MajorCommonTransmission

Mitsubishi Outlander: INVECS-II automatic gearbox harsh shifting and clutch-pack/solenoid failure

INVECS-II automatic gearbox harsh shifting and clutch-pack/solenoid failure is a common transmission fault on the Mitsubishi Outlander on the 2001–2006 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $1,500 to $5,000 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 47 documented faults on the Mitsubishi Outlander.

Vehicle: Mitsubishi Outlander
Engine: 2.0L
Years: 2001–2006
Fuel: petrol
Gearbox: auto
System: Transmission

This page covers the Mitsubishi Outlander 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 Outlander faults47 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

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

What goes wrong

The INVECS-II adaptive automatic fitted to the Airtrek/Outlander (a 4-speed on the naturally aspirated cars and a 5-speed Sportronic behind the 4G63T Turbo-R) is a known weak point, especially where fluid changes were neglected. Owners report a harsh thump on the 3-4 upshift, jerking between gears and, in worse cases, slipping and delayed engagement from worn clutch packs and failing solenoids or valve body. On the turbo model the gearbox sees far more torque than it was designed for, accelerating wear. Once fluid smells burnt or looks dark, complete failure can follow.

What you would notice

Harsh thump or clunk when shifting, especially 3rd to 4th
Jerking or hesitation between gears
Slipping or delayed engagement when pulling away
Dark or burnt-smelling transmission fluid

How to check it

Where to look. Automatic transaxle

On a test drive assess every up and down shift for harshness, slip or flare, particularly under light throttle and the 3-4 change. Check the transmission fluid colour and smell, and ask when it was last serviced (should be every ~40,000-60,000 km on these).

Parts involved: Clutch.

What it costs to put right

$1,500 to $5,000 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 transmission fluid last changed?”
“Does it thump, slip or hesitate on any gear change?”
“Has the gearbox ever been rebuilt or repaired?”

Now check the Mitsubishi Outlander 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 the sources below. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them.

Mitsubishi Outlander buyer questions

Is invecs-ii automatic gearbox harsh shifting and clutch-pack/solenoid failure serious on a Mitsubishi Outlander?

We rate it major and common on the Mitsubishi Outlander. The INVECS-II adaptive automatic fitted to the Airtrek/Outlander (a 4-speed on the naturally aspirated cars and a 5-speed Sportronic behind the 4G63T Turbo-R) is a known weak point, especially where fluid changes were neglected. Owners report a harsh thump on the 3-4 upshift, jerking between gears and, in worse cases, slipping and delayed engagement from worn clutch packs and failing solenoids or valve body. On the turbo model the gearbox sees far more torque than it was designed for, accelerating wear. Once fluid smells burnt or looks dark, complete failure can follow.

How much does it cost to fix on a Mitsubishi Outlander?

$1,500 to $5,000 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 Outlander years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2001–2006 Mitsubishi Outlander. 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.