Common Mitsubishi Problems

The sixth-generation Mitsubishi L200, produced from 2019 to 2022, was the final iteration of the iconic pickup to be officially sold in the UK market. Featuring the bold "Dynamic Shield" front-end design, it successfully combined rugged utility with a significantly more modern interior and a suite of advanced safety technology. In the UK, it has established an iron-clad reputation for being an "indestructible" workhorse, prized by commercial users and outdoor enthusiasts alike for its exceptional 3,500kg towing capacity and the legendary capability of its "Super Select II" four-wheel-drive system. Reliability for the Series 6 is generally world-class, reflecting Mitsubishi’s status as a leader in durable 4x4 engineering, but there are specific engine and drivetrain watchpoints that used buyers must investigate. The 2.2-litre "Euro 6" diesel engine is fundamentally robust and utilizes a timing chain, but like all modern diesels, it is highly sensitive to the correct operation of its emissions equipment. Owners have reported occasional sensor issues related to the AdBlue system and DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) clogging if the vehicle is primarily used for short urban trips. Additionally, the rear leaf springs—while strengthened—are still a long-standing L200 weak point and can crack if the truck is frequently overloaded or used for heavy towing over rough terrain. When buying a used Series 6 L200 in the UK, the focus should be on maintenance history and verifying that all emissions systems are fault-free. Prospective owners should verify that the "Super Select II" system shifts smoothly between all modes—including the unique ability to be used in 4WD on dry tarmac—and check the chassis for any signs of heavy off-road abuse or corrosion from salted farm roads. It is also important to verify a full Mitsubishi main dealer service history to maintain the crucial 5-year/62,500-mile warranty. For the best ownership experience, the "Barbarian" or "Warrior" trims are the most desirable, offering a high level of luxury and refinement for a modest used budget.

The fifth-generation Mitsubishi L200, produced from 2015 to 2019, successfully blended rugged utility with a level of agility and refinement that moved the pickup segment closer to the passenger car market. Known for its distinct "J-line" cabin design, which allowed for a more reclined rear seat, the Series 5 became a massive success in the UK with both commercial users and "lifestyle" buyers. Positioned as a direct rival to the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, it was prized for its class-leading turning circle and its advanced "Super Select 4WD-II" system, which allowed for permanent four-wheel drive on tarmac—a rare feature in its class. Mechanically, the Series 5 is a durable workhorse, but it does have specific maintenance requirements to ensure long-term reliability. The 2.4-litre MIVEC diesel engine is generally robust, though some owners have reported issues with the heater matrix failing, a labor-intensive job that manifests as a faint smell of coolant in the cabin or foggy windows. The rear leaf springs are another common weak point, prone to snapping if the truck has been frequently overloaded or used extensively off-road. Additionally, while structural corrosion is less of an issue than on older Mitsubishis, the chassis still requires regular inspection and undersealing to survive the UK's damp, salted-road winters. When buying a used Series 5 L200 in the UK, the "Barbarian" and "Warrior" trims are the most desirable, offering a high level of luxury and safety equipment. Prospective owners should look for signs of heavy towing, such as a stressed tow bar or a groaning automatic gearbox, and verify that the 4WD system shifts smoothly between all modes. A full service history is essential, particularly for ensuring that the timing chain and injectors are in good health. A well-maintained L200 remains one of the most capable and versatile pickups on the market, offering a unique combination of off-road prowess and on-road usability.

The UK's best-selling plug-in hybrid for many years. It offers a practical family SUV experience with significant tax benefits for business users.

