# 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. Last updated: 6 November 2026. Web page: https://shufti.com.au/checklists/used-mitsubishi-pajero-inspection-checklist/nt. Engines: 3.2 turbo-diesel (4M41, more power than the NS); 3.8 V6 petrol (6G75). ## 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 ### 3.2 diesel - **Timing chain stretch and top guide wear.** Covers: 3.2-litre diesels, all NT. 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 rear diff bushes.** Covers: Reported from about 2010. 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.** 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. - **Rust in the door sills.** Covers: Reported on 2009 cars. 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.** 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 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 - Dec 2008: NT goes on sale with a stronger diesel and a new automatic. Towing rises to 3,000 kg. - Late 2009: DPF removed from the diesel. - Oct 2011: NW replaces it, and the three-door is dropped. ## Recalls to Confirm - 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 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. --- 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. 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