Mitsubishi Delica D5: common faults & what to check
Thinking about buying a used Mitsubishi Delica D5 (2007–2019) in New Zealand? We've documented 6 known faults for this model spanning suspension, engine, electrical, and transmission. 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.
6
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$600–$2,200
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Mitsubishi Delica D5 faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear
CriticalCommonSuspension $500–$1,400 to fix
The front suspension lower control arm ball joints on the Delica D:5 carry significant load given the vehicle's elevated kerb weight and all-wheel-drive configuration. The ball joint boot is exposed to road debris and water in off-road use; once the rubber boot tears, grease is expelled and abrasive contamination enters the joint, rapidly wearing the ball stud and socket. Progressive wear introduces play that causes vague steering, and a fully failed ball joint can separate, causing immediate loss of steering geometry and wheel collapse.
Symptoms to notice
Clunking or knocking from the front suspension over bumps, particularly with the wheel turned to full lock
Vague or loose steering feel, with the vehicle pulling inconsistently under braking or cornering
What to check
Watch for: Clunking or knocking from the front suspension over bumps, particularly with the wheel turned to full lock. If a workshop inspection is possible: Jack each front corner and grasp the tyre at 12 and 6 o'clock to check for vertical play in the ball joint; inspect the ball joint boot visually for tears, grease leakage, or cracks; test for clunking over speed bumps with the steering at full lock; request a workshop to check lateral play with a dial gauge if wear is suspected.
Where to look: Lower end of each front suspension strut assembly, connecting the lower control arm to the steering knuckle
Ask the seller
“When were the front lower ball joints last inspected or replaced?”
“Has the vehicle been used off-road where the wheel wells and underbody are exposed to mud and water?”
“Is there any clunking from the front suspension over rough roads or speed bumps?”
02Brake Caliper Guide Pin Seizure
MajorCommonBrakes $250–$900 to fix
The front and rear brake calipers on the Delica D:5 use sliding guide pins coated with a high-temperature grease to allow the caliper to float and apply even pressure across both brake pads. In the New Zealand and Australian climate, road salt, brake dust, and water infiltration past the guide pin rubber boots cause the pin's chrome surface to corrode, binding the caliper in a partially applied position. A seized guide pin causes one pad to drag continuously against the rotor, producing asymmetric braking, accelerated pad and rotor wear on one side, and brake fluid overheating.
Symptoms to notice
One front or rear wheel rim noticeably hotter than its opposite after a short drive, indicating caliper drag
Uneven brake pad wear with one inner or outer pad significantly thinner than its counterpart on the same axle
What to check
Inspect guide pin boots for cracking or tearing; remove guide pins and check for corrosion pitting or roughness; compare pad thickness on both sides of each caliper (significant imbalance indicates a seized pin); measure rotor thickness variation and check for heat-blued rotors; feel each wheel rim for unusual heat after a short drive.
Where to look: Upper and lower guide pin bores in the brake caliper mounting bracket on all four corners
Ask the seller
“When were the brake calipers last serviced, including guide pin cleaning and re-greasing?”
“Is there any pulling to one side under braking?”
“Have the brake pads worn unevenly side-to-side on either axle?”
EngineMajor
ElectricalMajor
SuspensionMajor
TransmissionMajor
4 more documented faults on the Mitsubishi Delica D5
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 6 documented faults for the Mitsubishi Delica D5, the recurring problem areas are suspension, engine, and electrical. A Mitsubishi Delica D5 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 D5?
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We've catalogued 6 known faults for the Mitsubishi Delica D5, covering suspension, engine, 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 Delica D5?
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Most single repairs on the Mitsubishi Delica D5 fall between $600–$2,200 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 Delica D5?
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Yes. A Mitsubishi Delica D5 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.