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Mitsubishi1992–2017 Critical issues documented

Mitsubishi Galant Fortis CJ: common faults & what to check

The CJ is the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis built 2007–2017. It was sold here with the 2.0L petrol (4B11-T) and 2.4 petrol. Of the 18 faults documented for the Galant Fortis, 16 apply to this generation, each with its symptoms, what to inspect and a typical repair cost. Free, no account needed.

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  • Money owing
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  • Ownership history
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  • NZ owned and operated

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18

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$450–$1,200

Typical repair

7

Systems covered

You're looking at the CJ

2 engine variants are documented for this generation. Pick yours to narrow further, or keep reading for the generation as a whole.

Choose a different generation

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.

A 2008 Mitsubishi Galant Fortis is the CJ generation (2007 to 2017).

Start your free check on this Mitsubishi Galant Fortis

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Mitsubishi Galant Fortis CJEngine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the Galant Fortis came with 2, 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 Galant Fortis · 2008

Narrowed to the year. No engine is recorded for this vehicle. Pick an engine to see which faults apply.

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

  • No engine is recorded for this vehicle.

matched on year only

What to look out for

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

  • Costly issue

    With vehicle safely raised, grip the lower arm at its inner pivot point and apply fore-aft and lateral force.

    See why

    Front Lower Arm Inner Bush Failure & Steering Shimmy

    The front lower control arm inner pivot bushes on the CJ Lancer and CZ4A Galant Fortis degrade prematurely due to the original rubber compound hardening and cracking under NZ road and climate conditions. Failure allows the lower arm to deflect longitudinally and laterally under braking and cornering loads, producing vague steering feel, highway shimmy between 90 and 110 km/h, and wander on cambered roads. The bush deflection moves geometry beyond alignment compensation limits, causing accelerated front tyre edge wear. Both lower arms typically require simultaneous bush replacement to permit correct caster and camber alignment.

    What you would notice

    • Steering shimmy or vibration between 90 and 110 km/h on motorway
    • Vague or wandering steering requiring constant correction
    • Uneven or feathered tyre wear on front inner or outer edge
    • Clunk from front suspension over road joints or undulations
    • Vehicle pulling under braking

    Typically $450–$1,000 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Inspect the boot for splitting.

    See why

    Front Lower Arm Ball Joint Wear

    Front lower arm ball joints wear causing clunking and handling imprecision.

    What you would notice

    • Clunking from front suspension over bumps
    • Imprecise handling feel when cornering

    Typically $350–$800 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Check for pulling under braking.

    See why

    Brake Caliper Guide Pin Seizure

    Front and rear brake caliper guide pins seize from corrosion causing uneven pad wear.

    What you would notice

    • Vehicle pulling to one side under braking
    • One disc hotter than the other after moderate use

    Typically $200–$600 to put right.

  • Common issue

    Drive over rough surfaces at low speed and listen for rattle from the steering rack area.

    See why

    Electric Power Steering Rack Rattle

    EPS rack develops internal rattle at low speeds over rough surfaces.

    What you would notice

    • Knocking or rattling from steering rack at low speeds
    • Vibration through steering wheel during slow manoeuvring

    Typically $600–$2,200 to put right.

  • Common issue

    Inspect rear suspension arm bushes for cracking.

    See why

    Rear Multi-Link Bush Collapse

    Rear multi-link suspension arm bushes harden and collapse causing rear knocking.

    What you would notice

    • Knocking from rear suspension over rough surfaces
    • Imprecise rear handling feel

    Typically $400–$1,200 to put right.

  • Common issue

    Inspect high-pressure hose full length including crimped ends for weeping or staining.

    See why

    Power Steering Hose and Rack Seal Leaks

    Standard Lancers with hydraulic power steering develop leaks at the high-pressure hose crimped ends and at the rack pinion seals. The high-pressure hose is routed close to the exhaust and heat causes the rubber to harden and crack at the metal crimp fittings. Rack seals also deteriorate with age, producing slow weeps that contaminate the subframe and inner CV boots. Power steering fluid loss causes increasing steering effort and can lead to pump damage if ignored.

