Mitsubishi Legnum (wagon): common faults & what to check
Thinking about buying a used Mitsubishi Legnum (wagon) (1996–2015) in New Zealand? We've documented 10 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, fluid leaks, and suspension. 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.
10
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$650–$2,200
Typical repair
4
Systems covered
Known Mitsubishi Legnum (wagon) faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
014G93/4G64 Timing Belt Failure in Interference Engine
CriticalCommonEngine $500–$8,500 to fix
The 4G93 1.8L and 4G64 2.4L engines fitted to the Galant EA/EC are interference engines where timing belt failure causes immediate piston-to-valve contact and bent valves. Belts are due every 100,000 km or 5 years, but many NZ/AU used imports arrive with unknown belt history. A snapped belt causes immediate engine destruction requiring a full rebuild or replacement, making inspection of belt history critical before purchase.
Symptoms to notice
Engine cranks but will not start (belt has already snapped)
Ticking noise from cambelt area indicating tensioner or idler pulley wear
Coolant or oil leak near timing cover that can saturate and destroy the belt
Visible cracking, fraying, or glazing on belt when cover is removed
What to check
Prioritise timing belt inspection above all other checks. Request documented belt change history with mileage — if unknown, budget for immediate replacement before driving the car. Check water pump condition as it should be replaced at the same service. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove the upper timing cover and visually inspect the belt for cracking, glazing, or fraying.
Where to look: Front of engine behind plastic timing cover on driver's side
Ask the seller
“Has the timing belt been replaced, and if so at what mileage and when?”
“Was the water pump, tensioner, and idler replaced at the same time?”
“Can you provide service records showing timing belt history?”
02Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear
MajorCommonSuspension $400–$900 to fix
The front lower control arm ball joints on the EA/EC Galant wear prematurely, particularly on high-mileage JDM imports common in the NZ used market. Age-hardened boots crack and allow water ingress, accelerating joint wear. Some variants require full arm replacement as the ball joint cannot be pressed out independently. Failure causes steering wander, clunking, and potential loss of wheel alignment geometry.
Symptoms to notice
Clunking or knocking from front suspension over bumps or during cornering
Steering wander or pulling to one side at highway speeds
Uneven front tyre wear — feathering or inside edge degradation
Looseness detected when rocking front wheel at 9 and 3 o'clock
What to check
Visually inspect ball joint boots for cracks or grease loss. Check for rust at the ball joint area. On JDM imports with high mileage, inspect both lower arms as deterioration is typically bilateral. Check tyre wear for alignment evidence. If a workshop inspection is possible: With car on hoist, grab each front wheel and check for play in all directions.
Where to look: Front suspension, lower control arms on both sides
Ask the seller
“Have the front lower control arms or ball joints been replaced?”
“Has a WOF inspection flagged any front suspension play?”
“Is the steering straight and stable at highway speeds?”
EngineCritical
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
8 more documented faults on the Mitsubishi Legnum (wagon)
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 10 documented faults for the Mitsubishi Legnum (wagon), the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and fluid leaks. A Mitsubishi Legnum (wagon) 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 Legnum (wagon)?
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We've catalogued 10 known faults for the Mitsubishi Legnum (wagon), covering engine, transmission, and fluid leaks. 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 Legnum (wagon)?
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Most single repairs on the Mitsubishi Legnum (wagon) fall between $650–$2,200 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 10 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 Legnum (wagon)?
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Yes. A Mitsubishi Legnum (wagon) 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.