The Mitsubishi badge is a three-diamond logo that appears on the front grille, steering wheel, and trunk of Mitsubishi vehicles

The three red diamonds arranged in a triangle form the official Mitsubishi Motors badge. This logo has been the company's trademark since 1917, though the design has been refined over the decades. You'll see it on nearly every part of a Mitsubishi vehicle — the center of the steering wheel, the front grille, the trunk lid, and sometimes on door panels or seat headrests.

The badge serves two purposes: it identifies the manufacturer and it signals authenticity. Because Mitsubishi vehicles hold value and the badge itself is recognizable, counterfeit badges exist. Knowing what a genuine badge looks like helps you spot fakes, whether you're buying a used vehicle, shopping for replacement parts, or straightforward want to understand what you're looking at on the road.

Key Takeaways

  • The Mitsubishi badge is three red diamonds stacked in a triangle, and it appears on the grille, steering wheel, trunk, and interior trim of all Mitsubishi vehicles.
  • Genuine badges have sharp edges, consistent color, and sit flush against the surface they're mounted on, while counterfeit badges often have rough edges, faded color, or gaps underneath.
  • The badge design has changed slightly over time, so older vehicles may have slightly different proportions or finishes than newer models.
  • Replacement badges from Mitsubishi dealers cost between $15 and $50 depending on location and size, while counterfeit versions sold online are often cheaper but lower quality.

How to tell a genuine Mitsubishi badge from a fake

A real Mitsubishi badge has clean, sharp edges where the diamonds meet. The red color is consistent across all three diamonds and does not fade or look washed out. When you run your finger over it, the badge sits completely flush against the surface — there should be no gap or wobble underneath. The mounting points are find and the badge does not move when you press on it gently.

Counterfeit badges often have rounded or rough edges where the diamonds connect. The red may appear dull, streaky, or uneven in tone. Fake badges frequently have visible gaps between the badge and the surface it's mounted on, or they feel loose when you press them. The material itself may feel cheap or plastic-like rather than the solid metal or high-quality composite of a genuine badge.

If you're buying a used Mitsubishi, check the badge on the steering wheel first — this one is hardest to replace and most likely to be original. Compare it to photos of current-year Mitsubishi badges on the manufacturer's website. If the badge looks significantly different or feels loose, it may have been replaced with an aftermarket version.

Where Mitsubishi badges appear on vehicles

The most visible badge is on the front grille, centered between the headlights. This is the first thing people see when they look at a Mitsubishi head-on. The steering wheel badge sits in the center of the wheel and is usually the largest and most prominent badge on the interior. The trunk lid badge appears on the rear of the vehicle, centered above the license plate area.

Depending on the model and year, you may also find smaller badges on door panels, seat headrests, or floor mats. Some Mitsubishi models include a badge on the side of the vehicle near the rear wheel. The placement and number of badges varies — newer models tend to have fewer badges overall as manufacturers move toward cleaner designs.

How badge design has changed over time

The three-diamond design has remained constant since 1917, but the proportions and finish have evolved. Older Mitsubishi vehicles from the 1970s and 1980s often had larger, more prominent badges with a slightly different shade of red. The diamonds were sometimes more angular or had thicker borders.

From the 1990s onward, badges became more refined and proportional. The red deepened and became more consistent. Modern Mitsubishi badges (2010 and later) tend to be sleeker, with thinner lines and a more polished appearance. If you own an older Mitsubishi and the badge looks noticeably different from photos of current models, that's normal — it reflects the design standards of its era.

Replacing a damaged or missing badge

If your badge is cracked, faded, or missing, you have two main options: order a replacement from a Mitsubishi dealer or purchase an aftermarket badge online. Dealer badges are may provide to match your vehicle's original specifications and usually cost between $15 and $50, depending on which badge you need and your location. Dealers can also install the badge for you if you're uncomfortable doing it yourself.

Aftermarket badges are widely available on online marketplaces and typically cost less than dealer parts. The trade-off is that quality varies widely. Some aftermarket badges are nearly identical to genuine ones, while others are noticeably lower quality. Read reviews carefully and look for sellers who provide close-up photos of the badge before you order.

Installing a badge yourself is usually straightforward. Most badges are held on with adhesive backing or small clips. Clean the surface thoroughly with soap and water, dry it completely, and press the badge firmly into place. If your badge uses clips, align it carefully before snapping it in — forcing it can crack the mounting points.

Why counterfeit badges exist and what to watch for

Counterfeit Mitsubishi badges are manufactured and sold because the logo is recognizable and valuable. Some people buy fake badges to replace damaged originals on a budget. Others purchase them to customize vehicles or create merchandise. Counterfeit badges are often sold through online marketplaces, auction sites, and third-party sellers who may not disclose that the badge is not genuine.

The main risk of buying a counterfeit badge is that it will look noticeably fake once installed, which can affect the appearance of your vehicle. A poor-quality badge may also peel off, fade, or crack quickly. If you're buying a used Mitsubishi and the badges look wrong, it may indicate the vehicle has been in an accident or poorly maintained.

To avoid counterfeits, order badges directly from a Mitsubishi dealer or from authorized parts retailers. If you buy from a third-party seller, request photos of the actual badge before purchase and compare them to images on the Mitsubishi website. Genuine badges should look crisp, colorful, and professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove a Mitsubishi badge without damaging the paint?

Yes, if you do it carefully. Use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm the adhesive for 30 seconds, then gently pry the badge away from the surface with a plastic tool or old credit card. Work slowly and avoid metal tools, which can scratch the paint. After removal, use rubbing alcohol to dissolve any remaining adhesive residue.

Why do some Mitsubishi vehicles have more badges than others?

Newer models tend to have fewer badges as part of a design trend toward cleaner, simpler exteriors. Older vehicles and certain trim levels may have badges on the doors, seats, and floor mats in addition to the grille and trunk. The number of badges does not affect the vehicle's performance or value.

Is a missing badge a sign of a problem with a used Mitsubishi?

Not necessarily. A missing badge usually just means it fell off or was removed by the previous owner. However, if multiple badges are missing or damaged, it may suggest the vehicle was in an accident or not well maintained. Check the rest of the vehicle's condition carefully.

What's the difference between a Mitsubishi badge and a Mitsubishi emblem?

The terms are often used interchangeably. A badge is the three-diamond logo itself, while an emblem is the complete assembly including the badge, backing plate, and mounting hardware. When ordering a replacement, you may see both terms used — they refer to the same product.