Mitsubishi ASX Common Problems

The Mitsubishi ASX is a small SUV that stayed on sale here as one generation from 2010 to 2025, with regular facelifts. Most have a 2.0-litre petrol (4B11) with a five-speed manual or a CVT and front-wheel drive, though early cars also offered AWD petrol versions. Diesels were a 1.8 (4N13) with a six-speed manual and AWD until 2014, then a 2.2 (4N14) with a six-speed auto and AWD until 2018. From late 2019 the Exceed and GSR got a 2.4 petrol (4B12) with a CVT. The ASX is simple, cheap to service and generally reliable, if dated. The CVT and the diesels cause most of the trouble, and early cars had a long run of recalls.

CVT drone, hesitation and failure (2.0 and 2.4 petrol CVT, 2010 to 2025)

Most ASX petrols use a CVT automatic with stepped ratios. Reviewers note a droning noise under load, and some owners of later 2.0 cars report rough or slow take-off and a gearbox that struggles on highway merges. Mitsubishi recalled 2015 CVT cars for delayed acceleration in certain conditions. Regular CVT fluid changes and avoiding heavy towing are the best protection. A fluid service costs a few hundred dollars; a replacement CVT outside warranty can cost several thousand, roughly $4,000 to $7,000 depending on new or reconditioned. The five-speed manual avoids the issue.

Oil dilution, EGR and turbo faults (2.2 4N14 diesel, 2013 to 2018)

The 2.2 diesel's particulate filter burns off soot by injecting extra fuel, and on cars used for short stop-start trips some of that fuel can end up in the sump. Owners have reported a rising oil level, an oil warning light and a check engine light. Diluted oil wears the engine, so the fix is a longer highway drive once or twice a month and an oil change, with a diesel specialist checking the DPF and sensors if it keeps happening. Some owners also report EGR valve failures, timing chain work and turbo rebuilds, and together these can cost several thousand dollars.

Drive belt coming off (2.0 petrol, 2010 to 2012)

Two recalls covered the accessory drive on early 2.0 petrols. On some 2010 cars the belt material wore the pulleys unevenly, and on some 2011 to 2012 cars the tensioner flange could crack. Either way the belt could come off, cutting charging and power steering assistance and possibly overheating the engine. Check the recall work was done, and listen for belt squeal or a tensioner rattle. A new belt and tensioner outside a recall is roughly a few hundred dollars.

Corroded wipers, tailgate springs and park brakes (2010 to 2016)

Several recalls on earlier cars trace back to corrosion. Water could get into the wiper motor, and later the wiper linkage ball joint could corrode, so the wipers stopped working. Poor anti-corrosion coating on the tailgate gas spring end caps could let a spring break and the tailgate fall. On 2013 to 2016 cars, water could corrode the parking brake caliper shaft and a faulty adjuster could stop the park brake holding, so the car could roll away. These were recall repairs, but on a car that missed them, the parts can still fail.

Touchscreen freezes and electrical glitches (touchscreen models, about 2019 to 2025)

Some owners of later cars report the media touchscreen freezing or not responding, phone mirroring problems, and some functions needing a Mitsubishi map card. A head unit reset or disconnecting the battery sometimes clears it; otherwise it is a warranty or dealer repair. Some owners also report rattles in the dash and doors and door lock actuators that fail more than once.

Recalls and safety

Beyond the belt and corrosion campaigns, 2011 to 2012 1.8 diesels were recalled because soot could lock the piston rings, leading to overheating, melted pistons and stalling. Other recalls covered a keyless entry system that could shut down and stall the car, panoramic roof glass that might not have been bonded properly on early cars, a power steering wiring harness, a brake booster switch that could stop the pedal releasing, door latches that might not lock in high temperatures, overheating power relays, and forward collision and stability control software on 2018 to 2019 cars. Have a Mitsubishi dealer check the VIN for open recalls, and see our recalls page.

Buying a used Mitsubishi ASX? What to check

• CVT test drive: Accelerate gently and firmly, merge onto a highway and climb a hill. Shudder, whining, flaring revs or a delay before drive point to CVT wear.
• CVT fluid records: Ask for proof of CVT fluid changes, and be wary of cars used for towing.
• Diesel oil level: On a 2.2 diesel, check the dipstick is not above full and that there is no oil or engine warning light.
• Belt noise: On an early 2.0 petrol, listen at idle for belt squeal or a rattling tensioner.
• Wipers and tailgate: Run the wipers on every speed and check the tailgate stays up on its own.
• Park brake: Apply it on a steep slope and confirm it holds.
• Touchscreen: Pair your phone, test mirroring and the camera, and watch for freezes.
• Recall record: Ask for proof of recall work, especially the 1.8 diesel piston ring and drive belt campaigns.

Run a Carify VIN check before you buy, and use our Mitsubishi ASX buying checklist on the inspection.

The verdict

A 2017 to 2025 ASX with the 2.0 petrol is the safe choice, ideally a manual or a CVT with fluid records and a smooth drive. The 2.4 in late Exceed and GSR models adds useful performance for the same CVT caveats. Diesels suit buyers who do regular highway kilometres; avoid a 2.2 diesel with a high oil level or EGR history, and check the recall work on any 1.8 diesel. On early 2010 to 2013 cars, budget for age and confirm every recall has been done.