Thinking about buying a used Mitsubishi Pajero (1991–2021) in New Zealand? We've documented 38 known faults for this model spanning engine, fluid leaks, suspension, 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.
38
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$600–$3,500
Typical repair
8
Systems covered
Known Mitsubishi Pajero faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
016G74 3.5L V6 Balance Shaft Belt Failure and Engine Destruction
CriticalCommonEngine $8,000–$20,000 to fix
The 6G74 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine uses a secondary inner belt to drive the balance shafts, running in the same timing chest as the main cambelt. This inner balance shaft belt is prone to delamination and shedding at high mileage, particularly past 100,000 km if the engine has not had the full belt kit (including inner belt) replaced. When the inner belt sheds, rubber debris can jam the timing belt, causing it to skip or snap and resulting in piston-to-valve contact and catastrophic engine damage. The failure is silent and gives no prior warning.
Symptoms to notice
Sudden catastrophic engine failure with no prior warning (belt shed event)
Loud mechanical bang followed by immediate engine stall
No compression on multiple cylinders after failure
Timing belt cover showing rubber debris or shredded belt material
Engine cranks but will not start after over-rev or sustained high-speed run
What to check
Ask for full service history showing the cambelt was replaced with a complete OEM or quality aftermarket belt kit — verify the invoice specifies the balance shaft belt was also replaced, not just the main cambelt. Be extremely wary of any 6G74 with unknown belt history or mileage over 100,000 km without documented belt service. Have a mechanic remove the timing cover to inspect belt condition before purchase.
Where to look: Timing belt cover, front of engine
Ask the seller
“Do you have a workshop invoice confirming both the main cambelt and the inner balance shaft belt were replaced, and when?”
“What is the current mileage and when was the last timing belt service performed?”
“Has the engine ever been rebuilt or replaced due to a belt failure?”
02Rear door rust under the door rubbers (NT recall)
MinorOccasionalBody & Rust $300–$2,000 to fix
NT-series Pajeros had a corrosion problem where rust develops under the rubber seals of the rear passenger doors, hidden until the rubber is lifted. There was a recall/service campaign in Australia for affected vehicles, but cars that missed it can have rot quietly spreading along the door bottoms and frames. It is cosmetic at first but becomes a panel repair or door replacement if ignored, and hidden rust anywhere invites closer WOF scrutiny.
Symptoms to notice
Bubbling or staining along rear door edges
Rust visible when the door rubber is peeled back
Paint blistering at the bottom corners of rear doors
What to check
Open both rear doors and peel back the rubber seals along the lower door frame and sill - look for brown staining or bubbling underneath. Check the VIN with Mitsubishi for the corrosion campaign having been done.
Where to look: Rear passenger door frames and bottoms, under the weather seals
Ask the seller
“Was the door corrosion recall/campaign carried out?”
“Any rust repairs done on the doors?”
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
Fluid LeaksCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
SuspensionCritical
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
Body & RustMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
Body & RustMajor
CoolingMajor
EngineMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
CoolingMajor
TransmissionMajor
SuspensionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
ElectricalMajor
SuspensionMajor
EngineMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
BrakesMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMinor
SuspensionMinor
36 more documented faults on the Mitsubishi Pajero
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 38 documented faults for the Mitsubishi Pajero, the recurring problem areas are engine, fluid leaks, and suspension. A Mitsubishi Pajero 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 Pajero?
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We've catalogued 38 known faults for the Mitsubishi Pajero, covering engine, fluid leaks, and suspension. 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 Pajero?
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Most single repairs on the Mitsubishi Pajero fall between $600–$3,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 38 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 Pajero?
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Yes. A Mitsubishi Pajero 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.