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Mitsubishi

Pajero Sport

QE / QF· 2015-2026 suv-4wd Value
Price (AUD)
$22k-$60k
Body styles
5-door wagon (5 or 7 seat)
Drivetrain
Super Select II 4WD (2WD / full-time 4WD / locked centre diff / low range), RWD (early base GLX briefly)
Origin
Japan
Built in
Thailand

Overview

Sold as GLX, GLS, Exceed and (later) GSR. A Triton-derived body-on-frame 7-seat 4WD built in Thailand, launched in Australia on 7 December 2015 as the QE, then heavily facelifted in 2020 as the QF (Dynamic Shield grille, modified combustion chamber, lower compression, new alloy block, more safety tech). One engine the entire run: the 2.4-litre 4N15 MIVEC VGT common-rail turbo diesel making 133kW/430Nm, mated to a Toyota/Aisin-sourced 8-speed torque-converter automatic that is one of the better autos in the class. Super Select II 4WD with a lockable centre diff and low range gives it genuine touring and off-road ability that part-time rivals lack. The defining caveats are diesel-emissions related - DPF/EGR fussiness if used only for short urban trips, plus the well-documented split intercooler pipe and the 60,000km valve-clearance check that owners must not skip. A capable, well-priced, long-warranty 4WD that rewards highway use and punishes city-only short-trip ownership.

Engines & variants

2.4L 4N15 diesel (QE, 2015-2019)

Engine
2.4L MIVEC VGT common-rail turbo diesel I4 (DPF), all-alloy
Config
I4 turbo
Displacement
2442cc
Power
133kW @ 3500rpm
Torque
430Nm @ 2500rpm
Drivetrain
Super Select II 4WD (lockable centre diff, low range)
Economy
8-10 L/100km combined (real world)
Tow (braked)
3100kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
8AT (Aisin)
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven (no belt). Valve clearance check every 60,000km

Pros

  • Excellent Aisin/Toyota-derived 8-speed auto - smooth and reliable
  • Super Select II 4WD with centre diff lock and low range - very capable
  • 7 seats and strong long-distance touring manners
  • Long Mitsubishi warranty supported many of these from new
  • Good economy for a body-on-frame 7-seater

Cons

  • DPF/EGR fussy on short urban-only trips
  • Split intercooler pipe is a near-universal known fault
  • Valve clearances tighten and MUST be checked at 60,000km
  • Only 3100kg braked tow vs 3500kg from some rivals
  • Cracked cylinder head reported when injectors are mishandled

Known problems

medium
Split / blown intercooler hose
The factory intercooler pipe/hose is the single most common fault on the QE - it splits or pops off, triggering limp mode, loss of boost and a sudden drop in power.
Fix: Replace with an upgraded aftermarket silicone intercooler hose; cheap insurance and a popular preventive fix.
From 60k-150k km · ~$150-600
medium
DPF clogging / EGR soot (short-trip use)
Stop-start, low-speed city driving prevents the DPF from regenerating, leading to clogging, repeated regen warnings, limp mode and EGR/intake soot. Faulty DPF temperature sensors have also been reported.
Fix: Drive at highway speed ~20+ minutes at least monthly to complete regen; forced regen, DPF/EGR clean or sensor replacement if clogged. Not the right vehicle for city-only short trips.
From Any (urban use) · ~$300-2500
medium
Valve clearances tightening (60,000km check)
The 4N15's valve clearances tend to tighten over time and must be checked/adjusted every 60,000km; skipping this risks burnt valves and major engine damage down the track.
Fix: Have the 60,000km valve clearance inspection done on schedule by a Mitsubishi-savvy mechanic; confirm it in the service history before buying.
From 60k+ km (interval) · ~$300-900
high
Cracked cylinder head / head gasket
Not common but documented - cracked heads or blown head gaskets, with one theory being mechanics over-torquing injector hardware or forcing stuck injectors, plus heat stress on hard-worked engines.
Fix: Use a diesel specialist for injector work; investigate any coolant loss, overheating or white smoke immediately. Head repair/replacement if cracked.
From 100k+ km · ~$3000-8000

