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Mitsubishi2004–2012 Critical issues documented

Mitsubishi Colt: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used Mitsubishi Colt (2004–2012) in New Zealand? We've documented 10 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. 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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  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

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10

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$250–$1,600

Typical repair

5

Systems covered

Which Mitsubishi Colt are you looking at?

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

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Start your free check on this Mitsubishi Colt

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Mitsubishi ColtEngine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the Colt came with 3, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

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Can't confirm for this car

Mitsubishi Colt

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 Colt before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Serious issue

    Watch for: Blue-grey smoke from exhaust under acceleration or on deceleration/overrun.

    See why

    4G15T Turbo Oil Return Pipe Blockage Causing Turbocharger Failure

    The turbocharger oil drain (return) pipe on the 4G15T Ralliart engine is prone to internal carbon and sludge accumulation, progressively restricting oil flow back to the sump. Restricted drainage causes oil to pool in the turbocharger centre section, overwhelming the shaft seals and forcing lubricant into both the compressor and turbine housings, accelerating bearing wear and ultimately causing turbocharger seizure if the pipe is not periodically cleaned or replaced.

    What you would notice

    • Blue-grey smoke from exhaust under acceleration or on deceleration/overrun
    • Excessive engine oil consumption with no visible external leaks
    • Turbocharger whine, rattle, or rumble at boost
    • Oil contamination visible inside intercooler or intake piping

    Typically $800–$2,800 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Watch for: Clunking or knocking from front suspension when driving over bumps, dips, or rough road surfaces.

    See why

    Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear

    The front lower control arm ball joints on the Colt Z27A/Z28A are subject to accelerated wear from the compact suspension geometry, which places high combined lateral and axial loads on the joint through cornering and road impacts. As the ball joint wears, play develops in the joint socket, degrading steering precision and tyre contact; in severe cases the joint boot splits, grease is expelled, and unlubricated metal-to-metal contact leads to rapid deterioration and risk of ball joint separation with sudden loss of wheel control.

    What you would notice

    • Clunking or knocking from front suspension when driving over bumps, dips, or rough road surfaces
    • Uneven or rapid front tyre wear, particularly on the inner shoulder
    • Pulling or wandering steering feel; vehicle does not track straight without correction
    • Visible play in the front wheel when rocked by hand with the vehicle raised

    Typically $200–$550 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Check CVT fluid condition and level via the overflow bolt procedure.

    See why

    INVECS-III CVT Belt Judder and Shudder at Low Speed

    The Jatco-sourced INVECS-III CVT fitted to automatic Colt variants develops a characteristic judder or shudder under light load at low vehicle speeds, typically between 20 and 50 km/h, as the CVT fluid ages and its friction-modifier additives deplete. Degraded fluid causes belt-to-pulley micro-slip during the engagement phase, producing the distinctive vibration; if ignored, the condition accelerates wear on the steel push-belt and the primary and secondary pulley faces, eventually requiring full CVT replacement.

    What you would notice

    • Vibration or shudder felt through the drivetrain and cabin floor at low-speed light-throttle acceleration
    • Hesitation or surge when pulling away from rest at slow speed
    • Transmission appearing to slip, hunt between ratios, or fail to build road speed smoothly

    Typically $150–$3,500 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Drive it from cold and feel the take-up from a standstill: smooth is good, a violent lurch is bad.

    See why

    Allshift automated-manual clutch actuator wear (jerky shifts / failure)

    Many Colt automatics are not a conventional torque-converter auto or a CVT but an 'Allshift' single-clutch automated manual. The clutch actuator and clutch plate wear prematurely, and a sticky centre-plate on the input shaft causes harsh, jerky take-up from a standstill, delayed or missed shifts, and eventually a refusal to select gears. Stored codes are typically P1710 (clutch actuator) and P1830 (engage error). Ignored, it can leave you stranded. Buyers often mistake the jerkiness for a slipping ordinary auto.

    What you would notice

    • Pronounced lurch or jerk pulling away from a stop
    • Long pause between gear changes
    • Transmission warning light
    • Occasional refusal to engage a gear

    Typically $900–$3,500 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Watch for: Clunking or single-knock noise from front suspension when turning the steering wheel at low speed or when parking.

