# Used Mitsubishi Pajero NS (2006–2008): Problems and Which Years to Buy > What's reported on the Mitsubishi Pajero NS sold from October 2006, which faults and recalls matter, and what to check at the car. Last updated: 6 November 2026. Web page: https://shufti.com.au/checklists/used-mitsubishi-pajero-inspection-checklist/ns. Engines: 3.2 turbo-diesel (4M41); 3.8 V6 petrol (6G75). ## Common Problems on a Used NS Pajero The main reports on an NS Pajero are diesel timing chain and guide wear, carbon in the inlet manifold, surging from the suction control valve, and DPF failures. It also has two recalls of its own, on the automatic's shift cable and on shaft nuts, plus the wider chain tensioner recall. ### Is an NS Pajero reliable? It can be, but at this age the history matters more than the badge. A diesel with the tensioner recall done, a clean inlet and records for its fuel filters is a far better buy than a cheaper one without them. ## Pajero NS Problems by Engine ### 3.2 diesel - **Timing chain stretch and top guide wear.** Covers: 3.2-litre diesels, all NS. The recall covers Pajeros from 2006 to 2014. A poor tensioner lets the chain run slack. Mitsubishi recalled these diesels because the chain can break, which can stop the engine for good. - What to check: Start it cold and listen for rattling from the front of the engine. - Ask the seller: Has the tensioner recall been done, has the chain guide been replaced, and can I see the invoice? - **Carbon clogging the inlet manifold and EGR valve.** Covers: 3.2-litre diesels, more with age and kilometres. It builds with age and kilometres and restricts airflow. Cleaning it is a job to price in. - What to check: On the test drive, feel for sluggish pickup or rough running. - Ask the seller: Has the inlet manifold or EGR valve ever been cleaned? - **Surging or sudden power loss from the suction control valve.** Covers: 3.2-litre diesels. This valve meters fuel to the high-pressure pump, and dirty fuel is often blamed. Losing power in traffic is the danger, so have it diagnosed before you buy. - What to check: Hold a light, steady throttle and watch the idle at a standstill. It should stay smooth. - Ask the seller: Has the suction control valve been replaced, and were fuel filters changed on time? - **Diesel particulate filter (DPF) failure.** Covers: Diesels from before the filter was removed in the late 2009 update. A failed filter can lead to major engine trouble, so a warning light is a reason to walk away or get it diagnosed. - What to check: Check that no engine or DPF warning light is on. - Ask the seller: Has there been any DPF work on the car? - **Oil and coolant leaks around the timing case.** Covers: 3.2-litre diesels. Getting to the timing case is a big job, so even a small leak is worth pricing in. - What to check: With a torch, look at the front of the engine for wet oil or coolant. ### 3.8 V6 petrol - **Timing belt tension roller failure.** Covers: 3.8-litre V6 petrols, which use a belt rather than a chain. A failed roller can take the belt with it, so treat a missing service record as a repair you'll pay for. - Ask the seller: When were the timing belt and tension roller last replaced, and can I see the invoice? ### All engines - **Oil leaking from the rear diff.** Covers: All years, and more likely on Pajeros that have towed heavy loads. Oil can leak where the axle shafts leave the diff. Caught early it's a cheap seal job; run dry, the diff can be damaged. - What to check: With a torch, look at the rear diff and the backs of the rear wheels for wet oil or caked grime. - **Worn front ball joints and swivel hub bearings.** Covers: Reported on 2007–17 cars. Both affect steering and front-end stability, and heavy off-road use wears them faster. - What to check: Feel for wander or looseness in the steering, and listen for knocks over bumps. - **Rear tailshaft slip joint wear or vibration.** Covers: Reported on 2007–16 cars. Vibration through the floor can mean the slip joint needs attention. Price the repair in. - What to check: Feel for vibration at highway speed, and for clunks as you take off. - **Digital dash and instrument cluster glitches.** Covers: Reported on 2007–14 cars. Annoying rather than dangerous, but work out whether it's a fault or a failing display before you offer. - What to check: With the engine on, go through the centre display and make sure every screen works. - **Clutch wear and shudder.** Covers: Manual cars. Towing and low-range work are hard on a clutch, and replacing one is a real cost. - What to check: Pull away on a slope and feel for shudder or slip. ## Which NS Pajero Years to Avoid? There's no single bad year, but the first cars have the most to check. Cars from 2006 and 2007 may need the shift cable or shaft nut recalls as well as the tensioner. Our shortlist: A late NS diesel with the recalls done, the chain guide attended to and service records. Or the 3.8 petrol if you don't tow far, as it avoids the diesel's chain, DPF and fuel faults, with a timing belt to budget for instead. ### What changed, by build date - Oct 2006: NS goes on sale, in three- and five-door bodies. - July 2007: Recall for the automatic's shift cable, on 975 cars. - Nov 2007: Recall for wrong nuts on the drive and propeller shafts, on 95 cars. - Dec 2008: NT replaces it with a stronger diesel and a new automatic. ## Recalls to Confirm - July 2007: NS automatics. Shift cable can move, so Park or Neutral may really be Reverse or Drive. [PRA 2007/9400](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-003001) - Nov 2007: Some NS Pajeros. Wrong nuts on the front right drive shaft and propeller shafts can come loose. [PRA 2007/9678](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-003053) - Aug 2014: Some Pajeros, listed with the Outlander. No years are given, so check by VIN. Cracked solder in the lighting switch can turn the headlights or indicators off. [PRA 2014/14258](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-001019) - Feb 2015: Pajero, 2006–2014. Timing chain tensioner can let the chain break, which may stop the engine. [PRA 2015/14559](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-001025) - June 2016: Some Pajeros, listed with five other Mitsubishis. No years are given, so check by VIN. Worn indicator and light switch terminals can stop lights working. [PRA 2016/15466](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-001032) ### Which NS Pajeros have the timing chain recall? The recall lists Pajeros from 2006 to 2014, so assume any NS diesel needs checking. Ask a Mitsubishi dealer whether it was done on that VIN. ### Is the NS petrol or diesel the better buy? The diesel is the one most buyers want for towing, but it carries the chain, carbon, surging and DPF reports. The 3.8 V6 avoids those and has a timing belt to replace on schedule. ### Does the NS have a DPF? Reports put DPF failures on diesels from before the filter was removed in the late 2009 update, so an NS diesel is in that group. --- Shufti is an Australian used car inspection app for iPhone and Android that tailors the inspection to the exact car you're looking at. It is not affiliated with Shufti Pro, the identity verification (KYC) company. From the listing link, it builds every check around that car's make, model and year, odometer reading and the seller's description. It runs PPSR and government recall checks, crosschecks a database of more than 3 million recalls and owner complaints, flags problems from your photos and audio, plans a test drive, produces a shareable report with repair cost estimates, and coaches you through the negotiation. A Tailored check costs $24.99, or $49.99 for three, including PPSR and recall checks. A mechanic's pre-purchase inspection costs $250–350. To start, Shufti's General inspection guide is free: pick the car's make and model, and it takes you through the checks that matter for that model, on your phone. There's a guide for popular models, and one for every type of car. Made by Frontpoint Digital Pty Ltd (ABN 23 669 870 366), Melbourne, Australia. Contact: hello@shufti.com.au. Download: [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/au/app/shufti-used-car-inspection/id6795718336?pt=129235165&ct=Website%20guide&mt=8), [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.shufti.shufti_app&referrer=utm_source%3Dshufti.com.au%26utm_medium%3Dwebsite%26utm_campaign%3DWebsite%2520guide%26utm_content%3Dllms%26utm_term%3D%252Fllms.txt).