# 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. Last updated: 6 November 2026. Web page: https://shufti.com.au/checklists/used-mitsubishi-pajero-inspection-checklist/nw. Engines: 3.2 turbo-diesel (4M41); 3.8 V6 petrol (6G75, Exceed only). ## 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 ### 3.2 diesel - **Timing chain stretch and top guide wear.** Covers: 3.2-litre diesels. 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? - **Sticking turbo actuator or turbo failure.** Covers: Reported from 2011. 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.** 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. - **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 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 - Oct 2011: NW goes on sale. Five-door only, and the 3.8 petrol stays in the Exceed. - Apr 2013: ANCAP rating rises to 5 out of 5 for cars built from here. - Sept 2014: NX replaces it. ## 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) ### 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. --- 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. 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