    See why

    Front Strut Top Mount Thrust Bearing Wear and Clunking

    The upper strut bearing (thrust bearing) in the Colt's MacPherson-type front suspension degrades as grease dissipates and the bearing races corrode, particularly in the wet New Zealand and Australian climates where moisture accelerates surface pitting. A failed top mount bearing creates a harsh clunking or knocking noise each time the strut rotates during steering inputs, and in advanced cases reduces steering returnability, contributes to a vague on-centre feel, and transmits harshness directly to the steering column.

    What you would notice

    • Clunking or single-knock noise from front suspension when turning the steering wheel at low speed or when parking
    • Clicking or grinding sensation transmitted through the steering wheel during slow-speed manoeuvres
    • Reduced steering return-to-centre behaviour after a turn

    Typically $250–$600 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Watch for: Vehicle pulling noticeably to one side under braking.

    See why

    Front Brake Caliper Guide Pin Seizure

    The front brake caliper sliding guide pins on the Colt corrode within their rubber boots due to moisture ingress, road contamination, and inadequate lubrication, preventing the caliper from sliding freely on its carrier bracket. A seized guide pin locks the caliper body in a fixed position relative to the carrier, causing the inner brake pad to drag continuously against the disc rotor while the outer pad receives reduced clamping force, resulting in severely asymmetric pad wear, rotor damage from sustained contact heat, and meaningfully reduced braking performance.

    What you would notice

    • Vehicle pulling noticeably to one side under braking
    • Inner brake pad worn to the metal backing plate while the outer pad on the same caliper retains significant material
    • Brake disc on the affected side showing deep scoring, grooving, or dark heat discolouration from continuous contact
    • Dragging sensation or burning brake smell after normal driving, particularly on one side

    Typically $120–$450 to put right.

See all 10 documented issuesEverything researched for the Mitsubishi Colt, including 2 rated critical.
Depends on which engine this Mitsubishi Colt has — 10Each of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling5

014G15T Turbo Oil Return Pipe Blockage Causing Turbocharger Failure

Watch for: Blue-grey smoke from exhaust under acceleration or on deceleration/overrun.petrol2006–2012EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02INVECS-III CVT Belt Judder and Shudder at Low Speed

Check CVT fluid condition and level via the overflow bolt procedure.petrol2004–2012TransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

03Allshift automated-manual clutch actuator wear (jerky shifts / failure)

Drive it from cold and feel the take-up from a standstill: smooth is good, a violent lurch is bad.petrol2004–2012TransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

04Timing confusion: chain on 1.3/1.5, belt on 1.5 turbo Ralliart

Listen at cold start-up for a top-end rattle on the 1.3/1.5.petrol2004–2012Engine
OccasionalEngine $500–$1,600 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

There is common confusion over timing on the Colt. The naturally aspirated 1.3 (4A90) and 1.5 (4A91) use a maintenance-free timing CHAIN, which can rattle at cold start when the tensioner or chain wears. The 1.5 turbo Ralliart/CZT (4G15T) uses a timing BELT that must be changed on schedule — and because it is an interference engine, a neglected belt that snaps will bend valves and wreck the engine. A Ralliart buyer must confirm documented belt history.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rattle from the top of the engine at cold start (chain engines)
  • Uneven idle
  • No cambelt paperwork on a turbo Ralliart

What to check

Listen at cold start-up for a top-end rattle on the 1.3/1.5. On a 1.5 turbo Ralliart, insist on a documented cambelt change with receipts or a service sticker; treat unknown belt history as a major bargaining point.

Where to look: Front of the engine behind the timing cover

Parts involved: Turbocharger.

Ask the seller

  • “On a 1.3/1.5, is there any cold-start rattle?”
  • “On the 1.5 turbo, when was the cambelt last done and is there a receipt?”

05Throttle Body and Idle Air Passage Carbon Fouling

petrol2004–2012Engine
Very commonEngine $80–$250 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

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.

Parts involved: PCV / oil separator.

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?”
Electrical1

01Column-Type Electric Power Steering Motor and Control Unit Failure

Watch for: EPS warning light illuminated on the instrument cluster, either permanently or intermittently.2004–2012Electrical
OccasionalElectrical $450–$1,800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Colt uses a column-mounted electric power steering system in which the assist motor, torque sensor, and control module are all integrated into the steering column assembly rather than mounted at the rack. The motor windings and brushes degrade through repeated heat cycling and age-related insulation breakdown, while the control module is susceptible to connector corrosion and internal component failure due to its location in the lower dashboard environment, resulting in partial or complete loss of power steering assistance.

