Mitsubishi Grandis NA
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Grandis was Mitsubishi's full-size seven-seat MPV (2004–2011) — a sleek family van with a low roofline, pitched against the Sharan and friends. Buyer profile: a family wanting lots of space at a low price who takes maintenance seriously.
The engines: The 4G69 (2.4L MIVEC, 121 kW) is the reliable petrol, but with a catch: it has a twin timing-belt setup — one for the cams, a separate one for the balance shafts. Both must be renewed together every 90,000 km. If the balance-shaft belt snaps, it can drag under the timing belt and jump a tooth — catastrophic damage (both sev5). Don't neglect valve clearances. The BSY (2.0 DI-D, 100 kW) is the bought-in VW 2.0 TDI with pumpe-düse injection — including its infamous flaw: the hex drive of the oil pump in the balance-shaft module rounds off, the oil pump stops, the engine dies (sev5/prob3). Plus injectors and EGR coking. Only buy with proof the oil-pump module has been fixed or inspected.
Whole car: Fairly benign. The heater-control actuator fails (€150–550), the auto box shifts with a delay (€200–1,500), and the cheap brake-light switch causes grief (€30–100). Shocks wear early, front discs judder. Inside, the dash creaks, and the A/C struggles in the big cabin.
Test drive: On the 4G69 scrutinise the belt history (BOTH belts!). On the BSY ask for proof of the oil-pump module — without it the car is a lottery ticket. Test the auto for shift delay, check heating and A/C at idle.
Market 2026: €2,500–6,000. Insider pick: a 4G69 petrol with a documented twin-belt change — durable and relaxed. The 2.0 TDI only with a clean oil-pump history, otherwise walk away.
Engine Overview
The Mitsubishi Grandis NA is available with 2 engine variants — from 136 to 165 hp.
The BSY is the VW Group 2.0 TDI with pump-injector (unit injector) fuelling, related to the EA188 family, fitted in the Outlander II and Grandis at 140 hp. Mitsubishi bought the engine complete from VW, including its well-known weak points. The core problem is the hexagonal oil pump drive inside the balance shaft module: the short hex shaft rounds off, the oil pump stops abruptly and the engine seizes without warning. EGR coking and soot deposits on the pump-injector units are further classics. Torquey and economical, but meticulous oil changes to the correct spec are mandatory.
- !! Injector failure from 130,000 km
The common-rail injectors on the BSY/DW10BTED4 tend to wear and seize from 120,000–150,000 km. Faulty injection causes engine misfires and increased soot output. Replacement is costly.
Symptoms: Engine stumbling, misfires, cold-start difficulties, check engine light, rough running - !! Oil pump drive / balance shaft module from 130,000 km
The hexagonal oil pump drive inside the VW 2.0 TDI balance shaft module rounds off. The oil pump stops abruptly and the engine seizes without warning — often catastrophic engine damage.
Symptoms: Usually no warning; late oil-pressure light, droning/vibration, abrupt engine seizure - !! Timing belt failure from 120,000 km
The BSY/DW10BTED4 uses a timing belt drive with a 120,000 km or 10-year replacement interval. Exceeding it risks engine damage from valve collision. Replace the water pump at the same time.
Symptoms: Engine won't start, loud metallic noise on start attempt
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Solid 2.4-litre MIVEC naturally aspirated engine with a twin timing-belt drive: one belt for the camshafts and a separate one for the two balance shafts. Both run on their own tensioners and should be replaced together with the water pump and idlers every 90,000 km or six years. A snapped balance-shaft belt is treacherous — it can get dragged under the cam belt and cause it to jump teeth, and because this is an interference engine the valves then bend. There are no hydraulic lifters: valve clearance must be checked cold every 40,000–50,000 km and reset via bucket-tappet shims when needed, otherwise the valves rattle or power drops off. Oil leaks at the valve-cover and oil-pan gaskets appear with age. With proper maintenance the unit comfortably runs well beyond 300,000 km.
- !! Timing belt failure from overdue replacement from 90,000 km
Timing belt must be replaced every 90,000 km or 6 years. If it breaks, catastrophic engine damage is unavoidable — interference engine with valve collision.
Symptoms: Engine suddenly won't start, loud metallic noise, engine damage - !! Balance-shaft belt snaps from 90,000 km
The separate balance-shaft belt can break and get dragged under the cam belt. At high rpm the timing belt then jumps teeth — in this interference engine the valves bend immediately. Always replace both belts together.
Symptoms: Sudden stumble or vibration, engine cuts out and will not restart, metallic clatter on attempted start after the failure. - !! Neglected valve clearance causes damage from 80,000 km
No hydraulic lifters — valve clearance must be checked and adjusted every 40,000–50,000 km. Many workshops ignore this. Tight valve clearance burns valve seats.
Symptoms: Ticking from the valvetrain, power loss, increased fuel consumption, rough running
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Heater flap actuator failure The heater flap actuator fails and delivers only cold air from the front vents. Common from 80,000 km onwards; the servo motor in the dashboard must be replaced. Symptoms: Cold air despite heating being set, clicking noises behind the dashboard from 110,000 km | Low | |
| Weak A/C in the large cabin The basic climate control struggles with the large 7-seater cabin. Heat builds in the upper vent duct so warm air enters despite cooling. On hot days the rear does not cool enough. Symptoms: Warm air from upper vents despite cooling, third row stays warm, long cool-down time. from 110,000 km | Low |
Alternatives
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 16 weaknesses have been documented for the Mitsubishi Grandis NA (2004–2011) — 9 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: BSY (2.0L DI-D). Typical issues affect HVAC, Gearbox, Electronics, Suspension.
Grandis (BSY, 2005–2011) — Stay Away!: Injector failure, Oil pump drive / balance shaft module, Timing belt failure. Power: 136–140 PS.
Grandis (4G69, 2004–2011) — Be Careful: Timing belt failure from overdue replacement, Balance-shaft belt snaps, Neglected valve clearance causes damage. Power: 165 PS.
What to watch out for with the Mitsubishi Grandis? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee