The Mitsubishi L200 is a reliable and hardworking truck that is perfect for those who need a vehicle that can handle tough tasks. With its powerful engine and durable construction, the L200 is capable of hauling heavy loads and taking on rough terrain. Whether you need a truck for work or play, the Mitsubishi L200 is up to the challenge.
That’s not to say that that the Mitsubishi L200 is without its faults. In this article, we take a look at the most common problems found on the Mitsubishi L200 and answer the question: is the Mitsubishi L200 reliable?
Mitsubishi L200 Engine Problems
There have been issues reported concerning the Mitsubishi L200 losing power, and this seems too often be the result of the air filter clogging, or possibly from a faulty turbine. Furthermore, it seems to be common with the Mitsubishi L200 for a turbo to fail, often caused by overheating. There are additionally cases of the turbo breather pipe displacing, which then can cause the engine to fail.
In defence of the Mitsubishi L200 engines, many issues can often be avoided through regular servicing and maintenance, and by addressing any small issues before they cause larger problems.
It is fairly common for the Mitsubishi L200 to have problems with the injectors, which often result in the van over-consuming fuel, and sometimes even emitting black smoke. The issues seem to be due to the injectors getting wet and then corroding onto the head.
Mitsubishi L200 Air Conditioning Problems
If you’ve ever been in a hot, stuffy Mitsubishi L200 on a summer day, you know how important air conditioning can be. Unfortunately, Mitsubishi L200 air conditioners can be notoriously finicky, and they often break down when you need them the most.
One of the most common Mitsubishi L200 AC problems is that the air conditioner doesn’t blow cold air. This can be caused by a number of things, including a low refrigerant level, a dirty air filter, or a problem with the compressor. If your Mitsubishi L200 air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air, the first thing you should do is check the refrigerant level. If it’s low, you’ll need to add more refrigerant. If the problem is a dirty air filter, you can simply replace it. However, if the problem is with the compressor, you’ll need to take your Mitsubishi L200 to a mechanic for repair.
Mitsubishi L200 Automatic gearbox problems
Owners of automatic Mitsubishi L200 often become aware of the dreaded torque converter lock-up clutch. Replacing the whole gearbox is a costly business and you can expect quotes of up to £3,000.
The good news is that a new gearbox may not be required. You can try getting a new torque converter fitted or even start by installing a cooler and putting in top grade new gearbox fluid.
Mitsubishi L200 Clutch problems
One of the most common Mitsubishi L200 van problems is with the clutch slipping due to an oil leak issue. Oil leaks seem to occur below the crankshaft oil seal when the oil goes past a certain level. This means the problem gets worse when oil is topped up.
Older models of the Mitsubishi L200 are known for developing a noisy squealing clutch. The problem gets worse if left and is mostly a problem when idling or at low revs. A new clutch bearing usually sorts the problem out.
Mitsubishi L200 DPF Problems
Diesel engines produce plenty of soot when they burn fuel, so a diesel particulate filter (DPF) is an essential piece of kit. On the Mitsubishi L200, it appears that the filters do not get hot enough to burn off the deposits trapped in the filter.
You will know if you have what is one of the more common Mitsubishi L200 problems because a DPF warning light will appear on the dashboard.
Unfortunately, the job of cleaning out the filter is not something you can undertake without putting it through a forced regeneration so you will need a main dealer to do the work.
Mitsubishi L200 EGR Valve Problems
Probably, the most annoying problem is limp mode activation. The Mitsubishi L200 primarily enters this mode due to the defective EGR valve.
The good old exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system inhibits the emission of nitrous oxide – an infamous pollutant. City driving builds up carbon deposits in its valve, triggering the sensors of the engine control unit.
You have to face limp mode, intermittent stalling, or excessive smoking in return. If you’re knee-deep in this mess, remove debris from the valve or attach a new one. A Mitsubishi L200 with a deleted EGR valve can fail its MOT in some countries.
Mitsubishi L200 Fuel Pump Problems
Fuel pump failures are not uncommon on the Mitsubishi L200, and they need to be dealt with quickly to avoid increasing the damage and potential cost of repair. A pump problem can be diagnosed by spotting filings in the fuel filter housing and this is a sure sign that the fuel pump is failing.
Sometimes the issue stems from dirty connectors in the expansion tank. If the sensor picks this up it will have your van limping along unnecessarily. Easily solved by a clean of the terminals.
Mitsubishi L200 Oil Leak Problems
If you own a Mitsubishi L200, you may eventually have to deal with an oil leak. While this can be a serious problem, there are some things you can do to fix it yourself.
First, try to identify where the leak is coming from. If it’s coming from the oil pan, you may be able to simply replace the gasket. If the leak is coming from the engine, you’ll need to take it to a mechanic.
Once you know where the leak is coming from, you can start to fix it. If it’s a small leak, you may be able to simply seal it with automotive sealant. For bigger leaks, you’ll need to replace the oil pan or engine.
If you’re not sure how to fix the leak, take your Mitsubishi L200 to a mechanic. They’ll be able to help you figure out the best way to fix the problem.
How many miles can a Mitsubishi L200 last?
Mitsubishi L200 are reasonably reliable and can last for many miles if well maintained and serviced on schedule. Looking on AutoTrader, the highest mileage Mitsubishi L200 has covered an impressive 224,000 miles, so that should give an idea of how long they can last.