The Mitsubishi Mirage (sold in the UK from 2013 to 2021) is a simple, lightweight, and exceptionally efficient city car that successfully prioritized low running costs and mechanical longevity over luxury or performance. Positioned as a direct rival to the Toyota Aygo and Fiat Panda, it offered a no-nonsense approach to urban motoring, featuring a characterful three-cylinder engine and an extremely low "Group 1" insurance rating. In the UK, it remains a favorite for those seeking the most affordable and risk-free entry into car ownership, prized for its reputation for being "bulletproof" in its mechanical simplicity. Reliability for the Mirage is world-class, with the model consistently ranking as one of the most dependable cars on UK roads. The 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre petrol engines are fundamentally robust, utilizing timing chains and lacking the complex turbocharging or hybrid systems of more modern rivals. However, there are minor technical themes to watch for; the front brake pads and discs are known to wear prematurely—often requiring replacement every 20,000 miles—and the exterior paint is notoriously thin and prone to stone chips. Additionally, on automatic models, the CVT transmission requires strict fluid changes to prevent "shuddering" or hesitation during take-off. When buying a used Mirage in the UK, the focus should be on maintenance history and checking for common "small-car" wear. Prospective owners should carefully test the clutch (on manual models) for a high biting point and verify that the air conditioning blows ice-cold, as compressor leaks are a known issue on later models. It is also important to verify that the 2017 safety recall regarding the airbag deployment software has been signed off by a Mitsubishi dealer. For the best ownership experience, a post-2016 facelift model with the 1.2-litre engine and manual gearbox is highly recommended, offering the best balance of efficiency and long-term dependability.

A practical 7-seater SUV that is often overlooked in favor of the PHEV. It is a capable tow car but suffers from common modern diesel issues.

The Mitsubishi ASX, launched in 2010 and heavily facelifted over a decade-long production run, is a rugged, "old-school" compact crossover that shares its underlying platform with the larger Outlander. Positioned as a direct rival to the original Nissan Qashqai, it prioritized mechanical simplicity, practicality, and a high driving position over cutting-edge technology or soft-touch interior plastics. In the UK, it remains a highly sensible used purchase for those who value dependable Japanese engineering and long-term durability over the latest gadgets. Reliability for the ASX is generally very high, especially for the manual petrol variants, but there are specific engine and transmission combinations that require caution. Early 1.6-litre petrol engines (2011–2015) can suffer from stretched timing chains, identifiable by a rattling noise on cold starts. The diesel engines (1.8 and 2.2-litre) are prone to severe DPF clogging if the vehicle is used purely for short city trips, which can lead to fuel diluting the engine oil—a situation often referred to as "oil rising" on the dipstick. Additionally, models equipped with the CVT automatic gearbox must have their fluid changed regularly to prevent overheating or jerky operation. When buying a used ASX in the UK, the focus should be on matching the powertrain to your driving style. The 1.6-litre petrol manual is the undisputed "safe bet" for urban drivers, offering years of trouble-free motoring provided the timing chain is quiet. Prospective owners of diesel models must check the oil level on the dipstick to ensure it isn’t over-filled (indicating dilution) and verify that the DPF warning light is off. It is also important to test the rear brakes, as the calipers are known to seize if the car sits for long periods. With Mitsubishi having withdrawn from the UK market, ensuring a strong service history is vital, though generic parts remain widely available.

The final Evo is a hugely capable AWD performance saloon, but it is now a specialist enthusiast buy rather than a cheap fast Mitsubishi. The best cars have specialist histories, sensible modifications and proof that drivetrain fluids have been treated as consumables rather than lifetime fills.

One of the last truly old-school ladder-frame 4x4s sold in the UK, and still a brilliant tow car. The 3.2 DI-D drivetrain is tough, but use history matters hugely because farm work, towing and winter salt all accelerate the Shogun’s real-world weak spots.

The standard Lancer (non-Evo) is a dependable family saloon or hatchback. While it lacks the performance of its famous sibling, it shares its reputation for mechanical robustness, though the interior quality is dated.

