Used Mitsubishi Pajero NX (2015–2021): Problems and Which Years to Buy
What's reported on the last Mitsubishi Pajero, the NX, including the 2016–19 control arm recall, and what to check at the car.
Engines
- 3.2 turbo-diesel 4M41
Gearboxes
- Automatic or manual
Last updated
Common Problems on a Used NX Pajero
The NX is the last Pajero, and it's diesel only. Reports centre on inlet and EGR carbon, surging from the suction control valve and sticking turbo actuators. The one to check first is the recall for the front right control arm on 2016–19 cars, which can affect steering.
Is an NX Pajero reliable?
It's the most developed version of an old design, and it has fewer reports than earlier cars, though it's also younger. The control arm recall is the first thing to confirm.
Pajero NX Problems
What's reported on cars built September 2014 to March 2021. 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
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 up to 2020.
- 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 leaks from the rocker cover
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 on 2014–19 cars.
- What it means
- Usually a gasket job, but burning oil smells and grime on the engine are worth pricing in.
- What to check
- Look around the top of the engine with a torch for fresh oil.
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.
All years
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.
Air conditioning 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 on 2013–17 cars.
- What it means
- A failed system is an expensive repair in an Australian summer.
- What to check
- Run the air conditioning on full cold from the start of the test drive.
Found one of these? How to use it in your offer
Which NX Pajero Years to Avoid?
No year stands out, but 2016–19 cars need the control arm recall confirmed. It's a safety recall, so don't skip it.
Our shortlist
Any NX with its recalls confirmed and full service history. Stability control is standard, but AEB wasn't available.
What changed, by build date
- Good better for a buyer
- Mixed upsides and downsides
- Bad a problem to check
- Unknown effect not clear
NX goes on sale in GLX, GLS and Exceed, diesel only.
Recall for the front right control arm weld on 2016–19 cars.
Production ends.
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.
- 5–11 yrsAge
- 60,000–140,000 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 5 out of 5 (2011) Stability control is standard; AEB wasn't available
NX 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Aug 2019 | 2016–2019 | Weak weld on the front right lower control arm can affect steering and stability | PRA 2019/17777 |
| Mar 2023 | 2020–2022, an accessory with a button battery | Sold without the required button battery warning | PRA 2023/19809 |
Check any car by its VIN with a Mitsubishi dealer, because a recall may not have been done. The tensioner recall lists cars to 2014, so it only reaches the first NXs.
NX Pajero Questions
Which NX Pajeros have the control arm recall?
The recall lists 2016–2019 Pajeros, with a weak weld on the front right lower control arm. Ask a Mitsubishi dealer whether it was done on that VIN.
Does an NX have AEB?
No. Stability control is standard, but AEB wasn't available, even though the ANCAP rating is 5 out of 5 from 2011 testing.
Is the NX the last Pajero?
Yes. Production ended in March 2021.
Inspecting an NX 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.