    What you would notice

    • Power steering fluid puddle under front of vehicle
    • Stiff or heavy steering, particularly at low speed
    • Whining or groaning from power steering pump
    • Visible oily residue on power steering rack or subframe
    • Burning smell from fluid dripping on exhaust

    Typically $180–$650 to put right.

See all 16 issues for this oneDocumented for the exact year and engine you picked, including 3 rated critical.
Electrical1

01Electric Power Steering Rack Rattle

Drive over rough surfaces at low speed and listen for rattle from the steering rack area.2007–2015Electrical
CommonElectrical $600–$2,200 to fix

EPS rack develops internal rattle at low speeds over rough surfaces.

Symptoms to notice

  • Knocking or rattling from steering rack at low speeds
  • Vibration through steering wheel during slow manoeuvring

What to check

Drive over rough surfaces at low speed and listen for rattle from the steering rack area.

Where to look: Electric power steering rack assembly

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the electric power steering rack rattle been inspected or repaired?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior4

02Front Lower Arm Inner Bush Failure & Steering Shimmy

With vehicle safely raised, grip the lower arm at its inner pivot point and apply fore-aft and lateral force.2007–2017Suspension
CommonSuspension $450–$1,000 to fix

The front lower control arm inner pivot bushes on the CJ Lancer and CZ4A Galant Fortis degrade prematurely due to the original rubber compound hardening and cracking under NZ road and climate conditions. Failure allows the lower arm to deflect longitudinally and laterally under braking and cornering loads, producing vague steering feel, highway shimmy between 90 and 110 km/h, and wander on cambered roads. The bush deflection moves geometry beyond alignment compensation limits, causing accelerated front tyre edge wear. Both lower arms typically require simultaneous bush replacement to permit correct caster and camber alignment.

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

  • Steering shimmy or vibration between 90 and 110 km/h on motorway
  • Vague or wandering steering requiring constant correction
  • Uneven or feathered tyre wear on front inner or outer edge
  • Clunk from front suspension over road joints or undulations
  • Vehicle pulling under braking

What to check

  1. With vehicle safely raised, grip the lower arm at its inner pivot point and apply fore-aft and lateral force.
  2. Any movement beyond minimal indicates bush failure.
  3. Inspect visually for split, extruded, or cracked rubber.
  4. Check front tyre wear pattern for edge scalloping.
  5. Test drive at 90 to 110 km/h for shimmy.
  6. Review most recent wheel alignment record.

Where to look: Front lower control arm inner pivot bush, subframe mounting bracket, both sides

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

  • “Have the front lower control arm inner bushes been replaced?”
  • “Is there any shimmy or vibration at highway speeds?”
  • “When was the wheel alignment last checked and what readings were recorded?”

03Front Lower Arm Ball Joint Wear

Inspect the boot for splitting.2007–2015Suspension
CommonSuspension $350–$800 to fix

Front lower arm ball joints wear causing clunking and handling imprecision.

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 from front suspension over bumps
  • Imprecise handling feel when cornering

What to check

Inspect the boot for splitting. If a workshop inspection is possible: With vehicle raised, lever the lower arm and check for ball joint play.

Where to look: Front lower suspension control arms

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the front lower arm ball joint been inspected or repaired?”

04Brake Caliper Guide Pin Seizure

Check for pulling under braking.2007–2015Brakes
CommonBrakes $200–$600 to fix

Front and rear brake caliper guide pins seize from corrosion causing uneven pad wear.

Symptoms to notice

  • Vehicle pulling to one side under braking
  • One disc hotter than the other after moderate use

What to check

  1. Check for pulling under braking.
  2. Feel for uneven wheel heat.
  3. Inspect guide pins.

Where to look: Front and rear brake calipers

Parts involved: Brake disc and pads.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the brake caliper guide pin seizure been inspected or repaired?”

