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Mitsubishi · Supermini · 2004–2012

Mitsubishi Colt Z30

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

4.2 / 5.0 · Based on 5 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

150 PS

1.5L Turbo Benzin

Small sports car

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

109 PS

1.5L MIVEC Benzin

2 weaknesses

Good Choice

Body Variants

The Mitsubishi Colt Z30 is available as Schrägheck and Cabrio — choose your body type for specific insurance data:


Engine Overview

The Mitsubishi Colt Z30 is available with 6 engine variants — from 68 to 150 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.5L DI-D · Diesel· 68–95 PS Engine Change
2005 2008
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2005 2012
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
1.1L NA · Benziner· 75 PS
2004 2012
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
1.3L NA · Benziner· 95 PS
2004 2012
Good Choice 4 weaknesses
1.5L MIVEC · Benziner· 109 PS
2005 2008
Good Choice 2 weaknesses
CZC · Benziner· 109–150 PS Engine Change
2006 2009
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2006 2009
Good Choice 2 weaknesses
CZT · Benziner· 150 PS
2005 2010
Be Careful 5 weaknesses

The Mitsubishi 1.5L DI-D (Diesel, 68–95 PS) comes with 2 different engines: OM639.939 (2005–2008, Be Careful) und OM639.939 (2005–2012, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.5L DI-D!

The Mitsubishi 1.1L NA (Benziner, 75 PS) has the M134.910 (1.1L NA) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.

The Mitsubishi 1.3L NA (Benziner, 95 PS) has the M135.930 (1.3L NA) — rated: "Good Choice", 4 known weaknesses.

The Mitsubishi 1.5L MIVEC (Benziner, 109 PS) has the 4A91 (1.5L MIVEC) — rated: "Good Choice", 2 known weaknesses.

The Mitsubishi CZC (Benziner, 109–150 PS) comes with 2 different engines: 4G15 (2006–2009, Be Careful) und 4A91 (2006–2009, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the CZC!

The Mitsubishi CZT (Benziner, 150 PS) has the 4G15 (1.5L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Immobiliser and starter battery fail early

The immobiliser fails to recognise the key reliably. The starter battery gives up prematurely, and light bulbs generally have a short service life. On 2005–2006 model years the throttle body can cause sudden engine shutdown.

Symptoms: Engine sporadically won't start, immobiliser warning light flashing, frequent bulb replacements needed
from 80,000 km
Low
!Throttle body fault triggering limp mode

The throttle body becomes dirty or fails particularly on 2005–2006 models. Engine enters limp mode, check engine light illuminates. Cleaning or a software update often resolves it.

Symptoms: Check engine light, power loss, limp mode, rough idle
from 60,000 km
Low
Failed low-beam bulbs and rear lights

Low-beam bulbs and rear light clusters fail on the Colt above-average often. This was a recurring ADAC breakdown reason and an MOT advisory point.

Symptoms: Single low-beam fails, defective rear light cluster, MOT lighting advisories
from 50,000 km
Low
Premature starter battery failure

The starter battery on the Colt Z30 quits early. In ADAC reliability reports the battery was among the most frequent breakdown causes.

Symptoms: Engine won't start, weak electrical system, sluggish cranking
from 60,000 km
Low

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 28 weaknesses have been documented for the Mitsubishi Colt Z30 (2004–2012) — 18 engine-related and 10 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, HVAC, Brakes, Suspension. Considered reliable: 4A91 (1.5L MIVEC), M134.910 (1.1L NA), M135.930 (1.3L NA).

Colt (OM639.939, 2005–2008) — Be Careful: DPF blockage (short-trip use), Timing belt failure, Turbocharger wear. Power: 68 PS.

Colt (OM639.939, 2005–2012) — Be Careful: DPF blockage (short-trip use), Timing belt failure, Turbocharger wear. Power: 95 PS.

Colt (4G15, 2005–2010) — Be Careful: Turbo bearing wear, Elevated oil consumption (turbo), Intercooler leak. Power: 150 PS.

What to watch out for with the Mitsubishi Colt? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Mitsubishi Colt Z30 have? +
The Mitsubishi Colt Z30 has 18 known engine weaknesses and 10 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Mitsubishi Colt Z30? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: 4A91 (1.5L MIVEC), M134.910 (1.1L NA), M135.930 (1.3L NA). The most reliable engine is the 4A91 (1.5L MIVEC) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the 4G15 (1.5L Turbo).
Which Mitsubishi Colt Z30 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Mitsubishi Colt Z30. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 2 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Mitsubishi Colt Z30 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Mitsubishi Colt Z30 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} The 1.5 turbo CZT with 150 hp in the featherweight Colt — a genuine fun machine. Direct steering, taut suspension, free-revving engine.
Is the Mitsubishi Colt Z30 worth buying used? +
The Mitsubishi Colt Z30 is a good choice as a used car — 3 of 5 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Mitsubishi Colt Z30? +
The Mitsubishi Colt Z30 is available with engine variants from 68 to 150 hp. Petrol: 4G15 (1.5L Turbo), 4A91 (1.5L MIVEC), M134.910 (1.1L NA), M135.930 (1.3L NA). Diesel: OM639.939 (1.5L DI-D).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee