Credov's researched list of the 6 faults the Mitsubishi Pajero NP is known for (2003–2006), 6 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: With the engine running, pump the brake pedal hard ten times, watching for the brake warning lamp and listening for a buzzer.
Why it matters: Losing booster pressure makes the brake pedal very hard and stopping distances much longer. The pump and accumulator are specialist parts.
Typical repair: NZ$600–NZ$3,000 in New Zealand · A$620–A$3,090 in Australia
What to look for: Work the light stalk through every setting and both indicators while wiggling it, checking each lamp stays on steadily.
Why it matters: Headlights that cut out at night or indicators that do not work are a crash risk. The fix is a replacement switch or switch base.
Typical repair: NZ$200–NZ$700 in New Zealand · A$210–A$720 in Australia
What to look for: At a cold start with the bonnet up, listen for a rattle or slap from the top front of the engine.
Why it matters: Owner reports cluster between about 100,000 and 160,000 km, and Mitsubishi revised the guide for Gen 4. The guide is a cheap part; chain, tensioner and lever are checked at the same time. Repairs reported in the roughly NZ$600-$3,500 range.
What to look for: Find the timing belt sticker or receipt and check it was done within the last 90,000 km and six years.
Why it matters: A snapped belt on this engine means bent valves and usually a head rebuild or replacement engine; an overdue belt should be priced into the deal.
Typical repair: NZ$1,200–NZ$2,500 in New Zealand · A$1,240–A$2,580 in Australia
Sources: 1
What to look for: With the engine idling, look at the crank pulley for a wobble or a step between its rings, and listen for squeal.
Why it matters: If the outer ring lets go it throws the drive belt (no charging, power steering or air-con) and can damage the timing belt area behind it, risking engine damage.
Typical repair: NZ$500–NZ$1,300 in New Zealand · A$520–A$1,340 in Australia
Sources: 1
What to look for: Look in the coolant reservoir and radiator for a pink, brown or milky oily film or sludge.
Why it matters: Caught early it is a radiator and flushes; once coolant has got into the automatic, the gearbox usually needs a rebuild or replacement.
Typical repair: NZ$700–NZ$5,000 in New Zealand · A$720–A$5,150 in Australia
Sources: 1
Got a question about a Mitsubishi Pajero NP? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.