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Mitsubishi1994–2019 Critical issues documented

Mitsubishi Delica: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used Mitsubishi Delica (1994–2019) in New Zealand? We've documented 18 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, body & rust, and cooling. 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.

Check this exact Mitsubishi Delica

  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

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18

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$450–$1,600

Typical repair

7

Systems covered

Which Mitsubishi Delica are you looking at?

4 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 Delica

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Mitsubishi DelicaEngine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the Delica came with 4, 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 Delica

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

  • Serious issue

    Check oil filler cap underside for white mayonnaise-like emulsion.

    See why

    4M40 head gasket failure at high mileage

    The 4M40 2.8 diesel is susceptible to head gasket failure on high-mileage examples, typically presenting above 200,000 km or after overheating events. The alloy head is prone to warping if the engine has ever run hot, and the factory head bolt torque specification leaves little margin once the gasket begins to compress with age. Head gasket failure allows combustion gases into the coolant, pressurising the cooling system and causing rapid coolant loss. It is one of the most commonly reported terminal failures on neglected L400 Delicas presented for WOF.

    What you would notice

    • White or grey smoke from the exhaust at idle and under load with a sweet smell
    • Coolant loss with no visible external leak, cooling system pressurising rapidly
    • Milky or emulsified residue on the oil filler cap or dipstick

    Typically $1,800–$4,000 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Start the engine from cold and listen immediately for rattling from the timing cover area.

    See why

    4N14 2.2D Timing Chain Rattle (JDM Import)

    The 4N14 2.2-litre diesel fitted to Delica D:5 imports develops a timing chain rattle similar to Mitsubishi's other 4Nx-series engines. The chain tensioner is oil-pressure dependent and degrades with age, particularly on vehicles with extended or infrequent oil changes. Documented on Japanese Delica owner forums and reported by NZ independent mechanics who service the growing JDM Delica D:5 import fleet. The fault is progressive — ignored rattles lead to full chain replacement.

    What you would notice

    • Rattling or chattering from front of engine on cold start
    • Rattle persisting beyond 20 seconds or returning intermittently when warm
    • Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes

    Typically $2,800–$6,500 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Drive from cold and again when warm: apply light throttle at 30-50 km/h and feel for shudder or vibration through the floor or seat.

    See why

    Invecs-III CVT Judder from Fluid Degradation or Overheating

    The Invecs-III JATCO-sourced CVT fitted to 4B12 2.4L petrol Delica D:5 models produces a shudder or judder under light throttle at low speed when CVT fluid degrades or overheats from towing or sustained off-road use. The CVT fluid should be changed every 40,000-60,000 km but many JDM-sourced examples arrive with fluid well beyond this interval. A fluid change resolves early cases; persistent judder after a fluid change indicates internal clutch pack or steel belt wear requiring CVT rebuild or replacement.

    What you would notice

    • Shudder or vibration through the drivetrain at 20-50 km/h under light throttle
    • Hesitation or lurch when pulling away from a standstill
    • Transmission temperature warning light illuminating under load
    • Slipping sensation when accelerating moderately at highway on-ramp speeds

    Typically $350–$8,000 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Ask about driving pattern history.

    See why

    4N14 Diesel DPF Blockage and Regeneration Failure

    The 4N14 2.2L diesel Delica D:5 uses a Diesel Particulate Filter that blocks when passive or active regeneration cycles fail to complete — a common outcome for vehicles used on short urban trips at low sustained speeds. A blocked DPF severely restricts exhaust flow, causing power loss, increased fuel consumption, and progression to DPF warning lights and limp mode. NZ road conditions and the Delica's combined urban and recreational 4WD use pattern make sustained motorway regeneration difficult for many owners.

    What you would notice

    • DPF regeneration warning or DPF blocked warning light on instrument cluster
    • Significant loss of power, especially above idle
    • Noticeably increased fuel consumption
    • Vehicle entering limp mode and not allowing full throttle

    Typically $1,500–$4,500 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    From underneath, probe the floor sill sections with a screwdriver for softness or perforation.

    See why

    Rust in floor sills and rear wheel arches

    The L400 Delica has known rust-prone areas in the outer floor sills and inner and outer rear wheel arches. The sill sections trap moisture and road debris, while the rear wheel arches are subject to stone chip damage that breaks through the factory paint and allows rust to establish. Vehicles used in coastal regions of New Zealand or those that have spent time in Japan's snowbelt provinces (where road salt is used) are significantly more affected. Structural sill rust can compromise the vehicle's rigidity and lead to WOF rejection. Rust in wheel arches is cosmetic in early stages but can spread to the structural chassis rails if left untreated.

