Thinking about buying a used Mitsubishi ASX (2010–2023) in New Zealand? We've documented 31 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, electrical, and brakes. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
31
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$450–$2,500
Typical repair
7
Systems covered
Known Mitsubishi ASX faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
The 4B11 2.0-litre engine incorporates a balance shaft module with an integrated secondary oil pump that feeds the balance shaft bearings and supplements main gallery pressure at low RPM. When the balance shaft chain stretches or the secondary pump housing wears, oil pressure to the main and rod bearings drops sharply, accelerating bearing wear and leading to catastrophic engine failure if not caught early. This failure mode has been documented in the 4B11 engine family across multiple Mitsubishi platforms including the Lancer Ralliart, Outlander, and ASX.
Symptoms to notice
Oil pressure warning light illuminates at idle or low-speed driving
Low-frequency knocking or rumbling from the lower engine block, particularly on cold start
Metal particles visible in engine oil on dipstick or during oil change
Engine oil consumption increasing without visible external leaks
What to check
Check oil pressure at idle and under load with a mechanical gauge. Inspect balance shaft chain and tensioner for slack via inspection port. Listen for low-frequency knock or rattle at cold start that diminishes with oil pressure. Pull sump and inspect main bearing shells for copper-coloured wear or scoring. Verify secondary oil pump rotor clearances are within spec.
Where to look: Lower engine block, balance shaft module on the sump side of the 4B11 engine
Ask the seller
“Has the engine ever had an oil pressure warning light illuminate?”
“When was the last oil service and what oil viscosity is used?”
“Has the vehicle had any engine work involving the sump or lower block?”
“Are there any records of oil consumption complaints or top-ups between services?”
The ASX air conditioning system uses a belt-driven compressor with an electromagnetic clutch that engages and disengages the compressor pulley from the drive belt. The clutch armature plate and electromagnetic coil are subject to wear and thermal degradation, particularly in vehicles operated in hot climates such as northern New Zealand and Australia. Clutch slip generates significant heat that destroys the armature contact surface and can seize the clutch hub. A seized or failed clutch can also cause drive belt failure if the compressor locks up.
Symptoms to notice
Air conditioning system blowing warm air despite being switched on and refrigerant level being correct
Loud click or clunk from the engine bay when the AC is activated, followed by no cooling
Burning electrical smell from the engine bay when attempting to engage the air conditioning
Squealing or rattling from the compressor pulley area when AC is switched off but disappears when AC is on
What to check
With the engine running and AC switched on, observe whether the compressor clutch hub rotates with the pulley or spins freely. Listen for a loud click when the AC is engaged — absence of a click suggests the clutch coil is not energising. Check clutch air gap between the armature plate and pulley face (specification is typically 0.3-0.6 mm). Inspect the armature plate surface for heat blueing or glazing. Check the AC fuse and relay before condemning the clutch assembly.
Where to look: Front of the engine bay, compressor mounted low on the engine block with the electromagnetic clutch visible at the front pulley face
Ask the seller
“Does the air conditioning cool effectively on a hot day?”
“Has the AC system been regassed or serviced recently?”
“Are there any unusual noises from the engine bay when the AC is switched on?”
“Has the compressor or AC clutch ever been replaced?”
TransmissionCritical
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EngineCritical
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ElectricalCritical
TransmissionMajor
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EngineMajor
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BrakesMajor
SuspensionMajor
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Body & RustMinor
Body & RustCosmetic
29 more documented faults on the Mitsubishi ASX
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 31 documented faults for the Mitsubishi ASX, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and electrical. A Mitsubishi ASX with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Mitsubishi ASX?
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We've catalogued 31 known faults for the Mitsubishi ASX, covering engine, transmission, and electrical. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Mitsubishi ASX?
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Most single repairs on the Mitsubishi ASX fall between $450–$2,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 31 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Mitsubishi ASX?
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Yes. A Mitsubishi ASX inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.