Mitsubishi ASX
Compact 1.8L diesel for the ASX and Outlander II. Economical but prone to DPF problems with short-trip use and oil dilution from DPF regeneration. EGR fouling is a recurring topic.
Strong diesel ASX
150 hp diesel in the small SUV β decent motorway pull. Especially as an all-wheel-drive variant the best choice for high-mileage drivers.
Engine Weaknesses 5
During DPF regeneration diesel fuel enters the engine oil. Oil level rises instead of dropping. Diluted oil loses its lubricating properties. Early model years particularly affected; Mitsubishi revised the software later.
Symptoms: Oil level rises above maximum, engine oil smells of diesel, DPF warning light, increased engine noise
Common-rail injectors clog or lose sealing at higher mileages. Return-flow rate increases, leading to starting problems and rough running.
Symptoms: Difficult cold start, rough idle, power loss, check engine light
The turbocharger loses performance through blocked oil lines or bearing wear. Oil lines clogged by DPF-related oil dilution accelerate wear further.
Symptoms: Whistling from turbo, power loss, blue smoke, oil in the charge air pipe
The EGR valve and intake manifold clog with soot deposits. Short-trip driving makes the problem worse. Cleaning or replacement every 80,000β120,000 km recommended.
Symptoms: Power loss, rough idle, check engine light, increased fuel consumption
The dual-mass flywheel wears with short-trip and frequent stop-and-go driving. The DMF should always be replaced together with a clutch change.
Symptoms: Rumbling on start and shut-down, vibrations at idle, shuddering on pull-away
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
From the third MOT onwards (approx. 7+ years) steering ball joints fail comparatively often and regularly result in inspection advisories. Replacement requires a specialist because wheel alignment work is necessary.
Older ASX models show an above-average defect rate for foot brake and handbrake at MOT inspections. Brake discs and pads wear unevenly; the parking brake is prone to corrosion in wet conditions.
Particularly older examples (pre-2015) show rust formation on the tailgate as well as wheel arches, door sills, and underbody. Mitsubishi frequently covered tailgate repairs under goodwill. Underbody treatment in the first year is strongly recommended.
With age, window regulator motors and the central locking system fail due to corroded connectors, faulty relays, and broken wiring harnesses. Airbag warning lights can be triggered by contact issues in the steering wheel.
Particularly on vehicles from 2010β2016, leaking AC condensers and compressor failures occur, causing loss of cooling performance. Leaks are often caused by stone chip damage to the front-mounted condenser.
The chrome-trimmed rings around the gauge needles become loose over time and produce annoying rattling from the instrument cluster. The problem is widespread and well known but can be fixed cheaply with some skill.
Reports & Tests
864 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2010β2023). Most reported: Powertrain (287), Engine (149), Electrical (128).