Mitsubishi Montero Sport: common faults & what to check
Thinking about buying a used Mitsubishi Montero Sport (2009–2017) in New Zealand? We've documented 6 known faults for this model spanning engine, fluid leaks, 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
$400–$3,000
Typical repair
3
Systems covered
Known Mitsubishi Montero Sport faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
014N15 cylinder head cracking around injector ports / injector seat blow-by
CriticalOccasionalEngine $800–$8,000 to fix
The 2.4 4N15 in the current Pajero Sport (shared with Triton MQ/MR) has documented cases of the cylinder head cracking around the injector bores - the walls are thin, and carbon-stuck injectors that are forced out during the scheduled valve-clearance services (which require injector removal roughly every 40,000 km) can crack the head or leave injectors seating badly. Poor seating lets combustion gas blow past (chuffing noise, carbon 'chimneying' around the injector), and a cracked head means head replacement. Choose a vehicle whose injector work was done by people who knew this engine.
Symptoms to notice
Chuffing/ticking noise from the top of the engine (combustion gas escaping)
Black carbon build-up around the base of an injector
Coolant loss or white smoke if the head is cracked
Rough running after an injector or valve-clearance service
What to check
Ask who performed the valve-clearance services and whether new injector seals/washers were fitted each time. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove the plastic engine cover (ask permission) and look for black sooty build-up around the injectors and listen for a rhythmic chuff at idle.
Where to look: Cylinder head, injector bores under the top engine cover
Ask the seller
“Have the valve clearances been done on schedule, and by whom?”
“Were the injectors removed cleanly and resealed with new washers?”
“Any history of coolant loss or head repairs?”
028-speed automatic shudder/missing in top gears (QE/QF)
MinorOccasionalTransmission $400–$3,000 to fix
Some QE Pajero Sport owners report the 8-speed automatic shuddering or 'missing' at highway speeds in 6th, 7th and 8th gears - typically at light throttle around 90-110 km/h - with the symptom disappearing when 5th is manually selected. Causes reported range from torque converter lock-up shudder to software calibration, and Mitsubishi dealers have addressed cases with fluid changes and TCU updates. It is not universal, but it is exactly the kind of fault a short suburban test drive will never reveal, so get the vehicle to open-road speed before buying.
Symptoms to notice
Shudder or vibration at 90-110 km/h under light throttle
Feels like driving over rumble strips in top gears
Symptom disappears when manually holding a lower gear
What to check
Test drive at open-road speed in top gear at light throttle for several minutes, including gentle uphill grades. If you feel a fine shudder, try manually selecting 5th - if it vanishes, suspect converter lock-up shudder. Ask whether transmission fluid has been changed and any TCU updates applied.
Where to look: Automatic transmission and torque converter, under the centre of the vehicle
Ask the seller
“Any transmission shudder at highway speed?”
“Has the transmission fluid been serviced and software updated?”
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
EngineMinor
4 more documented faults on the Mitsubishi Montero Sport
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 Montero Sport, the recurring problem areas are engine, fluid leaks, and transmission. A Mitsubishi Montero Sport 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 Montero Sport?
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We've catalogued 6 known faults for the Mitsubishi Montero Sport, covering engine, fluid leaks, and transmission. 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 Montero Sport?
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Most single repairs on the Mitsubishi Montero Sport fall between $400–$3,000 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 Montero Sport?
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Yes. A Mitsubishi Montero Sport 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.