2.4L 4N15 diesel (QF facelift, 2020-2026)

Engine
2.4L MIVEC VGT common-rail turbo diesel I4 (DPF) - revised combustion chamber, lower compression, new alloy block
Config
I4 turbo
Displacement
2442cc
Power
133kW @ 3500rpm
Torque
430Nm @ 2500rpm
Drivetrain
Super Select II 4WD (lockable centre diff, low range)
Economy
8-10 L/100km combined (real world)
Tow (braked)
3100kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
8AT (Aisin)
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven (no belt). Valve clearance check every 60,000km

Pros

  • Refreshed engine (revised combustion, lower compression, lighter alloy block)
  • Far more safety tech - radar AEB, blind-spot, rear cross-traffic, lane-change
  • Same proven Aisin 8-speed auto and Super Select II 4WD
  • Dynamic Shield restyle, power tailgate, updated 8-inch infotainment
  • Newer build with more warranty remaining - strong used buy

Cons

  • Same DPF/EGR sensitivity to short-trip urban use as the QE
  • Intercooler hose still a known weak point
  • Same 60,000km valve clearance requirement
  • Polarising Dynamic Shield front-end styling
  • Still 3100kg braked tow, not class-leading

Known problems

medium
DPF / EGR issues on short-trip use
Like the QE, the QF's DPF needs regular highway running to regenerate. City-only short trips cause clogging, regen warnings and limp mode; EGR and intake soot can build up.
Fix: Regular sustained highway driving for regen; DPF/EGR service or sensor replacement if clogged.
From Any (urban use) · ~$300-2500
medium
Split intercooler hose
The factory intercooler pipe can still split or detach, causing limp mode and boost loss - carried over from the QE.
Fix: Upgraded silicone intercooler hose as a preventive measure.
From 60k-150k km · ~$150-600
medium
Valve clearance tightening (60,000km)
The 4N15 still requires a valve clearance check/adjustment every 60,000km to avoid tight valves and long-term damage.
Fix: Keep the 60,000km valve clearance service up to date; verify in the records pre-purchase.
From 60k+ km (interval) · ~$300-900

Common problems (all variants)

medium
Tow bar flange bolts loosening (2015-2016 recall)
A 29 March 2016 recall (18,102 units, 2015-2016 build) covered tow bar flange bolts that could loosen during normal use, risking the tow bar coming away under load.
Fix: Confirm the recall rectification was completed; inspect/retighten tow bar mounting bolts if towing.
From Any · ~Recall (free) - or $100-300
low
Parking brake sticking / seizing
The rear drum-in-disc park brake can stick or go out of adjustment after exposure to mud, water and weather, common after beach or off-road use.
Fix: Clean, free off and re-adjust the park brake mechanism; service after wet/muddy use.
From Any · ~$100-400
low
Weak bash plate / skid mounts
The factory underbody bash plate mounts are notoriously weak and can bend or break under serious off-road use.
Fix: Fit stronger aftermarket bash plates and mounts for genuine four-wheel driving.
From Any (off-road use) · ~$200-700
low
Steering column creaks / knocks
Owners report creaks or knocking noises from the steering column area - usually a noise/feel annoyance rather than a safety fault.
Fix: Lubricate or replace the affected steering column bush/joint; have it assessed under warranty if applicable.
From Any · ~$0-400
low
Transmission heat when towing (no aux cooler)
The Aisin 8-speed is robust but can run hot when towing near the 3100kg limit in heat, and lacks a generous factory cooler.
Fix: Fit an auxiliary transmission cooler and do more frequent fluid changes if towing heavily.
From Any (towing) · ~$300-800
low
Coastal / underbody corrosion
Beach and coastal examples can develop underbody and fastener corrosion typical of any 4WD used near salt.
Fix: Wash down the underbody after beach use; inspect underbody pre-purchase on coastal cars.
From Any · ~Varies