Credov's researched list of the 5 faults the Mitsubishi Triton MQ is known for (2015–2024), 5 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: Lie beside the ute and look at the chassis welds, crossmembers and tray floor for brown rust or blistering.
Why it matters: Factory rust protection on the Thai-built 5th-gen Triton is thin. Owners report rust in chassis welds, tray and even roof seams, and brown rust on frame members from about 100,000 km or sooner on coastal and beach-used utes. Repairs reported in the roughly NZ$550-$3,500 range.
What to look for: Look at the intercooler hose joins for oily residue, and feel for flat spots or hesitation on the drive.
Why it matters: From about 85,000 km (earlier on short-trip use) it causes power loss, rough idle, hard starting, check-engine lights and limp mode. Fixes are an inlet clean, an EGR valve, and many owners fit a catch can. Repairs reported in the roughly NZ$400-$1,500 range.
What to look for: Check for a DPF warning light during the drive, and notice whether the fan keeps running after switch-off.
Why it matters: Town and short-trip use causes failed regenerations, DPF warning lights, limp mode and in bad cases cleaning or a new DPF. Owners report DPF failures around 30,000-50,000 km and some utes towed in twice. Repairs reported in the roughly NZ$800-$4,500 range.
What to look for: Pull the dipstick and check the oil is not above the top hole, very thin, or smelling of diesel.
Why it matters: Thin oil wears bearings and turbo; some 4N15 engine failures (oil pressure loss, seizure) have been reported. Oil should be changed on time and the level kept between the dipstick holes. Repairs reported in the roughly NZ$300-$10,000 range.
What to look for: Accelerate then lift off sharply in 3rd and 5th, including uphill, checking whether the gear pops out.
Why it matters: Mitsubishi released a repair kit with reinforced selectors and synchros, but fitting it means removing and stripping the gearbox. Some owners had several gearboxes replaced. Repairs reported in the roughly NZ$2,500-$6,000 range.
Got a question about a Mitsubishi Triton MQ? 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.