Mitsubishi ASX
Strong 2.2-litre diesel with common-rail injection. Good torque for SUV use, but EGR and DPF are maintenance-intensive. Timing chain instead of belt.
Strong diesel
The 2.2 DI-D offers decent torque and as the all-wheel-drive variant is the best choice for high-mileage drivers. Solid, but not exciting.
Engine Weaknesses 4
Piezo common-rail injectors are sensitive to fuel quality. Removing and refitting all 4 injectors costs around 500 EUR in labour plus 700 EUR per failed injector for Bosch reconditioning.
Symptoms: Rough idle, stumbling under acceleration, overconsumption, starting difficulties
Diesel fuel enters the engine oil during DPF post-injection. Oil level can rise rapidly (up to 1 litre per 1,000 km). Diluted oil loses its lubricating properties and endangers the engine.
Symptoms: Engine oil smells strongly of diesel, oil level rises instead of dropping, increased engine noise
The EGR valve and intake swirl flaps block with soot deposits from the exhaust system. Short-trip driving accelerates the process considerably.
Symptoms: Check engine light, power loss, rough idle, increased fuel consumption
The DPF frequently clogs with predominantly short-trip driving because regeneration cannot complete. Professional DPF cleaning costs up to 2,700 EUR. Oil dilution from regeneration fuel injection is a secondary problem.
Symptoms: DPF warning light, power loss, increased fuel consumption, engine oil smells of diesel
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
The continuously variable CVT gearbox shows first wear signs around 100,000 km on the chain and pulleys. Regular transmission oil changes every 40,000–60,000 km extend service life considerably. A complete replacement costs several thousand euros.
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 2010–2016, 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 (2010–2023). Most reported: Powertrain (287), Engine (149), Electrical (128).