2003 Mitsubishi Diamante visibility problems

Filed Mar 22, 2010 · Visibility · 48,000 miles · TX

Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). This concerns my 2003 mitsubishi diamante. It has less than 50,000 miles on it and it has suddenly started spewing a light film on the inside of my front windshield so that I cannot see well...and not at all when I am headed into the sun. I have checked on the internet and a lot of people are having the same problem with mitsubishi diamantes going back several model years. All diamantes need to be recalled and the heater core and/or its o rings fixed or replaced. If this doesn't happen, people will die when they suddenly cannot see the road through their front windshield. [xxx] *tr

Filed Mar 11, 2010 · Engine, Visibility · 62,000 miles · TN

I have a 2003 mitsubishi diamante with 60,000 plus miles. For the past several months I have noticed a strong smell of anti-freeze coming from the vents and the windows constantly fogging up, sometimes to the point that I cannot see to drive. I have read many similar complaints and agree with others that mitsubishi needs to issue a recall for the heater core, as I am sure this is the problem. I have yet to take mine in to get it repaired, so I don't have a cost quote at this time.

Filed Feb 16, 2010 · Engine, Visibility · 60,000 miles · MA

Anti-freeze leak on carpet passenger side near firewall fogged up windows check engine light comes on and off due to the leak the ecu started working awful.

Filed Oct 18, 2008 · Visibility · 85,000 miles · FL

Heater core leakage causing smoke and antifreeze odor to come out of car vents and underneath dash board (passenger side). There is a risk of accident, personal injury, or death because use of A/C, heater, and defrost is not available when windshields and windows fog up.

Filed Apr 7, 2008 · Visibility · 84,900 miles · NC

Driving along and windows started to fog up, and started smelling a odd odor. Found out my heater core was bad. Apparently cracked for no reason. Right now by-passed the heater core because mitsubishi dealer quoted $1,800.00 to fix it. It appears to be a big problem with the diamante's.

Filed Apr 7, 2008 · Engine, Visibility · 20 miles · CA

I have 2003 mitsubishi diamante. My "check engine" light came on, so I took it in for service, and my heater core was leaking on my computer...now it's going to cost me around 3,500 dollars....this is a very flawed design. There should be a recall on this item.

Filed Mar 18, 2008 · Visibility · VA

I bought an 2003 mitsubishi diamante in 2005. My wife and I noticed an occasionally "syrup" smell, but didn't think much of it. This week end (march 08)anti-freeze (coolant) began to come out of the vents in a mist. It even turned the bottom half of my front windshield green created a film on the windows which made it hard to see. I have a new born child that is now sick as well myself and my 2 1/2 year old. They have a doctors appointments tomorrow and I hope they are not sick from the car. Estimated cost to fix was about $1150.

Filed Dec 23, 2007 · Visibility · 67,000 miles · GA

I own a 2003 mitsubishi diamante ls with 70,000. I purchased the car from the dealership brand new. In november 2007, there was a strong smell of antifreeze in the car. After some investigation, it was discovered there was a leak in the heating core, which was causing the antifreeze to leak out of the compartment and into the cabin of the car...needless to say, the car is undriveable because of the health risks associated with breathing antifreeze. Estimated repairs are around $1500. This is completely ridiculous!!!! I am outraged to see that so many 2003 diamante owners are having the same problem. I believe an investigation needs to be conducted, and mitsubishi motors should be held accountable for this!!!

Filed Dec 19, 2007 · Visibility · 37,813 miles · CA

37813 miles. Heater core leaking. Notice the sweet smell and now overheating occurs.

Filed Dec 8, 2007 · Engine, Visibility · 86,000 miles · FL

This is a mitsubishi diamante 2003 es. I'm experiencing a sweet smell of anti-freeze inside the car as soon as I turn on heating. Anti-freeze contains ethylene glycon and the fumes are highly toxic. Fixing the heater core will cost $1300. 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 windshield thus putting the driver at greater risk. I will eventually fix the problem by spending $1300 if mitsubishi refuses to issue a recall. Right now I am trying some radiator anti-leak to delay the costly repair. But I want the federal safety agency to be aware of the hazards that has been ignored by the manufacturer.