Used Mitsubishi Pajero NT (2008–2011): Problems and Which Years to Buy
What's reported on the Mitsubishi Pajero NT sold from December 2008, including the late 2009 DPF change, and what to check at the car.
Engines
- 3.2 turbo-diesel 4M41, more power than the NS
- 3.8 V6 petrol 6G75
Gearboxes
- Automatic with sports mode
- Manual
Last updated
Common Problems on a Used NT Pajero
The NT brought a stronger diesel and a new automatic, and towing rose to 3,000 kg. The main reports are diesel timing chain and guide wear, inlet carbon, suction control valve surging, and DPF failures on cars before the filter was removed in the late 2009 update.
Is an NT Pajero reliable?
It shares the NS's diesel faults, but a car built after the late 2009 update doesn't have the DPF to worry about. As with any Pajero of this age, the records matter most.
Pajero NT Problems by Engine
What's reported on cars built December 2008 to October 2011. It's what has been reported, not what every car has, and the number of items isn't a measure of reliability. Tap a problem to see which cars it covers and how to check it.
Source
- Manufacturer bulletin
- Automotive community
- Shufti vehicle database, owner feedback
Problem type
- Safety critical
- Negotiate
3.2 diesel
Timing chain stretch and top guide wear
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- 3.2-litre diesels, all NT. The recall covers Pajeros from 2006 to 2014.
- What it means
- 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
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- 3.2-litre diesels, more with age and kilometres.
- What it means
- 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
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceSafety criticalAffects how safely it drives or protects you in a crash. Best to have a mechanic check it before you buy.
- Covers
- 3.2-litre diesels.
- What it means
- 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
Automotive communityReported by owners, mechanics and motoring reviewers.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- Diesels from before the filter was removed in the late 2009 update.
- What it means
- 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
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- 3.2-litre diesels.
- What it means
- 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
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- 3.8-litre V6 petrols, which use a belt rather than a chain.
- What it means
- 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
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- All years, and more likely on Pajeros that have towed heavy loads.
- What it means
- 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 rear diff bushes
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- Reported from about 2010.
- What it means
- Worn bushes let the diff move, which shows up as clunks and is worth pricing in.
- What to check
- On the test drive, listen for a clunk from the rear when you take off or change direction.
Worn front ball joints and swivel hub bearings
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceSafety criticalAffects how safely it drives or protects you in a crash. Best to have a mechanic check it before you buy.
- Covers
- Reported on 2007–17 cars.
- What it means
- 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
Automotive communityReported by owners, mechanics and motoring reviewers.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- Reported on 2007–16 cars.
- What it means
- 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.
Rust in the door sills
Automotive communityReported by owners, mechanics and motoring reviewers.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- Reported on 2009 cars.
- What it means
- Rust spreads, and on a car used near the beach or off-road it may be worse than it looks.
- What to check
- Open each door and look along the sills and underneath them with a torch.
Digital dash and instrument cluster glitches
Automotive communityReported by owners, mechanics and motoring reviewers.Click to see the source
- Covers
- Reported on 2007–14 cars.
- What it means
- 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
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- Manual cars.
- What it means
- 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.
Found one of these? How to use it in your offer
Which NT Pajero Years to Avoid?
Lean towards cars built after the late 2009 update, which removed the DPF. Check the build date on the compliance plate rather than going by the year it was sold.
Our shortlist
A 2010–11 diesel with the tensioner recall done and service records, or a 3.8 petrol with a recent timing belt.
What changed, by build date
- Good better for a buyer
- Mixed upsides and downsides
- Bad a problem to check
- Unknown effect not clear
NT goes on sale with a stronger diesel and a new automatic. Towing rises to 3,000 kg.
DPF removed from the diesel.
NW replaces it, and the three-door is dropped.
Age, typical kilometres and warranty
Use these to judge whether a car's odometer looks normal for its age, and whether any new-car warranty is left.
- 15–18 yrsAge
- 190,000–230,000 kmTypical
- EndedNew-car warranty
Kilometres are at the Australian average of about 12,600 km a year. Well above that means harder use; well below, ask why.
Safety ratings
Crash ratings can differ by body style and build date, so match the rating to the car you're looking at.
- ANCAP 4 out of 5 (2011) Stability control is standard
NT Pajero Recalls to Confirm
Enter the VIN on vehiclerecalls.gov.au and ask for proof the work was done. The car in front of you may not be in every group. Also see our vehicle checks and PPSR guides.
| Issued | Covers | Problem | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Feb 2015 | Pajero, 2006–2014 | Timing chain tensioner can let the chain break, which may stop the engine | PRA 2015/14559 |
| 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 |
Check any car by its VIN with a Mitsubishi dealer, because a recall may not have been done.
NT Pajero Questions
Which NT Pajeros have a DPF?
Reports put the filter's removal in the late 2009 update, so a diesel built before that has one. A dealer or the service records can confirm it for a given car.
Can an NT Pajero tow 3,000 kg?
That's the NT's maximum, up 500 kg on the NS. Towing near it hard is also what the rear diff leaks are linked to, so check there too.
Does the NT have the timing chain recall?
Yes, the recall lists Pajeros from 2006 to 2014. Ask a Mitsubishi dealer whether it was done on that VIN.
Inspecting an NT Pajero?
We know that's a lot of information to keep track of at an inspection. That's why there's Shufti.
All you have to do is run a Tailored check. It builds the checks for the exact car, looks up its recalls and PPSR, analyses your photos, estimates repair costs, and gives you a negotiation coach that makes the most of your leverage. Or start with the free Mitsubishi Pajero General inspection guide: work through it on your phone at the car, capturing images and audio and noting what you find.
Scan to get the app
Own a Mitsubishi Pajero? Tell Us What You've Found
Had a fault, a repair or a good run with yours? Your report helps other buyers know what to check. We use what you tell us as facts in our own words, and never publish your name or email.
Own a Mitsubishi Pajero? Tell Us What You've Found
Had a fault, a repair or a good run with yours? Your report helps other buyers know what to check. We use what you tell us as facts in our own words, and never publish your name or email.
Sources
Each icon shows how a fault is supported: a manufacturer bulletin, the automotive community, or Shufti's vehicle database and owner feedback. Facts come from Shufti's own database, and we cite known external sources.
- Shufti. (2026). Shufti vehicle database: Mitsubishi Pajero, 2006–2021.
- Just 4x4s. Used review: 2007–2016 Mitsubishi Pajero. https://www.just4x4s.com.au/news-and-reviews/used-review-2007-2016-mitsubishi-pajero/14025
- RACV. Mitsubishi Pajero used car review.
- Australian Government. Vehicle Recalls. The recall numbers in the table above.
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.