Symptoms to notice

  • EPS warning light illuminated on the instrument cluster, either permanently or intermittently
  • Sudden significant increase in steering effort, particularly noticeable at low speed and when parking
  • Intermittent restoration of power assistance followed by renewed loss, cycling with ignition restarts
  • Audible electrical buzzing or grinding from the steering column area during low-speed manoeuvring

What to check

Watch for: EPS warning light illuminated on the instrument cluster, either permanently or intermittently. If a workshop inspection is possible: Scan the vehicle using an OBD-II reader with Mitsubishi-compatible software and check for stored EPS fault codes such as C1513 or C1514; inspect the EPS control unit wiring connector at the base of the steering column for corrosion, moisture, or pushed-back terminals; check battery voltage at idle and under load as low system voltage can trigger false EPS intervention faults; verify the EPS warning lamp behaviour on startup.

Where to look: Steering column assembly inside the cabin, with the EPS assist motor and integrated control module mounted on the column shaft beneath the steering wheel and above the firewall.

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the EPS warning light ever come on, and has the power steering system been diagnosed or repaired?”
  • “Does the steering feel consistently light and assisted, or does it sometimes become heavy?”
  • “Has the car had any electrical diagnostic work carried out on the steering system?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior4

01Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear

Watch for: Clunking or knocking from front suspension when driving over bumps, dips, or rough road surfaces.2004–2012Suspension
CommonSuspension $200–$550 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The front lower control arm ball joints on the Colt Z27A/Z28A are subject to accelerated wear from the compact suspension geometry, which places high combined lateral and axial loads on the joint through cornering and road impacts. As the ball joint wears, play develops in the joint socket, degrading steering precision and tyre contact; in severe cases the joint boot splits, grease is expelled, and unlubricated metal-to-metal contact leads to rapid deterioration and risk of ball joint separation with sudden loss of wheel control.

The front wheel of a car splayed outward with the lower control arm hanging down after a ball joint separation.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A separated lower ball joint: the control arm has dropped and the wheel has splayed out under the guard.

Elfix · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Clunking or knocking from front suspension when driving over bumps, dips, or rough road surfaces
  • Uneven or rapid front tyre wear, particularly on the inner shoulder
  • Pulling or wandering steering feel; vehicle does not track straight without correction
  • Visible play in the front wheel when rocked by hand with the vehicle raised

What to check

Watch for: Clunking or knocking from front suspension when driving over bumps, dips, or rough road surfaces. If a workshop inspection is possible: With the vehicle safely raised on stands, grasp the front tyre at the 6 and 12 o'clock positions and attempt to rock it; then try the 9 and 3 o'clock positions to check separately for axial and radial play at the ball joint; visually inspect the ball joint boot for splits or expelled grease; use a pry bar under the lower arm to lever upward and observe movement at the joint.

Where to look: Outer end of each front lower control arm, where the ball joint stud connects to the front wheel steering knuckle/hub carrier assembly.

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

  • “Have the front lower ball joints been inspected or replaced?”
  • “Has the vehicle recently passed a warrant of fitness with no suspension advisories?”
  • “Does the car make any clunking noise over rough roads or speed bumps?”

02Electric power steering torque-sensor / assist loss

Do full-lock turns while stationary and at low speed.petrol2004–2012Suspension
OccasionalSuspension $400–$1,800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Colt uses column-mounted electric power steering (no fluid). Oxidation or a poor connection at the torque-sensor pin can cause the assist to drop out, so the steering suddenly goes very heavy, often intermittently and worse after the car has warmed up. The steering stays mechanically connected but is hard work at parking speeds, which is a safety and driveability concern. Because there is no hydraulic fluid, any seller story about a 'power steering fluid leak' is a red flag for a misdiagnosis.

Symptoms to notice

  • Steering intermittently goes heavy
  • EPS or steering warning light on the dash
  • Heaviness returns after driving a while (heat related)
  • Inconsistent assist

What to check

  1. Do full-lock turns while stationary and at low speed.
  2. Watch for a steering warning lamp at start-up.
  3. Take a longer test drive and note whether the steering becomes heavy once warm.

Where to look: Electric power steering motor and torque sensor on the steering column

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the steering ever gone heavy or the EPS light come on?”
  • “Has the torque sensor or steering column ever been repaired?”

