Are you familiar with Mitsubishi ASX problems that may occur? The Mitsubishi ASX is a compact crossover SUV first introduced in 2010. It’s known for being practical, easy to live with, and generally durable—but it also has a handful of recurring mechanical, electrical, and recall-related issues that pop up more often than buyers expect.
A key point before we start: “ASX” can be sold under different names in some markets (for example, Outlander Sport or RVR). Because of that, problem patterns and recalls can vary by country and model year, so always verify using your vehicle’s VIN/registration, not just what you read online.
Below are the most common Mitsubishi ASX problems to watch for, plus a simple checklist to help you avoid costly surprises when buying used.
1) CVT automatic transmission problems (jerking, hesitation, “emergency mode”)
If you’re looking at an ASX with a CVT automatic, this is one of the biggest areas buyers ask about. Owners commonly describe jerky acceleration, delayed response, unusual noises under load, and—in more severe cases—fault messages that push the vehicle into a reduced-performance “limp/emergency” mode.
Typical symptoms
- Shuddering/jerking when pulling away
- Lag between throttle input and acceleration
- Whining noises that change with speed/load
- Warning lights or “failsafe” behavior after long/hot drives
What to check before buying
- Test drive from cold and fully warmed up
- Do several slow pull-aways and gentle hill starts
- Try steady acceleration from 20–50 mph and see if it feels smooth
- Check service history for CVT fluid changes (missing history is a negotiation point)
Practical owner tip
A lot of long-term CVT health comes down to fluid condition and heat management—if the car feels “fine” but has no record of CVT servicing, budget for a proper inspection and fluid service.
2) Timing chain rattle (common concern on some petrol engines)
Some petrol ASX variants are associated with timing chain wear, often noticed as a rattle on cold start that fades after a short time.
Typical symptoms
- Rattle for a few seconds (or minutes) after cold start
- Rough/uneven running if wear becomes advanced
- Timing-related fault codes in worse cases
What to check
- Insist on a true cold start (car not pre-warmed)
- Listen closely for any metallic rattling
- Look for strong service history (regular oil changes matter here)
3) Diesel DPF clogging (short-trip diesels are the riskiest)
On diesel ASX models, a recurring ownership headache is DPF clogging, especially if the car does mostly short trips where it can’t complete regeneration cycles.
Typical symptoms
- DPF/emissions warning light
- Reduced performance / limp mode
- Higher fuel consumption
- Hard starting or rough running when the system is struggling
Best prevention
- Regular longer drives so regeneration can complete
- Don’t ignore warning lights—DPF issues can snowball into expensive repairs if left too long
4) Recall: brake pedal may stick (brake booster-related)
This is a big “check the paperwork” item. The RAC notes a recall where brake pedals on cars built between 31 August 2010 and 4 July 2012 may stick, requiring a new brake booster.
Why it matters
A sticking brake pedal is not something to “live with.” It’s safety-critical, and it can make the car unpredictable.
What to do
- Confirm recall completion via official recall tools (see checklist below)
- During a test drive, brake repeatedly and check for any pedal oddities (binding, delayed return)
5) Recall: engine may stall (ECU reprogramming)
The RAC also notes another recall: engines could stall on models made between 19 April 2010 and 27 June 2012, which required an ECU reprogram.
What to check
- Ask for documentation showing the ECU update was completed
- Watch for any hesitation, sudden loss of power, or warning lights during the test drive
6) Recall: tailgate gas struts corrosion (risk of detachment)
Another RAC-listed recall: the tailgate gas struts on some ASX models could detach due to corrosion (RAC lists production dates 6 April 2010 to 10 September 2014).
What to check
- Open/close the tailgate several times
- Listen for creaks or feel uneven resistance
- Inspect the strut mounts for rust or previous repair
7) Recall: wiper mechanism water ingress → corrosion and seizure
RAC notes water can enter wiper mechanisms on certain vehicles (listed as constructed 21 May 2013 to 29 January 2016), potentially causing corrosion and wipers seizing.
Buyer tip
Test the wipers on all speeds, including intermittent, and listen for strain or uneven movement.
8) Recall: door locks may not operate correctly in hot weather
RAC reports a recall where the door locking mechanism may not operate correctly in hot weather for some vehicles made between 23 April 2015 and 14 March 2016.
