Temperature light on, or coolant spraying?
Pull over somewhere safe and switch off. CarsGuide's advice on a 2020 Triton with an overflow bottle that kept filling and spraying was not to drive it any farther, because that points to a serious internal fault such as a blown head gasket. Don't open the radiator cap on a hot engine. If you're stuck on the road, put your hazards on, keep everyone clear of the traffic and call roadside assistance. If anyone is hurt or in danger, call 000.
Which Triton engine do you have?
| Built | Diesel | Timing and valves | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ML, MN | 2005 to 2015 | 2.5 or 3.2-litre | The 2.5 uses a rubber belt, usually replaced about every 100,000 km with the balance shaft belt. On the 3.2, ask the mechanic |
| MQ, MR | 2014 to 2023 | 2.4-litre 4N15 | Timing chain, with valve clearances every 60,000 km |
| MV | From February 2024 | 2.4-litre 4N16 | Go by the book |
Engine light on a Mitsubishi Triton
Have it scanned first. CarsGuide's answer on a 2012 Triton said a camshaft deviation code on a diesel can point to a worn timing chain, while on the 2.4-litre petrol it looked at ignition faults or leaking injectors. On a 2018 Triton, a DPF light and a check-engine light may be connected, and a scan shows whether they are.
A flashing light, a red light or a ute that's lost power means stop somewhere safe. Keep the code, because it's how you'll know if the same fault comes back.
What are the common Mitsubishi Triton problems?
DPF (diesel particulate filter). The filter traps soot and burns it off when hot. CarsGuide says that doesn't always work, filters can clog and need a manual clean-out or, in extreme cases, replacing. Utes doing more highway running have fewer problems, so a town-only Triton is the one to watch.
Injectors. CarsGuide calls worn injectors a common problem on common-rail diesels, and they can show up as smoke, as on a 2013 ute.
Older diesel overheating. A service bulletin, not a recall, covered coolant loss on some diesels from poor head gasket sealing. CarsGuide says heavy towing or sustained high speed made it more likely, and a machining change in 2014 production fixed it.
Ticking. On a 2018 diesel, CarsGuide suspected a failing hydraulic lifter, after ruling out the fuel pump.
Mitsubishi Triton recalls to check
- MQ and MR, MY15 to MY19, sold between 3 February 2015 and 2 December 2019: 102,616 utes, because a dealer-fitted towbar wiring harness could overheat or burn
- 2011 and 2012 utes: 17,540 Tritons for a weak weld on the front lower control arms, which can make the ute pull to one side
- Older utes with Takata airbags: Mitsubishi's recall needs a VIN check
Mitsubishi Triton service schedule
CarExpert lists maintenance every 12 months or 15,000 km, whichever comes first. That's the Triton's normal schedule, and a ute towing or running dusty roads often needs closer attention, so ask the mechanic what your book says about severe use.
Mitsubishi's 10-year, 200,000 km warranty was reported in 2020 as depending on dealer servicing, with five years or 100,000 km for owners going to outside mechanics. Terms can change, so read your book. Having a qualified independent mechanic follow Mitsubishi's schedule and specifications doesn't by itself void the new car warranty.
Tell us the year, the engine and the work the ute does. A local mechanic who specialises in your car.
Where we'd start with a Triton
Match the fault to the engine before anything else. On a 4N15, ask when the valve clearances were last done. On a 2.5 diesel, find out when the belts were changed, and don't guess. If it tows, have the cooling system looked at before a long trip, because that's cheaper in every way than finding out on the highway.