05Rear Multi-Link Bush Collapse

Inspect rear suspension arm bushes for cracking.2007–2015Suspension
CommonSuspension $400–$1,200 to fix

Rear multi-link suspension arm bushes harden and collapse causing rear knocking.

Symptoms to notice

  • Knocking from rear suspension over rough surfaces
  • Imprecise rear handling feel

What to check

  1. Inspect rear suspension arm bushes for cracking.
  2. Push arms — any movement indicates collapsed bushes.

Where to look: Rear multi-link suspension arm bushes

Ask the seller

  • “Has the rear multi-link bush collapse been inspected or repaired?”
Fluid leaks1

06Power Steering Hose and Rack Seal Leaks

Inspect high-pressure hose full length including crimped ends for weeping or staining.petrol2003–2015Fluid Leaks
CommonFluid Leaks $180–$650 to fix

Standard Lancers with hydraulic power steering develop leaks at the high-pressure hose crimped ends and at the rack pinion seals. The high-pressure hose is routed close to the exhaust and heat causes the rubber to harden and crack at the metal crimp fittings. Rack seals also deteriorate with age, producing slow weeps that contaminate the subframe and inner CV boots. Power steering fluid loss causes increasing steering effort and can lead to pump damage if ignored.

Symptoms to notice

  • Power steering fluid puddle under front of vehicle
  • Stiff or heavy steering, particularly at low speed
  • Whining or groaning from power steering pump
  • Visible oily residue on power steering rack or subframe
  • Burning smell from fluid dripping on exhaust

What to check

  1. Inspect high-pressure hose full length including crimped ends for weeping or staining.
  2. Check rack boots for oily contamination — squeeze boots to check for internal fluid.
  3. Check fluid reservoir level and condition.
  4. Look for staining on front subframe below the rack.

Where to look: Engine bay — high-pressure hose from pump to rack; rack pinion seals at each end of steering rack

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the power steering ever been topped up between services?”
  • “Has any power steering work been done, including hose or rack replacement?”
  • “Is there any heaviness in the steering at low speed?”
Depends on the exact engine — 10 moreDocumented for a specific engine we could not confirm from what you picked. Check the engine code on the car.
Engine, transmission & cooling10

014B11T Timing Chain Tensioner Wear at High Mileage (Evo X)

Listen carefully on cold start for a metallic rattling from the top of the engine.petrol2007–2016Engine
OccasionalEngine $1,500–$5,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Unlike the belt-driven 4G63, the 4B11T uses a timing chain. The chain tensioner and guide rails are subject to wear at high mileage, particularly on vehicles that have had infrequent oil changes or that have been used on track. A worn tensioner causes the chain to develop slack, producing a rattling noise on cold start that may clear once oil pressure builds. If chain slack is not addressed, the chain can jump a tooth or fail entirely, causing catastrophic valve and piston damage. This failure becomes more prevalent above 150,000 km.

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

  • Cold-start rattle from top of engine that clears after 5–10 seconds
  • Persistent chain rattle at idle that does not clear
  • Rough idle or misfires if chain has jumped a tooth
  • Check engine light with camshaft position timing codes
  • Engine knock or catastrophic failure if chain breaks

What to check

Listen carefully on cold start for a metallic rattling from the top of the engine. If rattle is present, do not dismiss it as normal warm-up noise — it indicates tensioner wear. Retrieve fault codes — timing position codes P0016/P0017 or similar indicate chain slack. Ask about oil change frequency; infrequent changes accelerate tensioner wear.

Where to look: Front and top of engine block, inside timing chain cover

Parts involved: Timing chain.

Ask the seller

  • “Does the engine rattle on cold start and does it clear quickly?”
  • “How frequently was the oil changed and what type was used?”
  • “Has a check engine light appeared with any timing or camshaft codes?”

