Thinking about buying a used Mitsubishi Colt (2002–2013) in New Zealand? We've documented 13 known faults for this model spanning engine, suspension, transmission, and electrical. 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.
13
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$450–$1,800
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Mitsubishi Colt faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
The 1.5T 4G15 engine in the Colt Ralliart CZT suffers from oil feed line blockage to the turbocharger, caused by carbon deposits and oil coking from heat soak after engine shutdown. The small-bore turbo oil feed is susceptible to restriction, starving the turbo bearing of lubrication during cold starts. Seizure follows rapidly and can result in turbo impeller fragments entering the engine, requiring full engine inspection alongside turbo replacement.
Symptoms to notice
Blue or white smoke from exhaust particularly under hard acceleration
Whining, grinding, or rattling noise from turbocharger area at speed
Oil consumption increasing beyond normal levels requiring regular top-ups
Loss of boost pressure with power falling off above mid-RPM range
What to check
Check oil level and look for signs of oil consumption. Ask about oil change intervals — short intervals with quality oil are critical on this engine. Check turbo shaft play by grasping the compressor wheel and checking for radial movement. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove the intercooler pipe from the turbo compressor inlet and inspect for oil contamination — some light oil film is normal but heavy oiling indicates seal failure.
Where to look: Turbocharger mounted to exhaust manifold, oil feed line from top of engine block to turbo centre housing
Ask the seller
“Has the turbocharger ever been replaced or rebuilt?”
“What oil change interval has been used and what oil specification?”
“Has the car produced blue smoke or made unusual noises from the engine bay?”
02Throttle Body and Idle Air Passage Carbon Fouling
MinorVery commonEngine $80–$250 to fix
The 4A91 and 4G15T engines recirculate crankcase blow-by gases through the positive crankcase ventilation system back into the intake upstream of the throttle body, depositing oily carbon residue on the throttle butterfly, throttle bore walls, and idle air control passages over time. This progressive buildup restricts the small airflow margins at idle and part throttle, reducing the engine management system's ability to maintain stable idle speed and causing erratic running, particularly when the engine is cold or when returning to idle from a deceleration.
Symptoms to notice
Rough, unstable, or hunting idle speed that surges between low and normal rpm
Engine stalling when decelerating to a stop, particularly when cold or in the first few minutes of operation
Hesitation or stumble during light throttle transitions from idle
Increased fuel consumption and reduced throttle response at low loads
What to check
Disconnect the intake duct from the throttle body and inspect the throttle bore, butterfly plate, and surrounding walls with a torch for black or grey carbon deposits; deposits exceeding approximately 2 mm on the butterfly edge or bore walls are sufficient to cause idle instability; spray throttle body cleaner into the bore and work the butterfly manually to assess restriction; inspect idle air control bypass passages for blockage.
Where to look: Throttle body mounted on the intake manifold inlet face on the driver's side of the engine compartment; the PCV hose enters the intake duct upstream of the throttle body.
Ask the seller
“Has the throttle body been cleaned as part of routine maintenance?”
“Does the engine idle smoothly when cold and when warmed up, without hunting or stalling?”
“Has the car ever stalled when coming to a stop at traffic lights?”
EngineCritical
SuspensionCritical
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
ElectricalMajor
SuspensionMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
BrakesMajor
11 more documented faults on the Mitsubishi Colt
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 13 documented faults for the Mitsubishi Colt, the recurring problem areas are engine, suspension, and transmission. A Mitsubishi Colt 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 Colt?
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We've catalogued 13 known faults for the Mitsubishi Colt, covering engine, suspension, and transmission. 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 Colt?
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Most single repairs on the Mitsubishi Colt fall between $450–$1,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 13 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 Colt?
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Yes. A Mitsubishi Colt 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.