Mitsubishi is a small player in the auto industry with the likes of Toyota and Honda taking the most market share, but it has been steadily improving over the last few years.
In fact, Mitsubishi is now one of the most reliable brands on the road today. However, just like the other car brands, Mitsubishi cars does have its fair share of problems,
In this article, I am going to talk about the common issues with the Japanese Crossover SUV, the ASX, based on the cars that came to my workshop, and the specific problems that Mitsubishi owners have reported.
Mitsubishi ASX Problems
Rust Under the Boot Switch:
A common issue with the ASX is rust under the boot switch. This issue can be caused by water leaks entering the car through the boot switch.
This is usually due to a faulty seal around the switch.
Over time boot switches will need to be rewelded This is a fairly common issue for Mitsubishi ASX owners especially the first gen which runs from the year 2010-2019 models.
Exhaust Corrosion:
Another common problem with the ASX is the exhaust; although they generally last a long time, the quality of the exhaust is not great.
This can cause corrosion on the exhaust pipes, which is generally a result of road debris damaging them over time. Corrosion will leave the metal underneath the ASX vulnerable to rust and leaks.
Related: Common Issues with Mitsubishi Triton
Park brakes Not Holding due to Rear Calliper Issues:
There was a recall issued for most ASX models due to a faulty rear caliper, which could cause the park brake not to hold.
This issue was resolved by Mitsubishi with a free replacement of the calipers, If you get an ASX it is important to check whether your ASX is affected by this recall.
If it is, then you should have the problem rectified as soon as possible.
Underbody Rust
Rust is a problem that can affect any car, no matter how new it is, but there have been reports of some ASXs developing rust underneath the bodywork.
This isn’t so much an issue with the car itself as it is with the paint job. Some owners complained of having to repaint their vehicles long after purchase because of this problem, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
Weak Windshield Glass
Another problem with the Mitsubishi ASX is the windshield glass is not very strong, which means small chips are likely to develop into cracks quickly. It is a minor problem but worth noting
DPF Issues
For the diesel variants of the ASX, there were reports of problems with the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). This is a device that cleans exhaust fumes by trapping particulates such as soot and dust particles.
Under certain circumstances, these particulates can be released from the filter and make their way into your engine, causing damage.
Only a few owners had this problem, but it is worth checking whether your ASX has this issue before considering it.
This is especially true if your driving tends to be short distances if that’s the case, then the 1.6 petrol may be a good option.
Thin Paintwork
The paint on the ASX is quite thin, which means that it can be easily scratched or damaged. This is not a huge problem, as it is quite easy to get touch-ups done.
It’s also worth checking for any signs of scratches or corrosion on the body.
Plastic Dashboard
The dashboard of the ASX is made from plastic, which means that it looks cheap for some people and squeaks when driving especially on bumpy uneven roads.
This is not a problem for some people but it can be a big turn-off for others.
How Long Do Mistubishi ASX Last?
The Mitsubishi ASX can easily last 250 000 KM (155 000 miles) – 300 000 KM (186 000 Miles) without major repairs.
This is a good thing as it means that you’ll be able to get great value for money from this car. The ASX has been known to last up to 7-10 years without major repairs or breakdowns.
Based on my experience as a mechanic, I can honestly say this car is bulletproof when it comes to the main components such as the engine, transmission, and electronics.
Additional Sources
What causes the headlights to switch on automatically at midnight regularly
Hey Themba, Automatic headlights in your Mitsubishi are controlled by sensors and electronic control units that detect the level of ambient light. When your headlights switch on automatically at midnight regularly, it’s likely because the light sensor is detecting low ambient light levels, which is common at night.