creating a safety hazard. i had to replace the heater core. cost was approximately $500. *tr
03/31/200780800103/24/2007
 When using the defroster the windows increasingly fog up and it does not clear. from investigating i have come to find out that this issue appears to be caused by a documented problem with the heater core of this model of of vehicle, 2001 mitsubishi diamante, in this case. i purchased the vehicle used from a local dealer approximately two weeks ago. i guess lucky for us the weather turned cold, forcing us to use the defroster, and thereby discovering this problem. i realize i most likely do not have any recourse in my case i want to file this on behalf of those who might since, as stated above, this is a known issue with the diamante.*ak
01/31/20071
 Defroster would not defrost the windows. the transmission keeps going in and out of gear. was told the heater core has gone bad, which the transmission was going in and out because coolant was dripping on the relay that was underneath it. it is going to cost $500 dollars for the relay, the reset of the check engine and heater core. then a additional $600 dollars for labor since they have to remove the entire dashboard. *jb
01/24/200775000104/02/2001
 Anti freeze odor is overwhelming in the car, especially when the heater is run. i have had the car since it was new, and had the same problem after only a couple of months. the dealership fixed the issue by installing a new gasket, but the fix has lasted only a couple of years. my wife and i have been having a variety of respiratory illnesses recently, and i believe these fumes are a contributing factor. *jb
12/14/20061
 2001 mitsubishi diamante with 44k miles - heater core failed and a few weeks later the transmission control device failed. this is due to leaking fluid from the heater core directly onto a computer component that has no cover. this vehicle should be recalled and mitsubishi should pay for the repairs (about $2000). *nm
08/24/200660
 Recently purchased a 2001 mitsubishi diamante with 62k miles. admittedly, i am not car savvy related to the well being of the car. when purchased, the car had a maple syrup type smell. also, the windows fogged up very quickly and eventually i realized the heat took a long time to warm up. as i purchased the car in the summer, the fogging and heat problem was not noticed for two months. i have now realized that the problem has to do with the heater core. i have talked to people who are car savy and they say cars shouldn't have problems with a heater core until late in their lives (above 120k miles), if ever. as i discovered my problem, i realize that i have been inhaling anti freeze gas through the heat vents. i'm worried that i will have respiratory problems because of this. has mitsubishi taken responsibility for this severe mishap? i have researched and found that this is an extremely prevalent problem in most diamantes. not only is this extremely detrimental to ones health, it's an expensive fix. is there any hope for a recall here? *jb
02/01/200686300104/09/2001
 Dt*: the contact stated while driving an odor of antifreeze entered the vehicle and the window were fogging up. the vehicle was taken to the dealership for inspection. the dealership replaced the heater core o-rings. the manufacturer was not alerted. updated 3/28/2006 - *nm
02/20/200540500109/11/2003
 At approximately 40,000 miles, my 2001 mitsubishi diamante heater core started leaking. the first indication was that the windshield started fogging up immediately. this was in the winter (february, minnesota) and the defroster made it worse, driving was difficult at best. i was lucky in that i was close to home. had i been on the freeway, it could have been more dangerous. a call to one of the local dealers informed me that the cost for the fix was over $1000. research that i did on the internet showed that this was a very common failure and that most dealerships prefer to charge the customer outrageous bills for fixing what is obviously a manufacturing defect. not being able to afford a bill of this size, i found a way to fix the problem myself, but it was not easy. i've found mitsubishi is not easy to deal with. my guess is that because they no longer sell this model, they will take advantage of customers that are owners of the diamante. i will never buy another car from this manufacturer. *nm
01/25/2006311/25/2005
 We noticed black residue on the rear windshield of 2001 diamante. the next day when the defroster was turned on black smoke filled the inside of the car. the following day black smoke filled the car without the defroster being on. had the car towed, and they told us it was the heater core having a hole in it. they had another 2001 diamante sitting there with the exact same problem. since it wasn't under warranty, we bought it certified in december, it will cost approximately $875 to fix it. *ak
10/25/200547971101/02/2001
 Abnormal smell coming from vents, made me, and my two sons feel nauseous, created a headache for me. i had to open windows in order to drive car due to fumes. brought car to dealer, and heater core was identified as problem and needed to be replaced. dealer said this is a very common problem with this year and model. i asked if there was a manufacturer recall and he said no, they only had to do a recall if it was a safety problem. this cost $802.37 to repair. this is most definitely a safety issue. not only health, but can cause an accident due to fogging of windows, etc. i am sure mitsubishi knows of this problem. seems as though a class action suit should be filed against them for this issue. my car only has 47k miles, i purchased new and it has had all regular maintenance required. this is obviously a manufacturers defect. i will never purchase another mitsubishi, just because they do not take responsibility. *nm