    What you would notice

    • Bubbling or blistering paint on the outer sill below the doors
    • Soft or perforated metal in the rear wheel arch detected by probing
    • Musty smell inside the cabin or visible water ingress staining on the cargo floor

    Typically $600–$3,500 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Check automatic transmission fluid condition — dark, burnt-smelling fluid indicates neglected changes and accelerated solenoid wear.

    See why

    Automatic transmission solenoid failure

    The L400 Delica fitted with the automatic transmission uses electronically controlled shift solenoids in the valve body to manage gear selection. These solenoids fail with age and high mileage, typically due to varnish deposits from degraded automatic transmission fluid blocking the solenoid orifices, or internal solenoid coil failure. The result is incorrect gear engagement, harsh shifts, or the transmission defaulting to limp-home mode. The fault is common on any Delica where automatic transmission fluid changes have been skipped, and is frequently logged as a fault code in Japanese auction inspection sheets.

    What you would notice

    • Harsh, delayed, or erratic gear shifts especially from first to second
    • Transmission slipping out of gear or failing to engage at all
    • Transmission fault light illuminated, or vehicle locked in a single gear (limp-home mode)

    Typically $900–$2,800 to put right.

See all 18 documented issuesEverything researched for the Mitsubishi Delica, including 2 rated critical.
Depends on which engine this Mitsubishi Delica has — 18Each of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling11

014N14 2.2D Timing Chain Rattle (JDM Import)

Start the engine from cold and listen immediately for rattling from the timing cover area.diesel2013 onwardEngine
OccasionalEngine $2,800–$6,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Unconfirmed. This entry does not match our record of which engines and years this model was sold with, and is awaiting review. Confirm it against the car before acting on it.

The 4N14 2.2-litre diesel fitted to Delica D:5 imports develops a timing chain rattle similar to Mitsubishi's other 4Nx-series engines. The chain tensioner is oil-pressure dependent and degrades with age, particularly on vehicles with extended or infrequent oil changes. Documented on Japanese Delica owner forums and reported by NZ independent mechanics who service the growing JDM Delica D:5 import fleet. The fault is progressive — ignored rattles lead to full chain replacement.

The front of a dual overhead camshaft engine with the timing cover removed, exposing the timing chain and sprockets.Example of the part — not this vehicle

The front of a twin-cam engine with the timing cover off — chain, sprockets and guides.

Logansenf · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Rattling or chattering from front of engine on cold start
  • Rattle persisting beyond 20 seconds or returning intermittently when warm
  • Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes

What to check

  1. Start the engine from cold and listen immediately for rattling from the timing cover area.
  2. A rattle clearing within a few seconds and not returning is a minor concern; one persisting or returning when warm requires chain inspection.
  3. Check oil change history carefully — late oil changes are the primary cause.

Where to look: Front of engine, timing chain cover

Parts involved: Timing chain.

Ask the seller

  • “What is the full oil change history including intervals and oil grade?”
  • “Does the engine rattle on cold start?”
  • “Has the timing chain or tensioner ever been inspected or replaced?”

024M40 head gasket failure at high mileage

Check oil filler cap underside for white mayonnaise-like emulsion.diesel1994–2007EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

03Invecs-III CVT Judder from Fluid Degradation or Overheating

Drive from cold and again when warm: apply light throttle at 30-50 km/h and feel for shudder or vibration through the floor or seat.petrol2007–2019TransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

044N14 Diesel DPF Blockage and Regeneration Failure

Ask about driving pattern history.diesel2013–2019EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

05Automatic transmission solenoid failure

Check automatic transmission fluid condition — dark, burnt-smelling fluid indicates neglected changes and accelerated solenoid wear.1994–2007Transmission
CommonTransmission $900–$2,800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The L400 Delica fitted with the automatic transmission uses electronically controlled shift solenoids in the valve body to manage gear selection. These solenoids fail with age and high mileage, typically due to varnish deposits from degraded automatic transmission fluid blocking the solenoid orifices, or internal solenoid coil failure. The result is incorrect gear engagement, harsh shifts, or the transmission defaulting to limp-home mode. The fault is common on any Delica where automatic transmission fluid changes have been skipped, and is frequently logged as a fault code in Japanese auction inspection sheets.

Symptoms to notice

  • Harsh, delayed, or erratic gear shifts especially from first to second
  • Transmission slipping out of gear or failing to engage at all
  • Transmission fault light illuminated, or vehicle locked in a single gear (limp-home mode)

What to check

Check automatic transmission fluid condition — dark, burnt-smelling fluid indicates neglected changes and accelerated solenoid wear. Observe shift quality through all gears from cold and at operating temperature. Check if the transmission enters limp mode (locked to one gear) under load. If a workshop inspection is possible: Scan for transmission fault codes with a compatible OBD scanner.

