Mitsubishi Space Star DG0

Simple 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine with conventional technology. Extremely low-maintenance and robust, no known structural weaknesses. Replace the timing belt every 90,000 km — an inexpensive preventive measure that avoids camshaft drive damage.

• !! Timing belt failure (overdue replacement) from 90,000 km

  The 4G18 uses a timing belt drive that will snap if the replacement interval is missed, causing engine damage. Replacement interval: 90,000 km or 6 years. Older vehicles with unknown service history are at risk.

  Symptoms: Engine cranks without firing, loud metallic noise, engine won't start
  300–1,200 $
  Ad timing belt 4G18timing belt kit Lancer 1.6water pump 4G18 Mitsubishi
• ! Valve cover gasket leaking from 100,000 km

  The 4G18 valve cover gasket hardens with age and starts to leak. Oil drips onto hot engine components and produces a smell. Simple and cheap to replace — nothing to panic about, but check when buying used.

  Symptoms: Oil drops on the underbody beneath the engine, oil smell with warm engine, visible oil on the valve cover
  30–120 $
  Ad valve cover gasket 4G18valve cover gasket Lancer 1.6 SOHC
• ! Ignition coil failure from 120,000 km

  Older 4G18 examples occasionally show ignition coil failures on individual cylinders. Typically occurs sporadically, especially in damp conditions. Inexpensive repair but unplanned failure on poorly maintained vehicles.

  Symptoms: Stumbling or misfiring under acceleration, check engine light, rough idle
  80–250 $
  Ad ignition coil 4G18ignition coil Lancer 1.6Mitsubishi 1.6 SOHC ignition coil

Mitsubishi's first generation of petrol direct injection (GDI). Technically innovative but prone to intake tract carbon build-up and idle problems. Known as the 'problem GDI' in owner communities. Regular intake cleaning and short spark plug replacement intervals are essential.

• !! Intake tract carboned up from 80,000 km

  The first GDI generation suffers severely from carbon build-up in the intake tract and on the intake valves. Soot deposits narrow the ports and disrupt mixture formation. Forum users report this as the cause in 95% of GDI problems.

  Symptoms: Rough idle through to stalling, power loss, increased fuel consumption, stumbling under load
  200–800 $
  Ad intake manifold 4G93 GDIAnsaugreinigung Carisma GDIthrottle body 4G93 GDI
• !! GDI high-pressure pump failed from 120,000 km

  The high-pressure pump of the first GDI generation is prone to leaks and pressure loss. Mitsubishi requires complete replacement — repair is not provided for. New parts cost around 1,000 EUR.

  Symptoms: Engine stumbles under acceleration, starting problems, fluctuating fuel pressure, check engine light
  600–1,200 $
  Ad high-pressure fuel pump 4G93 GDIinjection pump Carisma 1.8 GDIGDI fuel pump Mitsubishi
• !! Spark plugs oil-fouled and sooted up from 30,000 km

  The GDI injection causes heavy oil fouling and sooting of the spark plugs. Forum reports show plugs saturated with petrol and oil. Shorter replacement intervals (maximum 30,000 km) are advisable.

  Symptoms: Difficult cold start, rough idle at 300–400 rpm, stumbling at low rpm
  40–120 $
  Ad spark plugs 4G93 GDIspark plug Carisma 1.8 GDIspark plugssatz Space Star 1.8 GDI