10/21/200330162112/31/2002
 Noticed smell of antifreeze in the passenger compartment. front windshield fogs up after car is driven and the motor is turned off. wiping off the moisture is the only way to remove it. read about the heater core problems on the web and took the car in to be repaired for this specific problem. core seals were replaced oct 2003, the first repair, but smell of coolant remained. two additional attempts at repair were made, including cleaning of the core, but smell remains to this day. *nm
10/13/200572000105/01/2004
 Vehicle is 2001 diamante ls with 72,000 vin # 6mmap67p31t009948. defroster not working properly window fog smell of antifreeze and puddle of antifreeze under passenger rug. have estimate of $800 to fix. *nm
02/28/200442853101/26/2004
 I have a 2001 mitsubishi diamante ls that requires i replace the heater core, this has been a problem since i purchased this vehicle. i also owned a 1998 diamante ls with the same problem. *jb
07/15/200572000104/01/2005
 Car smelled of syrup when the heat was on and smoke came from the vents. after breaking down, i was told by the dealership that the o rings/heater core needed to be replaced which cost me $850.00.. *jb
03/11/200552000102/25/2002
 Coolant from failed o-rings in heater core caused windows to fog over while driving. *nm
01/05/2005280001
 In early 2005, i started noticing that my windows were fogging for no reason while driving and it was hard to defrost them. a definite safety hazard, because i could not see that well. later, i started noticing a weird smell in the cabin. (it turned out to be coolant; it can't be good for your health) in mid 2005, i saw fog/smoke coming from the vents. a repair shop confirmed that it was a problem with the heater core, and it would be at least $800 to fix. the dealer told me that my car is out of warranty. i purchased the vehicle in december 2001, and it now has only 30600 miles. *nm
07/25/200536000107/15/2001
 Low mileage 2001 mitsubishi diamante has a failed heater core. results in excess ethelyne glycol vapor in the passenger compartment and fogged windows. search of the web shows problem to be common.
05/02/20051
 2001 mitsubishi diamante experienced problems with the heater core.*mr the heater core had to be replaced because anti-freeze was leaking into the passenger compartment and fogging the windshield. when the heater core was being removed, the consumer noticed it failed to have sufficient insulation. the oil pan gasket was leaking and the upstream oxygen sensor was replaced. *jb
05/18/200526000104/18/2005
 Dt: consumer owns a mitsubishi 2001 vehicle with less than 26,000 miles the heater core is not working. we noticed some type of a fog in the window. we started getting smoke in the car, and the front glass fogs up and doesn't clear up. also, it has a strong smell of antifreeze. we have to keep putting antifreeze in the car.*ak *sb *nm
04/02/2005490001
 Complaint received via e-mail. the heater core had to be replaced because of leaking antifreeze into the passenger compartment and fogging of windshield. when i took my vehicle in i was advised at that time there was another diamante (2002) that required a heater core, and the vehicle at approximately 42,000 miles. when the heater core was being removed i noticed it failed to have sufficient insulation as this could cause failure by vibration over normal roads.*ak
03/20/200540000103/02/2005
 This is a mitsubishi diamante 2001 ls. i'm experiencing pungent smell of anti-freeze inside the car as soon as i turn on heating. the dealer i got the preowned car from won't fix the problem unless i can show them the leak in heater core. anti-freeze contains ethylene glycon and the fumes are highly toxic. fixing the the heater core will cost $1000. i am filing this complaint to ascertain that this is a very very common problem in mitsubishi diamante and mitsubishi motors should be aware of three main risk associated with this: (1) the defect exposes customers to unusual level of toxic ethylene glycol which should not exceed 10-25 ppm levels (consult msds for ethylene glycol) (2) the leak can affect the car's microprocessor and poses a severe hazard for drivers. (3) faulty heater core makes the visibility difficult due to fogging of wind shield thus putting the driver at greater risk. i will eventually fix the problem by spending $1000 after the summer if mitsubishi refuses to issue a recall. right now i am trying some radiator anti-leak to delay the costly repair. but i want nhtsa to be aware of the hazards that has been ignored by the manufacturer.*ak
12/20/2004103/28/2001
 The driver noticed that the passenger side defroster was inoperative. antifreeze was leaking from the passenger side door. the passenger side window fogged and caused poor visibility to the driver. the driver contacted the dealer and was informed that the heater coil needed to be replaced. please provide further details. *nm antifreeze smells the car up and leaks onto the floor carpet damp. dangerous to drive because of fog up. *bf