03Front Strut Top Mount Thrust Bearing Wear and Clunking

Watch for: Clunking or single-knock noise from front suspension when turning the steering wheel at low speed or when parking.petrol2004–2012Suspension
CommonSuspension $250–$600 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The upper strut bearing (thrust bearing) in the Colt's MacPherson-type front suspension degrades as grease dissipates and the bearing races corrode, particularly in the wet New Zealand and Australian climates where moisture accelerates surface pitting. A failed top mount bearing creates a harsh clunking or knocking noise each time the strut rotates during steering inputs, and in advanced cases reduces steering returnability, contributes to a vague on-centre feel, and transmits harshness directly to the steering column.

Symptoms to notice

  • Clunking or single-knock noise from front suspension when turning the steering wheel at low speed or when parking
  • Clicking or grinding sensation transmitted through the steering wheel during slow-speed manoeuvres
  • Reduced steering return-to-centre behaviour after a turn

What to check

Watch for: Clunking or single-knock noise from front suspension when turning the steering wheel at low speed or when parking. If a workshop inspection is possible: With the vehicle at rest on flat ground, turn the steering wheel slowly lock-to-lock and listen for clunking from the front strut towers; jack the vehicle, support on stands, and inspect the top mount rubber for cracking or deformation; with the wheel hanging, rotate the hub assembly while compressing the strut to feel for bearing roughness or notchiness.

Where to look: Top of each front MacPherson strut assembly, at the strut tower inside the engine bay; the thrust bearing sits between the strut mounting plate and the upper spring seat.

Parts involved: Shock absorber / strut.

Ask the seller

  • “Have the front strut top mounts or upper bearings ever been replaced?”
  • “Does the steering make any clunking or knocking noise when turning at low speed?”
  • “Has the front suspension been inspected or serviced recently?”

04Front Brake Caliper Guide Pin Seizure

Watch for: Vehicle pulling noticeably to one side under braking.2004–2012Brakes
CommonBrakes $120–$450 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The front brake caliper sliding guide pins on the Colt corrode within their rubber boots due to moisture ingress, road contamination, and inadequate lubrication, preventing the caliper from sliding freely on its carrier bracket. A seized guide pin locks the caliper body in a fixed position relative to the carrier, causing the inner brake pad to drag continuously against the disc rotor while the outer pad receives reduced clamping force, resulting in severely asymmetric pad wear, rotor damage from sustained contact heat, and meaningfully reduced braking performance.

Symptoms to notice

  • Vehicle pulling noticeably to one side under braking
  • Inner brake pad worn to the metal backing plate while the outer pad on the same caliper retains significant material
  • Brake disc on the affected side showing deep scoring, grooving, or dark heat discolouration from continuous contact
  • Dragging sensation or burning brake smell after normal driving, particularly on one side

What to check

Watch for: Vehicle pulling noticeably to one side under braking. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove the front brake caliper, extract both guide pins from their bores, and attempt to slide each pin by hand; pins must move smoothly and freely without binding or grating; inspect the rubber boots for cracking, collapse, or missing sections that allow moisture entry; compare inner and outer brake pad thickness on each side to identify asymmetric wear caused by a seized pin; inspect rotor surfaces for grooving or uneven heat discolouration.

Where to look: Front brake calipers at each front wheel, with guide pins located at the top and bottom of each sliding caliper body engaging with the fixed caliper carrier bracket bolted to the hub carrier.

Parts involved: Brake disc and pads.

Ask the seller

  • “When were the front brakes last serviced, including caliper pin lubrication?”
  • “Does the car pull to one side when braking?”
  • “Have the front brake pads and discs been inspected recently, and is the wear even on both sides?”

Mitsubishi Colt 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.

4G15T Turbo Oil Return Pipe Blockage Causing Turbocharger FailureCritical · EngineAllshift automated-manual clutch actuator wear (jerky shifts / failure)Major · TransmissionINVECS-III CVT Belt Judder and Shudder at Low SpeedMajor · Transmission

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Mitsubishi Colt’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 Evo X10 documented faultsMitsubishi Space Star9 documented faultsMitsubishi 3808 documented faults

Mitsubishi Colt buyer questions

Is the Mitsubishi Colt reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 10 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?

We've catalogued 10 known faults for the Mitsubishi Colt, covering engine, suspension, and transmission. All 10 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 Colt?

Most single repairs on the Mitsubishi Colt fall between $250–$1,600 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 10 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?

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 $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.