MajorCommonTransmission

Mitsubishi Galant Fortis: Jet-CVT Shudder and Judder Under Load

Jet-CVT Shudder and Judder Under Load is a common transmission fault on the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis on the 2003–2017 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $350 to $5,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 18 documented faults on the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis.

Vehicle: Mitsubishi Galant Fortis
Years: 2003–2017
Fuel: petrol
Gearbox: cvt
System: Transmission

This page covers the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Mitsubishi Galant Fortis faults18 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph of the Torque converter or Clutch yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of a different part.

What goes wrong

The Invecs-III Jet-CVT fitted to standard Lancer models develops a shudder or vibration felt through the drivetrain under light throttle acceleration, particularly between 30–80 km/h. Caused by torque converter lock-up clutch slip and deteriorated CVT fluid losing its friction-modifier properties. Can escalate to full CVT slipping and overheating if fluid is not changed at the correct interval. Mitsubishi issued revised fluid specifications and reduced service intervals to address this. Full CVT replacement is required if the unit is allowed to run dry or overheat.

What you would notice

Vibration or shudder felt through body at light throttle 30–80 km/h
Judder when pulling away from rest
Delayed engagement from Park or Neutral
Transmission warning light illuminated
CVT overheating fault codes

How to check it

Where to look. Transmission tunnel, CVT unit under centre of vehicle

Check CVT fluid condition and level — fluid should be pink/red and clean, not brown or burnt-smelling. Road test at 50–80 km/h with light throttle hold to reproduce shudder. Inspect for fluid leaks at cooler lines and pan gasket. If a workshop inspection is possible: Check for transmission fault codes with scan tool.

Parts involved: Torque converter, Clutch.

What it costs to put right

$350 to $5,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

“When was the CVT fluid last changed and what fluid type was used?”
“Has the transmission ever showed a warning light or shuddered?”
“Has the vehicle ever been serviced at a Mitsubishi dealer with their specified CVT fluid?”

Now check the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.

Mitsubishi Galant Fortis buyer questions

Is jet-cvt shudder and judder under load serious on a Mitsubishi Galant Fortis?

We rate it major and common on the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis. The Invecs-III Jet-CVT fitted to standard Lancer models develops a shudder or vibration felt through the drivetrain under light throttle acceleration, particularly between 30–80 km/h. Caused by torque converter lock-up clutch slip and deteriorated CVT fluid losing its friction-modifier properties. Can escalate to full CVT slipping and overheating if fluid is not changed at the correct interval. Mitsubishi issued revised fluid specifications and reduced service intervals to address this. Full CVT replacement is required if the unit is allowed to run dry or overheat.

How much does it cost to fix on a Mitsubishi Galant Fortis?

$350 to $5,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Mitsubishi Galant Fortis years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2003–2017 Mitsubishi Galant Fortis. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.