02/15/20057500036503/01/2002
 Heater coil replacement. causes car to overheat, also causes bad smell and heat and fumes to come out of the dash. it has come to my attention that a large amount of mitsubishi diamantes up to year 2001 have this problem and it has not be considered a recall. i wanted to know why and how this issue can be fixed. it's not fair that customers have to pay over 1000. to get something fixed that is obviously a manufacturer problem. this is not an optional fix since it can ultimately cause an engine fire.*ak
02/11/200578000112/15/2004
 Heater core failed. this caused my windshield to fog up. my car smells like antifreeze so bad that i got a migraine. the repair is approximately $600.00. *jb
04/01/200445000109/10/2001
 Coolant leaking into rug on front passenger side, coolant fumes leaking from air vents, constantly adding more coolant to car, foggy windows that would not clear up even after an hour of driving, scent in car that kind of smells like syrup. constant headaches, nausea when driving inside vehicle, hard to drive due to foggy windows. took car to dealer and had heater core replaced. faint scent of syrup still remains in car. *jb
02/05/200541000101/13/2003
 I have had my 2001 mitsubishi diamante for one year now and have always found that my front window fogged over with a film the defroster would not remove. last weekend the 5th of february 2005 i noticed the film getting worse and the car filled with a very pungent smell of antifreeze this caused my eyes to burn and made it hard to continue driving. i took it to my dealer who said the heater core had a leak and i needed new gaskets that were $16 dollars a package and that labor would be $492 dollars for 5 hours. i was quite shocked it would cost so much considering i have well maintained my car and that i only had 41,000 miles on it. i am concerned of the health effects if i have been breathing in antifreeze for over a year now. i am also concerned that the leakage may have caused damage to my ecu because of where the leak is (right above the ecu). i have read that this may be a common problem with the diamante and my dealer said he has seen a few himself (he knew exactly what it was when i told him what was happening and how much it cost). i fear mitsubishi is aware of this problem and the long term affects it may have on health and safety and hasn't come forward to fix the problem. *jb
01/21/20051
 The heater core developed a leak which resulted in the window fogging up, followed by smoke/steam from the anti freeze coming through the air vents. this reduced the driver's visibility while driving, and could cause an accident. *ak
01/31/200560000102/01/2004
 Heater core, producing toxin fumes, inside the car. this is my only means of transportation, i have a two year old child who i drive around every day.this is going to cost me $400.00 dollars in labor, which i do not have, i have no idea what the heater core cost. but it must be fix before my family or i come down with some serious illness. *ak
12/01/20044000010003/05/2002
 My diamante has about 42,000 miles on it, and i have just been noticing that the front and side windows fog up and the defrost does not correct the problem. i live in colorado, where it can be very cold in the winter months and this is a serious safety issue! i have also noticed that a smoke or vapor comes out of the vents and smells bad. this too is a health concern of mine. i have a little three year old boy that has respitory problems so i am very concered about taking him in the car. i know this is a big problem, because i see many people complaining about it on the web, but they are probably unaware of the nhtsa. i feel that mitsubishi should stand behind this. *ak
01/17/200546800112/27/2001
 Smelled anitfreeze in the car, subsequently found carpet soaked with antifreeze called dealership in arlington and was told that they have had several problems with the heater core. estimated cost to repair $930. car is out of factory warranty but has extended warranty w/ $500 deductible. was told to call warranty people and tell them was cracked and that it would be covered. mileage is only 47,000. *ak
01/19/200548000108/25/2001
 Strong smell of antifreeze causing nausea and loss of visibility while driving due to heavy fogging of all windows. in review online for other documented cases the heater core and core assembly o rings are subject to premature failure, seems to be very prevalent in 2001 and newer mitsubishi diamante models.my diamante has 48,000 miles. *jb
01/19/2005109000203/12/2001
 2001 mitsubishi diamante. back in november, car began to smell of antifreeze/coolant, windows began to fog and fumes emerged from the vents. the vehicle temperature gauge began to run hot. the fumes cause nausea. i took car to dealership and they replaced the thermostat and checked for leaks. now, three months later the exact same problem. heater core problem at a cost of $1300 to fix. *nm
09/25/200465000112/11/2003
 Fogged up windows along with bad musty smell. extremely difficult to drive when you can't see out the window. 65,000 miles seems low for a heater core to go out. the dealer should pay to fix the problem or give a great value on a trade in.*ak i am very dissapointed. my research shows that the heater core is a very common problem and there should be a recall or some sort of action!!!
