Mitsubishi Pajero Common Problems

The Pajero was Mitsubishi's full-size 4WD wagon until production ended in 2021, with a monocoque body, independent suspension all round and Super Select 4WD. Used buyers mostly meet the fourth generation: NS (2006), NT (2008), NW (2011) and NX (2014 to 2021). It used the 3.2 litre 4M41 common-rail turbo-diesel (147 kW from the NT) and, until about 2013, the 3.8 litre 6G75 petrol V6, with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed auto. The earlier NM and NP (2000 to 2006) offered the 2.8 litre 4M40 diesel, 3.5 litre 6G74 and 3.8 litre V6 petrols and, from the NP in 2002, the 3.2 litre 4M41. The Pajero has a reputation as a tough, long-lived wagon, with a short list of diesel faults to check.

Timing chain tensioner and guide wear (3.2L 4M41 diesel, 2006 to 2014)

On fourth-generation diesels, a weak timing chain tensioner could let the chain break, which stops the engine and can cause major damage. Mitsubishi recalled diesel Pajeros built from October 2006 to March 2014 to fix the tensioner. Separately, the top timing chain guide is reported to wear quickly, and an upgraded guide is available. Listen for a rattle from the front of the engine, especially on a cold start. A guide replacement at an independent workshop is roughly a few hundred dollars; a broken chain costs thousands.

Inlet manifold carbon build-up (3.2L 4M41 diesel, 2006 to 2021)

Exhaust gas from the EGR system mixes with oil mist from the crankcase breather and bakes into a thick sludge in the inlet manifold. Over time it chokes the airflow, giving poor power, smoke and higher fuel use. It builds up with kilometres, so expect some on any high-kilometre diesel. The fix is removing and cleaning the manifold and EGR valve, often with a catch can fitted afterwards. Expect roughly $600 to $1,500 depending on how much has to come off. Regular cleaning keeps it under control.

Suction control valve failure (3.2L 4M41 common-rail, 2006 to 2021)

The suction control valve on the high-pressure fuel pump is easily damaged by dirty diesel, with failures reported from around 60,000 km. Symptoms are surging, a lack of power under hard acceleration between about 1,800 and 3,000 rpm, and higher fuel use. Replacing the valve fixes it and is roughly a few hundred dollars. Fresh fuel filters at the right intervals and fuel from busy outlets help prevent it.

Auto fluid mixing with coolant (NM and NP automatics, 2000 to 2006)

On the NM and NP, the automatic transmission cooler inside the radiator can crack and leak, mixing transmission fluid and coolant. This has led to a recall overseas to replace the radiator. Milky fluid in either the radiator or the gearbox is a warning sign, and a gearbox that has run on contaminated fluid may not survive. A new radiator is roughly a few hundred dollars; a rebuilt auto is several thousand.

Super Select sticking in 4H and wheel bearing wear (NM and NP, 2000 to 2006)

Shifting into or out of 4WD while moving can leave the NM and NP stuck in 4H, which is fixed by adjusting the transfer case shift forks. Water getting into the wheel bearings also causes early wear and noise; revised bearings were released. 4WD indicator lights that keep flashing after a shift, or a hum that rises with road speed, can point to these faults.

Rust and corrosion (early fourth generation, about 2006 to 2011)

Some early NS and NT Pajeros are reported to show rust under the door and window rubbers, around the doors, roof and sunroof and at the rear wheel arches, and there are reports of corrosion around the fuel tank. The cooling system can also corrode if the wrong coolant is used, so check it has the type Mitsubishi specifies and has not been mixed. Rust repairs range from a few hundred dollars for small spots to thousands for structural work.

Recalls and safety

Fourth-generation Pajeros built from late 2006 to early 2017 were recalled for Takata passenger airbag inflators. Other recalls covered the diesel timing chain tensioner, worn lighting switch connectors that could stop the headlamps and indicators working, weak welds on the NX front right lower control arm on cars sold from late 2016 to mid 2019, a loose automatic shift cable on some 2006 to 2007 cars and button battery warnings on 2020 to 2022 remote keys. NM and NP recalls included the brake booster, accessory towbar tongues and a lighting switch circuit board. Ask a Mitsubishi dealer to check the VIN for open recalls, and see our recalls page.

Buying a used Mitsubishi Pajero? What to check

• Timing chain: Confirm the tensioner recall work has been done on a 2006 to 2014 diesel and listen for a rattle on a cold start.
• Power and smoke: On the test drive, look for black smoke and a flat or surging feel between 1,800 and 3,000 rpm, and ask when the inlet manifold was last cleaned.
• Fuel filters: Ask for receipts showing regular fuel filter changes, since dirty fuel damages the pump's suction control valve.
• Super Select: Shift through 2H, 4H, 4HLc and 4LLc, check the lights stop flashing, and test the rear diff lock if fitted.
• Rust: Check under the window and door rubbers, the roof and sunroof drains, the rear wheel arches and around the fuel tank.
• Coolant: Look for clean coolant of the type Mitsubishi specifies, and on an NM or NP auto check for milky fluid in the radiator.
• Air conditioning: Make sure it blows cold, since failures that need the dash removed to fix have been reported.
• Petrol V6 timing belt: On a 3.8 litre V6, ask whether the timing belt was changed at about 100,000 km.
• Driver's seat: Check the driver's seat bolster for tears or collapse, a wear point on high-kilometre cars.

Run a PPSR check before you buy, and use our Mitsubishi Pajero buying checklist for the inspection.

The verdict

An NW or NX diesel with the timing chain recall done, regular fuel filter changes and a clean intake is the pick, and the NX from 2014 to 2021 is the newest and best equipped. Avoid diesels with an unexplained rattle, heavy smoke or surging. The 3.8 litre V6 is reliable but thirsty and needs its timing belt changed on time. NM and NP models are now old and worth buying only with strong history, a checked radiator on autos and a rust-free body.