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Mitsubishi

Triton

ML / MN· 2006-2015 ute
Price (AUD)
$10-22k
Body styles
Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
Drivetrain
RWD, 4WD part-time
Origin
Japan
Built in
Thailand

Overview

Modern common-rail Triton. The 4M41 3.2L is shared with the Pajero NS-NX and is the tougher pick — chain-driven, more torque, more head-room for towing duty. The 4D56HP 2.5L was subject to Mitsubishi service campaign 020116 (2014) for repetitive coolant evaporation under load causing overheating — fix involves updated radiator cap, coolant concentration, ECU reflash, and (from March 2014 production) revised cylinder block. Verify recall completion via VIN.

Engines & variants

2.5L 4D56 (common-rail turbo diesel)

Engine
Common-rail turbo diesel
Config
I4
Displacement
2.5L
Power
100-131kW
Torque
314-400Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~12-13s
Economy
~9-10 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
3000kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
5MT, 4AT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Belt-driven, 100,000km / 5-year (mandatory)

Pros

  • Cheap on used market
  • Decent fuel economy
  • Aisin auto when fitted
  • Common — parts everywhere

Cons

  • Pre-2014 prone to head gasket overheating (recall)
  • Timing belt at 100k mandatory
  • Injector failures
  • Only 3000kg tow

Known problems

high
4D56 engine overheating (recall)
Mitsubishi issued service campaign 020116 in 2014 for 4D56HP engines. Repetitive coolant evaporation under heavy load (especially towing) plus poor head gasket sealing caused overheating.
Fix: Updated radiator cap (127 kPa), 50% coolant concentration, new ECU programming, smoother cylinder block surface from March 2014 production. Verify recall completed.
From Pre-2014 · ~Recall fix
high
4D56 timing belt
Timing belt MUST be replaced at 100k. Failure = bent valves.
Fix: Replace on schedule with quality kit (belt, tensioner, water pump).
From 100k km interval · ~$800-1500
medium
4D56 injector failures
Common-rail injectors fail - smoke, knocking, poor running. Leaky nozzle nut contaminates oil with diesel.
Fix: Injector set replacement. Use quality fuel.
From 120k+ km · ~$1800-3000

3.2L 4M41 (common-rail turbo diesel)

Engine
Common-rail turbo diesel
Config
I4
Displacement
3.2L
Power
133kW
Torque
441Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~11s
Economy
~9-10 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
3000kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
5MT, 5AT (Aisin)
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, inspect from 250,000km+

Pros

  • Tougher than 4D56
  • Chain-driven — no timing belt
  • Pajero-shared = mature platform
  • Stronger torque for towing

Cons

  • Carbon buildup in intake
  • Only 3000kg tow
  • Less common than 4D56 in Triton
  • Injector wear long-term

Known problems

medium
4M41 EGR/PCV carbon buildup
EGR gas mixes with PCV oil mist causing heavy carbon buildup in intake.
Fix: Walnut blast clean. Catch can fitment helps.
From 100k+ km · ~$600-1200