Mitsubishi Grandis: common faults & what to check

Which Mitsubishi Grandis are you looking at?

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

Petrol

1 variant documented

2003–20112003–2011Generation2.4 petrolPetrolDocumented issues3 knownSee faults & what to checkKickTyres illustration, not a photograph.

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 Grandis

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

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

• Serious issue

  Ask the seller for the recall completion record or a dealer service invoice showing the recall work.

  See why

  BA Grandis headlight and indicator switch solder cracks (2014 recall)

  Grandis models built from 2004 to 2008 were recalled in August 2014 (PRA 2014/14258) because the solder on the circuit board inside the lighting stalk switch can crack. When it does, the headlights or indicators can switch off by themselves, refuse to come on, or stay on. The fix was a free switch replacement at Mitsubishi dealers. Recall lists cover cars sold new in Australia, so for an NZ-new or imported car ask a franchise dealer to check the VIN.

  What you would notice

  • Headlights flicker or switch off while driving
  • Indicators do not work or keep flashing
  • Lights only work with the stalk held in one spot

  Typically $0–$600 to put right.

• Costly issue

  Check the dipstick level and condition.

  See why

  4G69 2.4 MIVEC oil consumption and sticking MIVEC solenoid

  The 2.4 4G69 MIVEC, especially earlier builds, is known for elevated oil consumption. If the oil level drops, the MIVEC variable-valve solenoid sticks on dirty or low oil, causing rough running and MIVEC-related fault codes. Owners need to check the oil frequently; ignored low oil accelerates timing-chain and top-end wear. Kept topped up and serviced, the engine is otherwise durable.

  What you would notice

  • Needing to top up oil between services
  • Blue smoke on start-up or hard acceleration
  • Rough idle
  • MIVEC or check-engine light

  Typically $300–$1,500 to put right.

• Costly issue

  Test-drive through the full shift range including a kickdown.

  See why

  4-speed INVECS-II automatic harsh or slipping shifts

  The Grandis uses a 4-speed INVECS-II automatic that works hard in a heavy people-mover and can develop harsh, flaring or slipping shifts. Many failures trace to worn solenoids, degraded fluid or the transmission control unit rather than a full rebuild, but the fault is often misdiagnosed as terminal. Neglected fluid accelerates clutch-pack wear, so fluid history matters.

  What you would notice

  • Harsh or delayed shifts
  • Flare or slip on upshift
  • Limp mode (locked in one gear)
  • Jerky kickdown

  Typically $300–$4,500 to put right.

• Common issue

  Listen for front-end knocks over bumps on the test drive.

  See why

  Front control-arm and sway-bar bush wear

  As a heavy MPV the Grandis wears out its front lower control-arm bushes and sway-bar bushes and links, producing knocks over bumps and vague steering. Replacing the bushes and links restores the handling; ignored, the wear accelerates front tyre wear and will eventually fail a Warrant of Fitness.

  What you would notice

  • Clunk or knock over bumps
  • Vague or wandering steering
  • Uneven front tyre wear

  Typically $250–$900 to put right.

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