The fourth-generation Mitsubishi L200, produced from 2006 to 2015, was a groundbreaking vehicle that successfully redefined the pickup segment with its radical, aerodynamic "J-line" design. This design allowed it to offer the most spacious rear cabin in its class while maintaining a shorter wheelbase for exceptional maneuverability, establishment it as a massive sales success in the UK with both "lifestyle" buyers and commercial users. Prized for its versatile "Super Select" 4WD system and a levels of road manners that embarrassed many traditional SUVs, it remains one of the most popular and practical used pickups available today. Reliability for the Series 4 is generally respectable, but there are specific engine and drivetrain watchpoints that used buyers must investigate. The 2.5-litre DI-D diesel engine is fundamentally robust, but early models (pre-2010) are notorious for overheating issues caused by a combination of a small radiator and a vulnerable head gasket; ensuring that the cooling system has been regularly flushed is critical. Additionally, the Series 4 is highly susceptible to structural corrosion of the rear chassis rails and leaf-spring mount points—a common UK MOT failure point. Owners have also reported premature wear of the front suspension ball joints and "notchy" shifts from the manual gearbox if the oil has not been changed regularly. When buying a used Series 4 L200 in the UK, getting underneath the car with a torch to inspect the chassis for rust is the absolute priority. Prospective owners should listen for a "gurgling" or bubbling sound behind the dashboard on cold start, which can indicate air in the cooling system—a precursor to head gasket trouble. It is also important to test the 4WD system on a loose surface to ensure the electronic actuator engages smoothly and verify that the timing belt has been changed strictly every 60,000 miles. For the best balance of performance and features, the post-2010 facelift models with the 175hp engine and updated interior are highly recommended.

The Mitsubishi Colt (2004–2013) is a highly practical and reliable supermini that successfully blended city car agility with a surprising amount of interior space. Sharing its underlying platform with the original Smart Forfour, it offered a levels of versatility that rivaled many small MPVs, featuring sliding rear seats and a high roofline that provided exceptional headroom. In the UK, it has established a reputation for being a "sensible" used choice, prized for its mechanical honesty, low running costs, and the charismatic performance of its turbocharged CZT and Ralliart performance variants. Reliability for the Colt is a major strong point, reflecting Mitsubishi’s focus on mechanical durability, but used buyers must investigate specific drivetrain themes. The most common technical concern involves the "Allshift" automated manual transmission, which is known for jerky low-speed shifts and potential failures of the electronic actuator; the traditional manual gearbox is significantly more robust. Mechanically, the naturally aspirated 1.1-litre and 1.3-litre petrol engines are durable and utilize timing chains, though high-mileage examples should be checked for cooling system leaks from the radiator’s plastic end-tanks. Additionally, early models were subject to recalls regarding the electronic power steering (EPS) connector pins. When buying a used Colt in the UK, the focus should be on maintenance history and verifying that all interior electronics operate correctly. Prospective owners should carefully test the central locking and electric windows multiple times, as the actuators and regulators are common minor failure points. It is also vital to check the radiator for any signs of "pink" coolant residue and to ensure the air conditioning blows ice-cold. For the best ownership experience, a post-2009 facelift model with the 1.3-litre petrol engine and manual gearbox is highly recommended, offering the ultimate combination of performance, economy, and legendary Mitsubishi reliability.

The "CT9A" generation, spanning the Evolution VII, VIII, and IX, represents the zenith of Mitsubishi's rally-bred performance. In the UK, these models gained legendary status through the official "FQ" (F***ing Quick) variants, which were factory-tuned by Mitsubishi UK to deliver up to 400bhp. These cars offer a level of mechanical grip and steering precision that few modern performance cars can match, utilizing a sophisticated Active Yaw Control (AYC) system to manage power across the rear axle. Their market position has shifted from depreciating street racers to highly collectible icons, with the MIVEC-equipped Evolution IX being the most sought-after. Reliability is largely a product of fastidious maintenance rather than inherent fragility. The 4G63 engine is fundamentally robust but requires high-quality synthetic oil every 4,500 miles and a strict timing belt schedule every 45,000 miles or 5 years. The most common technical failure is the AYC/ACD pump, which is exposed to the elements and frequently fails due to corrosion. Furthermore, the 6-speed gearbox found in later MR and FQ models is known to be weaker than the older 5-speed unit, especially when subjected to aftermarket power increases beyond 400bhp. For a UK buyer, the absolute priority is inspecting for structural corrosion. These cars were poorly undersealed from the factory, and the rear chassis legs, strut towers, and wheel arches are notorious for rotting from the inside out in our damp, salted-road climate. A car with documented specialist service history (from names like MG Autos or NR Autosport) is infinitely more valuable than one with a main dealer history. Prospective owners should also ensure the car has been run exclusively on 97+ octane super unleaded, as using lower-grade fuel can cause catastrophic engine knock on these highly tuned units.

The third-generation Shogun introduced monocoque construction with an integrated ladder frame. It is a legendary off-roader but now faces significant age-related rust issues in the UK.