024B11 Oil Pump Drive Gear Wear

Check oil level and colour on dipstick.petrol2007–2017Engine
OccasionalEngine $800–$4,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 4B11 2.0L engine uses a chain-driven oil pump whose drive gear teeth wear prematurely, particularly on vehicles with infrequent oil changes or those that have been run low on oil. As the gear degrades, oil pressure drops progressively until the warning light illuminates. At that point bearing surfaces and crankshaft journals can be damaged within seconds of continued running. The failure mode is sudden rather than gradual and often results in total engine loss requiring replacement.

Symptoms to notice

  • Oil pressure warning light illuminates at idle or under load
  • Ticking or knocking from lower engine block
  • Oil pressure gauge reading low
  • Engine seizure in unaddressed cases

What to check

  1. Check oil level and colour on dipstick.
  2. Inspect oil filler cap for sludge or creamy residue.
  3. Request full logbook service history to verify oil changes at or under 10,000km intervals.
  4. With engine warm and idling, listen for any lower-block ticking.
  5. Check for any history of oil pressure warning light events.

Where to look: Front of engine block, oil pump assembly behind timing cover

Ask the seller

  • “Can you provide the full logbook or service receipts showing oil change dates and mileages?”
  • “Has the oil pressure warning light ever illuminated while driving?”
  • “Has the engine ever been run with low oil or overheated?”

03Timing Chain Tensioner Failure — 4B10/4B11

petrol2007–2017EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

044B10 MIVEC Cam Oil Passage Sludge & P0011

Scan for P0011 and P0021 codes.petrol2007–2017Engine
OccasionalEngine $600–$3,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 4B10 1.8L MIVEC engine is susceptible to oil sludge accumulation in the Variable Valve Timing oil control solenoid passages and camshaft sprocket oil feed galleries when oil change intervals exceed 5,000 km or conventional mineral oil is used. Sludge restricts oil flow to the cam phaser, triggering P0011 (Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced Bank 1) and P0021. Progressive oil starvation leads to intake camshaft lobe and follower wear, particularly on the variable timing lobe profiles. In severe cases, camshaft lobe scoring occurs without further warning beyond the initial DTC illumination.

Symptoms to notice

  • P0011 or P0021 camshaft timing fault code stored
  • Rough idle or hesitation during warm-up phase
  • VVT solenoid ticking or buzzing at idle under load
  • Reduced power above 3000 rpm due to VVT malfunction
  • Noisy valve train after prolonged idling

What to check

  1. Scan for P0011 and P0021 codes.
  2. Remove oil filler cap and inspect rocker cover interior for sludge deposits with a torch.
  3. Confirm oil change history shows intervals of 5,000 km or under with full synthetic 5W-30.
  4. Check oil pressure at idle.
  5. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove and inspect VVT solenoid screen filter for blockage.

Where to look: Top of engine, intake camshaft phaser unit, VVT oil control solenoid, camshaft bearing journals

Ask the seller

  • “What has been the oil change interval and type of oil used throughout ownership?”
  • “Has a P0011 or any camshaft timing fault code ever been present?”
  • “Has the VVT solenoid or cam phaser ever been replaced or the passages flushed?”

05Diesel EGR Valve Carbon Sticking & Rough Idle

Scan for P0401, P0402, P0404, and P0405 EGR codes.diesel2007–2017Engine
OccasionalEngine $450–$1,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 2.0 DI-D diesel variant of the Lancer CJ suffers from Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve sticking in the partially open or closed position due to carbon deposit accumulation on the valve pintle and seat from short-trip urban use. A sticking-open EGR valve introduces excess exhaust gas into the intake at idle, causing rough idle, diesel knock, and misfires. A sticking-closed valve triggers P0401 insufficient flow faults and raises NOx output. The EGR cooler passages on this engine are also prone to carbonisation from low-load operation, compounding the restriction. Symptoms worsen progressively and MIL illumination typically precedes drivability deterioration.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rough idle or diesel knock at normal operating temperature
  • P0401 EGR flow insufficient or P0404 EGR control circuit fault code
  • Black or grey smoke from exhaust at light throttle
  • Hesitation or stumble pulling away from idle
  • Check engine light with EGR-related DTCs stored

What to check

  1. Scan for P0401, P0402, P0404, and P0405 EGR codes.
  2. Remove EGR valve and inspect pintle and seat for carbon binding.
  3. Test valve movement manually and with 12V applied to actuator.
  4. Inspect EGR cooler inlet tube for carbonisation restricting flow.
  5. Check intake manifold for soot accumulation indicating recirculation override.

