Mitsubishi Carisma
Renault diesel engine in the Carisma. Proven turbodiesel with good torque. Turbocharger, EGR valve, and injectors are the known weak points. Replace timing belt every 90,000 km.
Stronger diesel commuter
115 hp diesel makes the Carisma more tolerable on the motorway. Still a pure no-nonsense car without a spark of emotion.
Engine Weaknesses 5
The turbocharger on the F9Q is a typical weak point. Shaft play, oil supply problems, and heat damage lead to power loss and limp mode, typically from 120,000–160,000 km.
Symptoms: Whistling noise from turbo, power loss, blue/white smoke clouds, limp mode
The common-rail injectors on the F9Q are prone to fouling and mechanical wear. Faulty injection leads to engine misfires and an 'injection fault' error code.
Symptoms: Engine stumbling, misfires, difficult cold start, 'injection fault' warning displayed
The F9Q uses a timing belt drive with a 90,000 km replacement interval. Exceeding it risks engine damage. Replace water pump at the same time. When buying a Carisma, demand proof of service.
Symptoms: Engine cranks without firing, engine damage after belt failure
The EGR valve and intercooler on the F9Q are prone to heavy soot deposits. A burst intercooler manifests as a power drop and heavy smoke.
Symptoms: Heavy smoke, marked power loss, rough idle
The camshaft sensor on the F9Q fails comparatively often and generates fault codes. An inexpensive repair, but an unplanned failure can leave you stranded.
Symptoms: Engine fault message, difficult start, sporadic stalling
Vehicle Weaknesses 3
The front axle ball joints develop play and clunk over bumps. More robust control arms only came in from mid-1998 onwards. On earlier build dates regular front axle checks are essential.
On vehicles built before autumn 1997 the ignition lock can stick and prevent starting. The immobiliser also fails to recognise the key reliably. Marten bites to the ignition leads occur above-average often.
On the earliest model years leaking fuel system seals caused odour intrusion into the cabin. Mitsubishi fixed the problem at service visits with new seals; later model years are less affected.