As a Japanese automaker Mitsubishi is known for making cars that are dependable and offer a lot of value for their price.
This is especially true when it comes to the company’s Triton pickup truck line. however even the best things can have problems, and as a mechanic, I have seen my fair share of Mitsubishi Triton problems.
In this article, I am going to discuss some common issues that Mitsubishi Triton owners might encounter and what can be done about them.
Mitsubishi Triton Common Problems
1. Petrol Flap Malfunctioning
The most common problem that I have seen with the Mitsubishi Triton is the petrol flap malfunctioning.
This can be caused by a number of things, but in most cases, it is due to a faulty hinge or spring which causes the flap to not open at times.
Generally, this doesn’t happen often (over time), but when it does, it can be quite annoying.
2. Drive’s Seat Tearing Prematurely
Another common problem with the Triton is the driver’s seat tearing prematurely.
This is usually due to below-average quality stitching or the material used for the seats being too fragile for heavy use.
If you plan to use your Mitsubishi Triton for commercial use, this is something that you should keep an eye on.
To prevent this you can get after-market seat covers which will protect your seats from tearing.
3. Below Par Stereo Sound Quality
This is highly subjective since the Triton is more of a daily or work truck than a luxury vehicle (although it does have luxury features)
The stereo system is not the best and definitely not comparable to some of the newer models out there but it does get the job done.
If you are looking for something better, however, you can upgrade your sound system by installing after-market speakers or an amplifier.
4. Manifold Crack
Some of the early Triton MQ models (2015-2017) have a tendency to develop cracks in the exhaust manifold which can cause some serious damage if not addressed.
The good news is that this issue has already been addressed by Mitsubishi, and you can get it fixed for free/lower price at any Mitsubishi dealership.
5. Third Gear Slip
The third gear slip is a common problem that affects many manual Triton models.
It occurs when the transmission slides into third gear while shifting from second to third.
This tends to happen when you shift very quickly between gears, or if you don’t let the clutch fully disengage before shifting.
This issue affects only manual variants of this pickup and automatic ones are not affected by it.
Fortunately, this happens as part of the wear and tear of the vehicle, and generally, this problem happens after the 120 000-150 000 KM (74 000- 93 000 miles) mark
6. Door Vibrations
The final common issue that affects Triton models is door vibrations.
This problem occurs at high speeds and causes the doors to shake violently when you hit bumps in the road or take turns at high speeds.
You can use sound-deadening materials to help reduce the vibrations if you find them too irritating.
Otherwise, most owners don’t find this problem to be particularly bothersome.
How Reliable is the Mitsubishi Triton?
Now, that I have addressed the common issues you should be aware of, let’s take a look at how reliable the Mitsubishi Triton really is.
based on my personal experience as an Auto technician I can tell you that the Triton is a very reliable vehicle.
I have serviced many of these trucks and have never had any major issues with them (not much can go wrong).
These trucks can easily last you for more than 200,000 miles (320 000 KM) with proper maintenance.
of cause, you should always do the maintenance on time and properly, but if you do the truck will last you for years.
Key Takeaway
The Triton is a dependable and reliable vehicle. The only common issues are the ones I have mentioned above, but they are easy to fix.
It is not the most stylish or luxurious but it gets the job done and that’s what matters in my opinion.
The 4d56 engine is pretty much unbreakable and will last you for years
The Triton is a very comfortable truck that can be used for many purposes. It can be a work truck, a family car, or just your daily driver.
Feel free to share your thoughts or ask any questions you may have about the Triton.
Additional Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_Triton
https://simonlucas.co.nz/blog/top-5-most-commonly-asked-questions-about-triton.