Where to look: EGR valve on exhaust manifold, EGR cooler, intake manifold EGR inlet port

Parts involved: EGR valve.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the EGR valve ever been cleaned, reconditioned, or replaced?”
  • “Are there any stored engine fault codes currently or in recent history?”
  • “Has the vehicle been used predominantly for short urban trips?”

064G18 Timing Belt Stretch and Water Pump Bearing Failure

Remove timing belt upper cover and check belt for glazing, cracking, or fraying.petrol2003–2012EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

074B11 MIVEC Oil Control Valve Sludge Failure

Connect a scanner and check for MIVEC or VVT fault codes.petrol2007–2015Engine
CommonEngine $300–$900 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The CY4A Galant Fortis 4B11 2.0 MIVEC variable valve timing oil control valves clog with sludge from infrequent or low-quality oil changes, causing the MIVEC system to fail and illuminating a check engine light with MIVEC fault codes. The 4B11 requires oil changes every 5000km with the correct specification to prevent sludge accumulation in the narrow OCV passages.

Symptoms to notice

  • Check engine light with MIVEC or VVT-related fault codes at startup
  • Rough idle on cold start that improves once the engine reaches operating temperature

What to check

Connect a scanner and check for MIVEC or VVT fault codes. Rough idle on cold start that improves after warm-up indicates MIVEC solenoid sludge. Ask about oil change history — intervals beyond 7500km increase sludge risk significantly.

Where to look: 4B11 MIVEC oil control valve solenoids on each cam, top of engine

Ask the seller

  • “Has the 4b11 mivec oil control valve been inspected or repaired?”

08Throttle Body Carbon Fouling

Inspect throttle body bore for grey-black carbon deposits.petrol2007–2015Engine
CommonEngine $80–$300 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

4B11 throttle body butterfly and bore accumulate carbon causing rough idle and hesitation.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rough idle and hesitation from rest at light throttle
  • Occasional stalling when releasing throttle in traffic

What to check

  1. Inspect throttle body bore for grey-black carbon deposits.
  2. Note rough idle and hesitation.

Where to look: Throttle body on intake manifold

Ask the seller

  • “Has the throttle body carbon fouling been inspected or repaired?”

09INVECS-III CVT Belt and Pulley Wear

Check CVT fluid level and colour — should be clean pink or light red, not brown or dark.petrol2007–2017TransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

10Jet-CVT Shudder and Judder Under Load

Check CVT fluid condition and level — fluid should be pink/red and clean, not brown or burnt-smelling.petrol2003–2017TransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller
Other Mitsubishi Galant Fortis engines and years2 documented issues that do not apply to the one you picked.
Body, brakes, suspension & interior2

01Corrosion on Japanese-import Lancers — subframe, arches and underbody

1992–2003Body & RustRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02Front Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Wear (Evo VII–IX)

With front wheels raised, grasp the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and check for vertical play in the upper ball joint.petrol2001–2007SuspensionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

Mitsubishi Galant Fortis faults in detail

Narrowed to the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis · 2008. 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.

4G18 Timing Belt Stretch and Water Pump Bearing FailureMajor · EngineINVECS-III CVT Belt and Pulley WearMajor · TransmissionJet-CVT Shudder and Judder Under LoadMajor · TransmissionTiming Chain Tensioner Failure — 4B10/4B11Critical · Engine

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis’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 Pajero Sport15 documented faultsMitsubishi Galant13 documented faultsMitsubishi Challenger12 documented faults

Mitsubishi Galant Fortis buyer questions

Is the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis reliable?

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

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

Most single repairs on the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis fall between $450–$1,200 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 Galant Fortis?

Yes. A Mitsubishi Galant Fortis 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.