Used Mitsubishi Pajero NW (2011–2014): Problems and Which Years to Buy
What's reported on the Mitsubishi Pajero NW sold from October 2011, why April 2013 matters for safety, and what to check at the car.
Engines
- 3.2 turbo-diesel 4M41
- 3.8 V6 petrol 6G75, Exceed only
Gearboxes
- Automatic or manual
Last updated
Common Problems on a Used NW Pajero
The main reports on an NW Pajero are diesel timing chain and guide wear, inlet and EGR carbon, surging from the suction control valve, and sticking turbo actuators. Cars built from April 2013 have a better ANCAP rating than earlier ones.
Is an NW Pajero reliable?
It has no DPF to worry about, but the rest of the diesel's faults remain. The tensioner recall reaches these cars, so confirm it was done.
Pajero NW Problems by Engine
What's reported on cars built October 2011 to September 2014. 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. 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?
Sticking turbo actuator or turbo 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
- Reported from 2011.
- What it means
- A sticking actuator can start with lost power and end in a turbo replacement, so don't ignore it.
- What to check
- Accelerate firmly from low speed and feel for a flat spot or limp mode.
- Ask the seller
- Has the turbo or its actuator had any work?
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.
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 NW Pajero Years to Avoid?
No year stands out for faults, but safety does separate them. ANCAP rates cars built from April 2013 at 5 out of 5, and earlier ones at 4.
Our shortlist
A diesel built from April 2013 with the tensioner recall done and service records.
What changed, by build date
- Good better for a buyer
- Mixed upsides and downsides
- Bad a problem to check
- Unknown effect not clear
NW goes on sale. Five-door only, and the 3.8 petrol stays in the Exceed.
ANCAP rating rises to 5 out of 5 for cars built from here.
NX replaces it.
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.
- 12–15 yrsAge
- 150,000–190,000 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) Built to March 2013
- ANCAP 5 out of 5 (2011) Built from April 2013
NW 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.
NW Pajero Questions
Why does the April 2013 build date matter on an NW?
ANCAP rates Pajeros built to March 2013 at 4 out of 5 and those from April 2013 at 5 out of 5. The compliance plate shows the build date.
Does an NW Pajero have a DPF?
Reports put the filter's removal in the late 2009 update, before the NW, so DPF failures aren't one of its reported faults.
Can I still get an NW with the petrol V6?
Only in the Exceed. It avoids the diesel's chain and fuel faults, and has a timing belt to replace on schedule.
Inspecting an NW 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.
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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.