Where to look: Inside the automatic transmission valve body, accessed by dropping the transmission sump pan

Parts involved: Mechatronic / valve body.

Ask the seller

  • “When was the automatic transmission fluid last changed, and with what fluid?”
  • “Does the transmission shift smoothly through all gears when cold and when warm?”
  • “Has the vehicle ever been scanned for transmission fault codes?”

064M40 timing chain stretch and worn guides/tensioner

Listen at the front timing cover on cold start-up for chain rattle.diesel2000–2006EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

074B12 Timing Chain Tensioner Wear — Cold Start Rattle

Start the engine cold and listen for chain rattle from the front cover area for the first 10 seconds.petrol2007 onwardEngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

084M40 EGR cooler cracking and coolant contamination

Check coolant reservoir level and colour for contamination.diesel1997–2007CoolingRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

096G72 V6 overheating under load from thermostat/water pump/radiator

Drive or load-test the vehicle and watch the temperature gauge under load such as a hill.petrol2000–2006CoolingRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

104N14 Diesel EGR Valve Carbon Sticking — P0401

Inspect the EGR valve body and inlet manifold port for heavy carbon build-up during a visual check.diesel2013 onwardEngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

114M40 injector return pipe O-ring seal failure

Check the valve cover area beneath the return rail for diesel residue.diesel1994–2007EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller
Electrical1

01Power Sliding Door Cable Fraying — Mid-Travel Stall

Operate both sliding doors through three full open/close cycles and check for any mid-travel pause, reversal, or stall.2007 onwardElectrical
CommonElectrical $550–$1,450 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Delica D:5 power sliding door system uses a steel-wire cable wound around a motorised drum to pull the door along its track. The cable runs through a guide channel and around a series of redirecting pulleys. Over time, repeated door cycling causes individual wire strands in the cable to fray, particularly at the drum anchor point and at the sharpest pulley redirect. A frayed cable loses tensile integrity, causing inconsistent tension and triggering the door's safety load sensor to halt the door mid-travel as it interprets the resistance spike as an obstruction. In more advanced cases the cable snaps entirely, leaving the door stranded open or closed. This fault is common on grey import examples that served as JDM family or commercial shuttle vehicles accumulating high door-cycle counts. Replacement requires removing the door trim and inner panel to access the drum mechanism.

Symptoms to notice

  • Sliding door stops mid-travel and reverses or stalls without apparent obstruction
  • Door operation is intermittent — works sometimes but not consistently
  • Grinding or clicking sound from door track area during operation
  • Door warning light illuminates or chimes during failed open/close cycle

What to check

Operate both sliding doors through three full open/close cycles and check for any mid-travel pause, reversal, or stall. Listen for cable grinding inside the door. Manually push and pull the door along the track with power off to feel for any binding. Inspect the lower door track and cable exit guide for frayed wire strands or cable kinking.

Where to look: Interior of the sliding door panel; cable routes along lower door track and into motorised drum behind inner trim

Ask the seller

  • “Have the sliding doors ever stopped mid-travel or needed a reset?”
  • “Has the door cable or motor assembly been replaced or serviced?”
  • “How many door-open cycles does the vehicle represent — was it used as a shuttle or people-mover?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior4

01Rust in floor sills and rear wheel arches

From underneath, probe the floor sill sections with a screwdriver for softness or perforation.1994–2007Body & RustRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02Front axle birfield (CV) joint failure on 4WD models

With the wheels turned to full lock, inspect both CV boots for tears, cracks, or missing grease.1994–2007SuspensionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

03Front Lower Arm Ball Joint Wear — Bump Clunk

Also check the arm-to-subframe bushings for cracking.2007 onwardSuspensionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

04Sliding Door Lower Hinge Bracket and Track Corrosion

Open the sliding door fully and inspect the lower roller bracket and sill track channel for rust and pitting.2007–2019Body & Rust
CommonBody & Rust $300–$900 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Delica D:5 sliding door lower hinge bracket, roller guide, and sill track corrode in NZ's coastal and high-rainfall regions. Corrosion causes the door to become stiff or misaligned, dragging on the sill when opened. In advanced cases the lower roller bracket can fail entirely, leaving the door supported only by the upper track and creating a safety risk. Particularly prevalent on South Island and Northland examples and vehicles that have not had underbody protection applied.

Symptoms to notice

  • Sliding door difficult to open or close smoothly
  • Door dragging or scraping on the sill when fully opened
  • Visible orange rust on lower door track or hinge bracket
  • Door sitting lower at the bottom when fully open

What to check

  1. Open the sliding door fully and inspect the lower roller bracket and sill track channel for rust and pitting.
  2. Check that the door rolls smoothly without binding, dropping, or scraping.
  3. Examine all three hinge and roller points for corrosion or damage and confirm the door latches flush.

