Free printable checklist
What to Look For When Buying a Used Mitsubishi Pajero
What to check on a used Pajero 4x4, what a problem looks like, and when to walk away.
Covers
- NS 2006–2008
- NT 2008–2011
- NW 2011–2014
- NX 2015–2021
Or get a checklist built for the exact Pajero you're looking at:
Last updated
Common Problems on a Used Mitsubishi Pajero
The most commonly reported problems on a used Mitsubishi Pajero are carbon build-up and a clogged exhaust gas valve (EGR) on diesel versions, a worn timing chain, surging or sudden power loss, and oil leaks from the rear diff. Many have towed caravans or done outback trips, so how it was used matters as much as the kilometres.
Which of these apply depends on the year and engine. Shufti works that out for a particular car from its listing.
Carbon Build-Up and a Clogged EGR Valve
Diesel engines send some exhaust back into the intake through a valve (EGR) to cut emissions. Over time soot and oil vapour bake into a thick carbon layer in the valve and intake, choking the engine. Short trips and skipped services make it worse.
On the test drive, feel for flat spots, hesitation and poor pulling power, and watch for black smoke under load. Under the bonnet, look for heavy oily soot around the intake pipes, and ask if it's ever been cleaned out.
An intake and EGR clean is a moderate bill; left too long, it can lead to bigger repairs. Ask for receipts for any clean, and price one in if it's never been done.
Timing Chain Wear
The timing chain keeps the engine's moving parts in step. On a high-kilometre or poorly serviced Pajero, the chain can stretch and its guides wear, and a chain that jumps or breaks can wreck the engine.
Ask for the engine to be cold, and listen as it starts: a rattle from the front of the engine for the first few seconds, or a constant ticking or slapping, is a warning sign. Check for oil and coolant weeping at the front of the engine too.
Ask whether the timing chain or guides have been replaced, with receipts. If it rattles, have a mechanic check it before you buy; replacing a timing chain is an expensive job.
Surging or Sudden Power Loss
Owners report diesel Pajeros that surge or hunt at idle, or suddenly lose power, often from a sticking fuel-pump control valve or turbo control. The car may go into a reduced-power mode to protect itself.
Let it idle for a few minutes and watch the rev needle: it should sit steady. On the test drive, accelerate firmly up a hill and hold a steady speed. Any surging, stalling, sudden power loss or a warning light needs explaining.
Some fixes are cheap, others mean a turbo or fuel-system repair. Ask what work has been done, with receipts, and have a diesel mechanic check it if it surges.
Rear Diff Oil Leaks
Oil can leak from where the rear axle shafts leave the rear diff, the round housing in the middle of the rear axle. It's more likely on Pajeros that have towed heavy loads.
With a torch, look at the rear diff and the backs of the rear wheels for wet oil or caked grime. Listen for a whine or clunk from the rear on the test drive.
A leak caught early is a cheap seal job; run dry, the diff can be damaged. Price it into your offer.
Which Mitsubishi Pajero Years to Avoid?
No Mitsubishi Pajero year is one to avoid outright. Which problems a particular car has depends on its generation, its engine and how it was used, so judge the one in front of you rather than the year alone, starting with its recalls and reported faults (Shufti looks these up from the listing).
- NS (2006–2008). Every one is now over 10 years old, so condition and history count for more than the year: look hard for rust, worn suspension and leaks, and check whether a timing belt (if it has one) has been replaced.
- NT (2008–2011). Every one is now over 10 years old, so condition and history count for more than the year: look hard for rust, worn suspension and leaks, and check whether a timing belt (if it has one) has been replaced.
- NW (2011–2014). Every one is now over 10 years old, so condition and history count for more than the year: look hard for rust, worn suspension and leaks, and check whether a timing belt (if it has one) has been replaced.
- NX (2015–2021). Most have done enough kilometres for wear items to come due: check the service history for regular servicing, and whether tyres, brakes and the battery need replacing.
Which recalls and reported faults apply depends on the exact year and engine. Shufti works them out for the Pajero you're looking at, from its listing.
Mitsubishi Pajero Inspection Checklist
Tick it if it's fine. Cross it if it isn't, and note what you found so you can price it into your offer.
- Safety critical
- Affects how safely it drives or protects you in a crash. Best to have a mechanic check it before you buy.
- Negotiate
- Costs money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Get a quote and take it off the price.
00
Before You Go
01
Exterior
02
Under the Bonnet
03
Underbody and 4x4
04
Interior and Electrics
05
Test Drive
06
Documentation
Stay Safe
Never go under a car held up only by a jack, and never open the radiator or coolant cap on a hot engine. Keep hands, hair and loose clothing clear of fans and belts when the engine is running, and do checks under the bonnet with it switched off where you can. On the test drive, hold a current licence, confirm the car is registered and insured, obey road rules, and only brake hard when the road behind is clear. Meet in a safe, public-facing place, take someone with you, and don't carry large amounts of cash to a viewing.