What to check
- Lock/unlock repeatedly with the key and interior button
- Check all doors (not just the driver’s door)
9) Recall: ECU relay overheating can cause engine issues
RAC also flags that the ECU relay on some cars (built 5 December 2014 to 19 April 2016) can overheat and cause engine issues.
What to watch for
- Intermittent cutting out, non-start episodes, or warning lights
- Evidence of recall work is the best reassurance
10) Parking brake corrosion/ineffective parking brake (market-specific recalls)
Some markets have issued recall actions involving parking brake components. For example, Ireland’s consumer protection body described a recall affecting ASX/Outlander/Outlander PHEV where corrosion could cause reduced parking brake efficiency or inoperative operation.
In the US, Consumer Reports also covered Mitsubishi parking-brake-related recalls on certain SUVs, citing rust-related sticking/engagement issues and dealer repair actions.
What to check
- On a safe incline, verify the car holds firmly with the parking brake applied
- Feel for excessive lever travel (manual) or inconsistent engagement (electronic systems)
11) Infotainment and Bluetooth connectivity glitches
While not usually dangerous, tech glitches can be a daily annoyance. Bluetooth dropouts and connectivity problems are repeatedly mentioned in ownership summaries.
What to check
- Pair your phone and make a call
- Stream audio for 5–10 minutes
- Test USB ports and steering wheel controls
12) Air conditioning and electronics faults (weak cooling, compressor noise)
A/C problems are another recurring complaint area in some ownership write-ups—ranging from weak cooling to compressor noise or electronic control issues.
What to check
- Verify cold air at idle and while driving
- Listen for unusual compressor noises
- Make sure airflow direction controls work properly
13) General wear areas on higher-mileage ASX cars
As mileage climbs, some owners report more “normal wear” issues: wheel bearings (road noise), brake wear, and occasional fuel pump/sensor complaints.
Separately, the Car Expert’s warranty-data summary notes that engine-related problems can be among the most expensive, and that gearbox repairs—while less common—can also be costly.
Practical takeaway
A cheap used ASX with warning lights, drivetrain hesitation, or poor history often stops being cheap very quickly—especially if you end up funding gearbox or major engine work.
Mitsubishi ASX used-buyer checklist (fast, realistic, high value)
Step 1: Verify recalls before you view the car
- In the UK, you can check safety recalls via GOV.UK.
- For manufacturer guidance in the UK, check Mitsubishi Motors recall information.
- In the US, use National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall lookup tools.
Don’t skip this. The ASX has multiple year-range recall items listed in UK guidance sources.
Step 2: Match engine choice to your driving
- Mostly short trips? Consider petrol to reduce DPF risk.
- Regular long runs? Diesel can work well—if maintained properly and used correctly.
Step 3: Test drive like you’re trying to catch problems
- CVT: check for shudder, lag, hot behavior.
- Cold start: listen for timing chain rattle.
- Brakes: repeat braking, confirm pedal returns normally.
- Wipers: test all speeds and listen for strain.
Step 4: Do a quick “tech stress test”
- Pair Bluetooth and stream audio.
- Test A/C performance properly.
FAQ
Is the Mitsubishi ASX reliable overall?
Generally, it’s considered an “average-to-decent” ownership proposition—but warranty data and buyer guides highlight that engine problems can be the most expensive category when they do occur, and gearbox repairs can also be pricey even if less frequent.
What is the #1 issue to be careful about on an ASX?
For many buyers it’s the CVT, because symptoms can be subtle until they’re not (shudder/lag/overheating behavior).
For safety, don’t ignore the brake booster/brake pedal recall checks either.
How do I check if my ASX has outstanding recalls?
Use official tools in your country (UK: GOV.UK; US: NHTSA), then confirm with the manufacturer if anything shows outstanding.
Source links (for your References section)
https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/car-reviews/mitsubishi/asx/asx-2010-2019/
https://www.thecarexpert.co.uk/mitsubishi-asx-2010/
https://www.autodoc.co.uk/info/problems-with-the-mitsubishi-asx
https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall
Recall
https://www.mitsubishicars.com/recall
https://www.ccpc.ie/consumers/product_recalls/mitsubishi-recall-asx-outlander-outlander-phev/
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-recalls-defects/mitsubishi-recalls-suvs-to