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Mitsubishi2002–2020 Critical issues documented

Mitsubishi Canter: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used Mitsubishi Canter (2002–2020) in New Zealand? We've documented 6 known faults for this model spanning transmission, engine, fluid leaks, and suspension. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Every one is listed below with its symptoms and repair cost, and each has its own page with where to look and what to ask the seller. Free, no account needed.

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6

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$0–$2,800

Typical repair

4

Systems covered

Which Mitsubishi Canter are you looking at?

2 generation variants documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

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Mitsubishi Canter

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Can't confirm for this car

Mitsubishi Canter

Nothing has been narrowed yet, so nothing below is a claim about a particular car. Pick a year and an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

matched on no vehicle context

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Mitsubishi Canter before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Serious issue

    On a test drive pull away gently and firmly from a stop, including uphill, and feel for shudder, slipping or a delay before drive engages.

    See why

    Duonic dual-clutch transmission shift faults, clutch solenoid contamination and clutch wear (8th gen FEA/FEB/FEC Duonic)

    The six speed Duonic dual clutch automatic fitted from 2011 had debris left inside from the factory that could lodge in the clutch control solenoid valve, causing harsh or flaring shifts, noise and in the worst case no drive or a stall. Australia recalled 2011 to 2013 trucks (REC-001068) for a flush or transmission replacement, plus a separate recall for ATF hoses that could come off their clamps (REC-001066), and the US ran the same contamination recall (14V-046). Beyond the recall, owners report repeat Duonic replacements and worn clutch packs, made worse by holding the truck on a hill with the throttle. A failing Duonic is one of the most expensive repairs on the truck.

    What you would notice

    • Jerky, slow or flaring gear changes
    • Gear hunting or delay pulling away from a rolling start
    • Transmission warning lamp or truck stuck in neutral
    • Grinding or whining noise from the gearbox; ATF drips under the truck

    Typically $600–$16,000 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Switch the ignition on and confirm the DPF and engine warning lamps light up and then go out once running.

    See why

    DPF clogging, failed regeneration and emission system limp mode (4P10 3.0 twin-turbo diesel, 8th gen FEA/FEB/FEC)

    The 4P10 relies on a diesel particulate filter (DPF, Fuso calls it DPD) that must burn off soot, plus EGR and on many markets an SCR system. Trucks used on short urban runs never get hot enough to regenerate, soot builds up, the ECU asks for manual regenerations more and more often and eventually derates the engine to limp mode. Owners also report wet DPF sensor wiring and connectors giving false readings, failed exhaust pressure sensors, and repeat regeneration loops. In the US the 2012 to 2016 Canter emission system problems (sensors, injectors, crankcase breather, catalytic muffler) led to a class action settlement of 17.5 million US dollars. A DPF that has been removed or tuned out is illegal for road use and hard to reverse.

    What you would notice

    • DPF or regeneration warning lamp on the dash, often flashing
    • Loss of power and engine held at low revs (limp mode)
    • Frequent manual regenerations needed, high idle while regenerating
    • Hot, acrid smell from the exhaust area

    Typically $300–$8,000 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    After a test drive, tilt the cab or open the engine cover and smell for raw diesel.

    See why

    High-pressure fuel injection pipe cracking and diesel leaks (4M50 4.9 common rail, 7th gen FE8)

    The steel high-pressure pipes between the common rail and the injectors on the 4M50 can crack at the connector where a manufacturing wrinkle meets too little tightening torque. Diesel then sprays or weeps onto a hot engine: it starts as a smell and misfire, and in the worst case becomes an under-cab fire. Fuso Australia recalled 4M5-engined Canter and Rosa built from July 2003 to July 2011 (REC-001059) and Hong Kong recalled the same 4M50 pipes. Pipes that have been cracked or re-tightened without new parts can fail again.

    What you would notice

    • Strong raw diesel smell around the cab, especially after a run
    • Wet, shiny diesel film on top of the engine or dripping onto the exhaust
    • Rough running or a misfire with loss of power

    Typically $0–$1,400 to put right.

