Mitsubishi Space Gear: common faults & what to check
Thinking about buying a used Mitsubishi Space Gear (1994–2019) in New Zealand? We've documented 19 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, body & rust, and cooling. 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.
19
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$550–$2,200
Typical repair
7
Systems covered
Known Mitsubishi Space Gear faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
014N14 2.2D Timing Chain Rattle (JDM Import)
CriticalOccasionalEngine $2,800–$6,500 to fix
The 4N14 2.2-litre diesel fitted to Delica D:5 imports develops a timing chain rattle similar to Mitsubishi's other 4Nx-series engines. The chain tensioner is oil-pressure dependent and degrades with age, particularly on vehicles with extended or infrequent oil changes. Documented on Japanese Delica owner forums and reported by NZ independent mechanics who service the growing JDM Delica D:5 import fleet. The fault is progressive — ignored rattles lead to full chain replacement.
Symptoms to notice
Rattling or chattering from front of engine on cold start
Rattle persisting beyond 20 seconds or returning intermittently when warm
Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes
What to check
Start the engine from cold and listen immediately for rattling from the timing cover area. A rattle clearing within a few seconds and not returning is a minor concern; one persisting or returning when warm requires chain inspection. Check oil change history carefully — late oil changes are the primary cause.
Where to look: Front of engine, timing chain cover
Ask the seller
“What is the full oil change history including intervals and oil grade?”
“Does the engine rattle on cold start?”
“Has the timing chain or tensioner ever been inspected or replaced?”
02Power Sliding Door Cable Fraying — Mid-Travel Stall
MinorCommonElectrical $550–$1,450 to fix
The Delica D:5 power sliding door system uses a steel-wire cable wound around a motorised drum to pull the door along its track. The cable runs through a guide channel and around a series of redirecting pulleys. Over time, repeated door cycling causes individual wire strands in the cable to fray, particularly at the drum anchor point and at the sharpest pulley redirect. A frayed cable loses tensile integrity, causing inconsistent tension and triggering the door's safety load sensor to halt the door mid-travel as it interprets the resistance spike as an obstruction. In more advanced cases the cable snaps entirely, leaving the door stranded open or closed. This fault is common on grey import examples that served as JDM family or commercial shuttle vehicles accumulating high door-cycle counts. Replacement requires removing the door trim and inner panel to access the drum mechanism.
Symptoms to notice
Sliding door stops mid-travel and reverses or stalls without apparent obstruction
Door operation is intermittent — works sometimes but not consistently
Grinding or clicking sound from door track area during operation
Door warning light illuminates or chimes during failed open/close cycle
What to check
Operate both sliding doors through three full open/close cycles and check for any mid-travel pause, reversal, or stall. Listen for cable grinding inside the door. Manually push and pull the door along the track with power off to feel for any binding. Inspect the lower door track and cable exit guide for frayed wire strands or cable kinking.
Where to look: Interior of the sliding door panel; cable routes along lower door track and into motorised drum behind inner trim
Ask the seller
“Have the sliding doors ever stopped mid-travel or needed a reset?”
“Has the door cable or motor assembly been replaced or serviced?”
“How many door-open cycles does the vehicle represent — was it used as a shuttle or people-mover?”
EngineCritical
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
Body & RustMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
CoolingMajor
SuspensionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
EngineMajor
Fluid LeaksMinor
Body & RustMinor
17 more documented faults on the Mitsubishi Space Gear
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 19 documented faults for the Mitsubishi Space Gear, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and body & rust. A Mitsubishi Space Gear 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 Space Gear?
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We've catalogued 19 known faults for the Mitsubishi Space Gear, covering engine, transmission, and body & rust. 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 Space Gear?
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Most single repairs on the Mitsubishi Space Gear fall between $550–$2,200 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 19 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 Space Gear?
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Yes. A Mitsubishi Space Gear 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.