Where to look: Sliding door lower roller bracket and sill track channel, right rear (driver-side in NZ)

Parts involved: Body corrosion.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the vehicle been used or stored near the coast?”
  • “Has any rust treatment or underbody protection been applied?”
  • “Does the sliding door open and close without resistance or scraping?”
Fluid leaks2

01Front Differential Seal Leak (4WD Models)

Check the differential oil level via the filler plug.2007 onwardFluid Leaks
OccasionalFluid Leaks $400–$1,200 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The front differential output seals and front differential input (propshaft) seal on Delica D:5 4WD models are prone to weeping oil, particularly as the vehicles age past 150,000 km or if the differential oil has not been changed at recommended intervals. Seal degradation allows differential oil to leak onto surrounding components and can eventually lead to differential bearing damage if oil level drops significantly. Reported by NZ mechanics servicing the imported Delica fleet.

Symptoms to notice

  • Oil seepage from front differential housing visible underneath
  • Oil smell from front of vehicle after driving
  • Whining or growling from front differential under load if oil level has dropped

What to check

  1. Check the differential oil level via the filler plug.
  2. Look for dried or fresh oil staining on surrounding underfloor components.
  3. If a workshop inspection is possible: With vehicle on a hoist, inspect the front differential housing for oil weeping at all shaft seals (both output flanges and propshaft input).

Where to look: Front differential, underneath vehicle behind front crossmember

Parts involved: Differential.

Ask the seller

  • “When was the front differential oil last changed?”
  • “Has any underside seal or differential work been done?”
  • “Has the vehicle been used for off-road or water crossing driving?”

02Power steering pump seal leak

With the engine running and at operating temperature, inspect the power steering pump body and shaft seal area for fresh fluid seepage.1994–2007Fluid Leaks
Very commonFluid Leaks $300–$950 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The power steering pump fitted to both the 4M40 diesel and 6G72 petrol L400 Delica uses rubber shaft and body seals that harden and weep with age. On vehicles over 15 years old, seal failure is routine rather than exceptional. A weeping pump seal allows power steering fluid to leak onto the front of the engine or onto the accessory belt, creating a fire risk and contaminating the belt. Continued operation with low fluid levels causes pump whine and accelerated pump wear. The fault is very common on any L400 Delica that has not had the power steering system serviced.

Symptoms to notice

  • Whining or moaning noise from the engine bay when turning the steering wheel, especially at low speed
  • Power steering fluid puddle or staining beneath the front of the vehicle after parking
  • Wet or contaminated accessory drive belt with associated belt squeal

What to check

  1. With the engine running and at operating temperature, inspect the power steering pump body and shaft seal area for fresh fluid seepage.
  2. Check the accessory belt for fluid contamination or glazing.
  3. Check the power steering fluid reservoir level.
  4. Turn the steering to full lock both ways and hold briefly, then recheck the pump for seepage under pressure.

Where to look: Power steering pump mounted on the front of the engine, driven by the accessory belt on the driver's side

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the power steering fluid been changed, and when was the pump last inspected for leaks?”
  • “Is there any whining noise from the steering at low speeds or when parking?”
  • “Has the power steering fluid reservoir needed topping up?”

Mitsubishi Delica 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.

4B12 Timing Chain Tensioner Wear — Cold Start RattleMajor · Engine4M40 EGR cooler cracking and coolant contaminationMajor · Cooling4M40 head gasket failure at high mileageCritical · Engine4M40 injector return pipe O-ring seal failureMajor · Engine4M40 timing chain stretch and worn guides/tensionerMajor · Engine4N14 Diesel DPF Blockage and Regeneration FailureMajor · Engine4N14 Diesel EGR Valve Carbon Sticking — P0401Major · Engine6G72 V6 overheating under load from thermostat/water pump/radiatorMajor · CoolingFront axle birfield (CV) joint failure on 4WD modelsMajor · SuspensionFront Lower Arm Ball Joint Wear — Bump ClunkMajor · SuspensionInvecs-III CVT Judder from Fluid Degradation or OverheatingMajor · TransmissionRust in floor sills and rear wheel archesMajor · Body & Rust

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Mitsubishi Delica’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 Galant Fortis18 documented faultsMitsubishi Pajero Sport15 documented faultsMitsubishi Galant13 documented faults

Mitsubishi Delica buyer questions

Is the Mitsubishi Delica reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 18 documented faults for the Mitsubishi Delica, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and body & rust. A Mitsubishi Delica 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 Delica?

We've catalogued 18 known faults for the Mitsubishi Delica, covering engine, transmission, and body & rust. All 18 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 Delica?

Most single repairs on the Mitsubishi Delica fall between $450–$1,600 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 18 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 Delica?

Yes. A Mitsubishi Delica 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.