See all 6 documented issuesEverything researched for the Mitsubishi Canter, including 3 rated critical.
Depends on which engine this Mitsubishi Canter has — 6Each of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling3

01Duonic dual-clutch transmission shift faults, clutch solenoid contamination and clutch wear (8th gen FEA/FEB/FEC Duonic)

On a test drive pull away gently and firmly from a stop, including uphill, and feel for shudder, slipping or a delay before drive engages.diesel2011–2020TransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02Cylinder head idler gear bushing wear and shaft flange breakage (4M50 4.9 diesel, early 7th gen FE8)

On early 4M50 engines the bushing for the timing idler gear in the cylinder head could be machined out of size, overloading the idler gear shaft.diesel2002–2006Engine
OccasionalEngine $1,200–$9,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

On early 4M50 engines the bushing for the timing idler gear in the cylinder head could be machined out of size, overloading the idler gear shaft. If left, the shaft flange can crack or break, giving a gear rattle from the front of the engine and oil leaks, and in the worst case the timing drive loses sync and the engine stalls and will not restart, which can mean bent valves and a head rebuild. Fuso recalled engines built from mid 2000 to November 2005 (US campaign 05V-411, later widened as 07V-138): the bushing was measured and the idler gear assembly replaced if out of spec. Recall work is long closed for grey imports, so a 2002 to 2005 truck with no record of the inspection is an unknown.

A removed six-cylinder diesel engine cylinder head on cardboard, valve-gear side facing up.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A six-cylinder diesel head off the engine, valve-gear side up. Cracks run between the valve seats on the face beneath.

Ll1324 · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Rattle or clatter from the front of the engine that changes with revs
  • Oil weeping from the front of the head or timing cover area
  • Engine stalls and cranks but will not restart

What to check

  1. Start the engine from cold with the cab tilted or the engine cover open and listen at the front of the engine for a metallic rattle or gear whine that rises and falls with revs.
  2. Use a phone torch to look for fresh oil around the front of the cylinder head and timing cover.
  3. Check the build plate date: engines built before November 2005 fall in the idler gear campaign window.
  4. Ask for any paperwork showing the idler gear campaign or a timing gear repair.
  5. If a workshop inspection is possible: have the timing cover area inspected and the idler gear bushing clearance measured, and ask a Fuso dealer to check the chassis number for the open campaign.

Where to look: Front of the engine at the cylinder head, timing gear train behind the timing cover (under the tilt cab)

Parts involved: Cylinder head.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the 4M50 idler gear recall or bushing check ever been done?”
  • “Has the engine ever stalled and refused to restart?”
  • “Any timing gear or head work in the service history?”

03DPF clogging, failed regeneration and emission system limp mode (4P10 3.0 twin-turbo diesel, 8th gen FEA/FEB/FEC)

Switch the ignition on and confirm the DPF and engine warning lamps light up and then go out once running.diesel2010–2020EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller
Body, brakes, suspension & interior1

01Power steering box worm shaft oil seal failure, heavy steering (2009 7th gen FE7/FE8 Canter)

On a batch of 2009 Canters the oil hole for the worm shaft inside the power steering box was made incorrectly and chews the oil seal.diesel2009Suspension
RareSuspension $0–$2,800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

On a batch of 2009 Canters the oil hole for the worm shaft inside the power steering box was made incorrectly and chews the oil seal. As the seal fails, steering gets heavy, most noticeably on slow turns and when turning the wheel while stationary, and the box may weep fluid. Fuso recalled it in Japan (campaign 2545, May 2010, FE71/FE73/FG73/FG83 models) and in Australia (REC-003350, FE8 and FG8) to inspect and replace the box. Only a small batch is affected, but a 2009 import may never have had the fix.

Symptoms to notice

  • Steering feels heavy on slow turns or parking, especially turning left
  • Power steering fluid level dropping
  • Fluid weeping around the steering box on the left chassis rail

What to check

With the engine running and the truck stationary, turn the wheel lock to lock and feel for a heavy or notchy spot, then repeat at walking pace in a car park. Compare left and right turns; a heavier left turn is the classic sign. Check the power steering reservoir level and look for fluid stains on the ground under the front left. Use a phone torch to look at the steering box on the chassis rail behind the front wheel for a wet, oily casing. Ask whether the steering box recall was done. If a workshop inspection is possible: have the steering box checked for seal leaks and ask a Fuso dealer to check the chassis number against the 2010 steering box campaign.