Take this checklist to the viewing.
Download the free PDFOr let Shufti tailor it to the car from the listing link, with PPSR and recall checks included.
Disclaimer. Shufti is not affiliated with or endorsed by Mitsubishi; Mitsubishi and Pajero are trademarks of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. Figures are counts from Shufti's analysis of official records and published reports, not a statement that any particular vehicle is affected. This checklist is general information only and is not professional, mechanical, legal or financial advice. It covers common checks, not every possible fault, and a car can pass every item here and still have problems. It is not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic, which is worth considering before you buy, especially if anything tagged Safety critical turns up. Repair costs vary widely; get your own quotes. Roadworthy, registration and transfer rules differ by state, so check with your state road authority. Private sales generally don't come with the consumer guarantees that apply when you buy from a dealer. You use this checklist at your own risk and, to the extent permitted by law, Shufti accepts no liability for any loss, damage or injury arising from its use.
What This Guide Can't Tell You About the Pajero You're Looking At
5+
recalls on Pajeros built since 2006
17
common faults reported on Pajeros built since 2006
Money owing, stolen or a write-off?
A tidy car can hide all three.
What's each fault worth?
Shufti's negotiation coach turns it into leverage.
A Shufti inspection covers all of that, plus:
- Guided checks for the exact car you're inspecting
- PPSR and government recall checks included
- Crosschecks 3M+ recalls and owner complaints
- Spots issues from your photos and audio
- Test drive routes with turn-by-turn navigation
- Negotiation coach with repair cost estimates
Get Shufti on your mobile.
Don't drive home in a lemon.
Not sure yet? Try the free sample vehicle in Shufti. No sign-up needed.
Start from the listing
Drop in a link from any major car sales website. Shufti retrieves the important information about your vehicle to guide you through a customised buying process.
Start from the listing
Drop in a link from any major car sales website. Shufti retrieves the important information about your vehicle to guide you through a customised buying process.
* Shufti analysis, October 2026, of official recall notices, complaints lodged by vehicle owners with vehicle safety regulators, and independent reviews and owner forums. Faults are counted when two or more independent sources report them.
Buying a Used Mitsubishi Pajero: Questions Answered
Is a used Mitsubishi Pajero reliable?
It depends more on the particular car than the badge: how it was driven, loaded and serviced. Work through the commonly reported problems above, read the service history for servicing done on time, and run a PPSR check.
Which Mitsubishi Pajero years should I avoid?
No Mitsubishi Pajero year is one to avoid outright. Which problems a particular car has depends on its generation, its engine and how it was used, so judge the one in front of you rather than the year alone, starting with its recalls and reported faults (Shufti looks these up from the listing).
This checklist covers the NS (2006–2008), NT (2008–2011), NW (2011–2014) and NX (2015–2021) Mitsubishi Pajero. Problems reported across them include carbon build-up and a clogged EGR valve, timing chain wear, surging or sudden power loss and rear diff oil leaks.
How many kilometres is too many for a used Mitsubishi Pajero?
Kilometres matter less than how the car was driven and serviced. A high-kilometre SUV with a full service history can be a better buy than a low-kilometre one that's missed services, done short trips or been used for rideshare. Check the history for regular servicing, and on a hybrid ask for a battery health check.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a used Mitsubishi Pajero?
It's worth it if you can. All-wheel-drive and hybrid systems can hide faults that only a mechanic's tools will show. Most buyers don't book one, though, so whatever you decide, check the car thoroughly yourself with this checklist first. See Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it?
How do I check a used Mitsubishi Pajero for money owing or a write-off?
Run a PPSR check with the car's VIN. It shows whether there's finance owing and whether the car has been reported stolen or written off, and costs $2. Run it on the day you pay. See What a PPSR check covers and what it doesn't
Mechanic, Checklist or Shufti?
Here's how Shufti stacks up against your other options.
A mechanic's inspection is the most thorough, but most buyers go without one. Shufti makes sure you're well informed either way.
| Feature | Shufti $24.99 per check | Mechanic Inspection $250–350+ per booking | This Guide Free the basics, on paper |
|---|---|---|---|
Guided, model-specific checks | Yes | Yes | No |
PPSR and government recall checks | Yes | No | No |
Crosschecks over 3 million recalls and owner complaints | Yes | No | No |
Smart detection of issues from your photos and audio | Yes | No | No |
Test drive route planning and navigation | Yes | No | No |
Instant report generation | Yes | No | No |
Negotiation copilot and repair cost estimates | Yes | No | No |
Plain-English explanations, not jargon | Yes | Yes | Yes |
No booking or waiting required | Yes | No | Yes |
See it for yourself. Open the free sample report in the app, no sign-up needed.
Comparing Other Cars?
Looking at a different car? Use the general used car inspection checklist or browse every inspection checklist.