11/15/200477178110/21/2003
 I purchased a used mitsubishi diamante in october 2003 with 52,000 miles on it. a couple of months later there was a strong odor coming from the vents and the window started fogging up. the transmission started acting strange so i took it back to the dealer and was told that the heater core was leaking and had leaked on the transmissions computer. they told me they could replace the transmission computer under warranty but the heater core was not covered and it would cost me about $668. i had to come up with the money to get the heater core fixed before the could fix the transmission problem. i also noticed smoke coming out of the vents early in the morning and the passenger side mats were also soaked with antifreeze.*ak
09/17/200471300210/01/2002
 1) smelled antifreeze but could not find a source. 2) heater coil was leaking. 3) leaked on a computer that controlled my transmission. why would anyone place an electrical part under a unit that hold a liquid? why would the electrical part not encased in a protective wrap if it had to be placed next to a pressurized liquid carring coil? 4) i was charged $1,125.00 to fix a problem caused by sorry engineering. i learned that misubishi knew of the problem and never notified their customers. there should be a recall and mitsubishi should have to pay for the repairs. all parts, heater coil, transmission regulating computer were replaced.*ak
10/27/200332000108/08/2002
 The windows kept fogging up. notice a puddle in the front passenger side floor, and noticed the radiator was low. puddle of the floor ended up being anti-freeze. dealer advised that i need a new heater core and that they are the only authorized dealer to replace it. was not under warrently due to milage on the car. they replaced heater core, and when returned the cover over the shifter is craked and hard to put into park. the heater vents do not work correctly.*ak
06/06/200475000101/07/2002
 Noticed faint smell of anti freeze approximately 9 months ago. had problems with defroster clearing windows. also, seemed to get better (or maybe i got used to the smell). now noticed passanger side floor carpet is soaked with anti freeze. obviously a problem with the heater core or the hose(s) which connect to it are leaking. car has 92000 miles, and is well maintained. i will be calling local mitsubishi dealer to schedule a repair. hopefully they can repair this at little or no cost to me as this is an obvious defect in parts or installation. *ak
02/25/200448299104/01/2002
 While driving in inclement weather, the windshield wipers came on and went off on their own. dealer was aware of this intermittent problem. *ak the heating core was replaced three times. *jb
12/16/20032
 Heater core failed, causing the front windshield to fog up. also, consumer could smell anti freeze inside the vehicle. dealership was notified but did not resolve the problem.*ak
01/02/20041
 Car smells like coolant. windows won't clear up while im driving. very foggy. dealer said i need a new heater core at 43,000 miles. *la
VISIBILITY - GLASS, SIDE/REAR
12/12/200233000803/15/2001
 Leaking sunroof. the factory sunroof leaks during rain and washing. it has caused water damage to the headliner. also the rear drivers side windows rattles and has excessive wind noise. the dealer wanted $90 just to take the door panel off i refused because i don't feel i should pay for manufacture defect. as far as the sunroof goes an attempt was made to replace the sunroof glass but the leak still persists in the same location.
VISIBILITY - SUN ROOF ASSEMBLY
12/12/200233000803/15/2001
 Leaking sunroof. the factory sunroof leaks during rain and washing. it has caused water damage to the headliner. also the rear drivers side windows rattles and has excessive wind noise. the dealer wanted $90 just to take the door panel off i refused because i don't feel i should pay for manufacture defect. as far as the sunroof goes an attempt was made to replace the sunroof glass but the leak still persists in the same location.
VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER - MOTOR
02/25/200448299104/01/2002
 While driving in inclement weather, the windshield wipers came on and went off on their own. dealer was aware of this intermittent problem. *ak the heating core was replaced three times. *jb