Where to look: Power steering box on the front chassis rail behind the front wheel, connected to the drag link

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the steering box ever been replaced or resealed?”
  • “Does the steering get heavy when parking?”
  • “Has the steering box recall been checked for this chassis number?”
Fluid leaks2

01Fuel filter outlet tube pulling off, diesel leak and stalling (4P10 3.0 diesel, early 8th gen FEA/FEB/FEC)

diesel2010–2012Fluid Leaks
OccasionalFluid Leaks $0–$700 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

On early 8th generation Canters the fuel filter outlet that the fuel tube pushes onto was machined to the wrong shape, so vibration can work the tube loose. Diesel then leaks next to hot engine parts, the engine can stall or refuse to restart, and in the worst case it can start a fire. Fuso recalled about 58,000 Canter and Rosa worldwide in October 2012 (Japan campaign 3041, US 12V-524) to replace the fuel filter head. A truck built 2010 to 2012 without the recall done carries this risk.

Symptoms to notice

  • Diesel smell around the cab or engine bay
  • Wet fuel filter housing or diesel on the chassis rail
  • Engine stalls or will not restart after running fine

What to check

  1. Tilt the cab or open the engine cover and use a phone torch to look at the fuel filter housing and the hoses clipped to it for wetness, fresh diesel, or cable ties holding a tube on.
  2. Smell for raw diesel after a test drive.
  3. Look for a newer looking filter head than the rest of the engine, which suggests the recall was done.
  4. Ask for recall paperwork.
  5. If a workshop inspection is possible: ask a Fuso dealer to check the chassis number against campaign 3041 or 12V-524 and confirm the fuel filter head was replaced.

Where to look: Fuel filter housing on the engine or frame under the tilt cab, fuel tube connection at the filter outlet

Parts involved: Fuel filter.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the fuel filter head recall been done?”
  • “Has the truck ever stalled or failed to restart?”
  • “Any diesel leaks repaired?”

02High-pressure fuel injection pipe cracking and diesel leaks (4M50 4.9 common rail, 7th gen FE8)

After a test drive, tilt the cab or open the engine cover and smell for raw diesel.diesel2003–2011Fluid Leaks
OccasionalFluid Leaks $0–$1,400 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The steel high-pressure pipes between the common rail and the injectors on the 4M50 can crack at the connector where a manufacturing wrinkle meets too little tightening torque. Diesel then sprays or weeps onto a hot engine: it starts as a smell and misfire, and in the worst case becomes an under-cab fire. Fuso Australia recalled 4M5-engined Canter and Rosa built from July 2003 to July 2011 (REC-001059) and Hong Kong recalled the same 4M50 pipes. Pipes that have been cracked or re-tightened without new parts can fail again.

Symptoms to notice

  • Strong raw diesel smell around the cab, especially after a run
  • Wet, shiny diesel film on top of the engine or dripping onto the exhaust
  • Rough running or a misfire with loss of power

What to check

After a test drive, tilt the cab or open the engine cover and smell for raw diesel. Use a phone torch to look along the injector pipes on top of the engine for a wet film, fresh dust stuck to diesel, or fuel pooling around the injector nuts. Look under the truck below the engine for diesel drips on the ground or on the exhaust. Ask whether the Rosa and Canter fuel pipe recall was done. If a workshop inspection is possible: have the injector pipe unions checked for cracks and correct torque and the chassis number checked for campaign RC02134M5PIPE.

Where to look: Top of the engine under the tilt cab, steel pipes from the common rail to each injector

Parts involved: Fuel rail.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the fuel pipe recall been done on this truck?”
  • “Has anyone ever smelt diesel in the cab?”
  • “Have any injector pipes been replaced?”

Mitsubishi Canter faults in detail

Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

DPF clogging, failed regeneration and emission system limp mode (4P10 3.0 twin-turbo diesel, 8th gen FEA/FEB/FEC)Major · EngineDuonic dual-clutch transmission shift faults, clutch solenoid contamination and clutch wear (8th gen FEA/FEB/FEC Duonic)Critical · Transmission

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Mitsubishi Canter’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Other Mitsubishi models

Mitsubishi Outlander47 documented faultsMitsubishi Lancer39 documented faultsMitsubishi Pajero39 documented faultsMitsubishi Grandis6 documented faultsMitsubishi L3006 documented faultsMitsubishi Lancer Evolution X6 documented faults

Mitsubishi Canter buyer questions

Is the Mitsubishi Canter reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 6 documented faults for the Mitsubishi Canter, the recurring problem areas are transmission, engine, and fluid leaks. A Mitsubishi Canter 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 Canter?

We've catalogued 6 known faults for the Mitsubishi Canter, covering transmission, engine, and fluid leaks. All 6 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Mitsubishi Canter?

Most single repairs on the Mitsubishi Canter fall between $0–$2,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 6 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 Canter?

Yes. A Mitsubishi Canter 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 $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.