MITSUBISHI Shogun road tests and consumer car reviews

Mitsubishi Shogun 2009

What a load of C**P. Have owned a Nissan Teranno before the Shogun and being a farmer/forestry worker I need a vehicle that will tackle both jobs. I have realised how useless and c**p the Shogun is when it comes to off road/snow. I would not recommend the shogun to any one needing to work in these situations.

Responses to this review

With the standard road tyres I got stuck on grass. Fitted General Graber AT2 and it goes better on the farm than any other make of 4x4 I have had to tow out. Don’t blame the Shogun, blame the rubbish show room tyres - James from England

Mitsubishi Shogun DID Eligance 2003

I had the same experience as Daine Halliwell above, at about 90,000 miles the timing chain snapped and lunched the whole engine, second hand replacement and fitting Å�3,000. Colt didn’t want to know and sent me to the dealer. The dealer had done a valve adjustment 14,000 prior to the failure so also didn’t want to know. I wrote to the CEO of MMUK, (who now own Colt), describing at least 10 cases I had found on the internet all over the world (these are just some of the ones that can be bothered to go on-line), some from Mitsubishi Service engineers included, stating that this is a known fault. MMUK denied that there was a problem, however, admitted some years ago to instructing dealers to check the guide at each service. I asked 2 dealers if they did this, and they confirmed ’no’, and they have never had this instruction, only a letter advising to watch out for it. According to one mechanic on-line, you need to replace the guide yourself at least every 30,000 miles as the plastic gets brittle and breaks off dropping down into the timing gear and chain, breaking the chain. Hard to give a good rating to an otherwise great truck that is let down by engines that fail, through a simple fault, when the UK Corporate Head Office and dealerships are more interested in profit than protecting their brand and lookig after the customer. Caveat Emptor!

Responses to this review

Hi Richard, sorry to hear you have had the same experience as us, not pleasant from a so called luxury car. We did have the engine repaired, all top end done cost 2,000 plus pounds now at 59,000 miles the bottom pulley has broken and I’m looking at maybe another 1,000 pounds to sort out, this is all in the space of less than 6 months. If the car was an old banger I would have scrapped it by now. Another thing, the windscreen wiper linkage snaps like a piece of string in cold weathe, ours has and a friend with the same car has done the same. When you ring Mitsubishi up they usually giggle and say its a common fault that bit of metal will be a hundred and fifty pound. Hopefully these reviews will help people to decide to not spend there money on these cars any more ,what was once a good solid reliable 4x4 brand are now just a former shadow of themselves, the engines are not up to the job and we as the buyers are suffering but Mitsubishi should remember the internet is a powerful communications media and if we can save one person buying thier cars, they have lost out. Little consolation to us who are lumbered with them. I have wrote to Mitsubishi about there scrappage scheme asking what my 03 shogun’s worth i,m still waiting on a reply on the plus side the car made a great fridge for my beer over the xmas in this cold weather. If i didnt laugh I’d cry - Diane Halliwell from Durham

Mitsubishi Shogun equippe 2009

A brilliant motor, I’ve been out in the snow and it did everything asked of it and more, can’t fault the big diesel.

Mitsubishi Shogun 2006

Replaced our 52 shogun with newer model.Few annoying problems- auto box rather eratic, not very smooth. Biggest problem is off road capability with Dunlop AT/20 tyres-useless. Fitted with standard 18’’ rims and cannot find an off road tyre to fit- BF Goodrich don’t do them so we now have to keep on the road which defeats reason for buying vehicle!!

Responses to this review

General grabber AT2 - Gareth Smith from Norfolk

Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2 di-d lwb auto 2008

I bought my car from the Leicester Showroom as an ex-demonstrator with full warranty in April 09. Only had 9931 miles on the clock but had problems right from the start. The dealer has had the car back now 9 times since I identified fault. Apparently the breather tube for the map sensor blocks with carbon and starts to stall the car over time. Mitsubishi have now found that the pipe is in the wrong position on the manifold so have change a lot of pipes and part of the manifold. The MPG is no where near the advertised for the car and they have said, quote: "only one car on the production line is tested as being representative of the model and may therefore produce a better or worse result than another similar vehicle." So if you’re lucky you could get a good car, if not a very bad example but they are not willing to deal with it any further. Other faults also apearing on car, so stear clear of them.

Mitsubishi Shogun 1.9 Estate 2004

I bought a 2004 1.9 petrol Vitara in July 2007, as I was very impressed with my daughter’s 1993 JLX model. My Vitara was very reliable, and extremely comfortable, although rather expensive to keep on the road. I averaged 36mpg on motorway driving, travelling at 60mph. I reluctantly part exchanged it a few weeks ago for a more economical vehicle.

Mitsubishi Shogun swb 3.0 v6 2006

An exellent looking vehicle I’d previously owned a pajero exceed diesel then found this one going cheap with a private plate so bought it. So far so good.. It came with a brand new mot and no advisory issues and seems ok, however, there is a small water leak somewhere on the windscreen seal above rear view mirror. Not much to complain for what i paid, lets hope the car keeps going.

Mitsubishi Shogun Sport 2004

I purchased this vehicle in 2005, in 2009 with 34,000 on the clock, the front discs failed, in that they warped, has any other owner had a similar problem? As expected Mitsubishi deny any problems or recall in relation to this siuation. Their Customer Service Advisor states, and I quote. " I do not feel that we supply or sell defective components. This vehicle has been subject to 1 recall."

Responses to this review

My 2002 Shogun Sport has only 37k miles on the clock yet has been showing signs of warped discs for over the last 15k miles. It has passed several MOTs without comment. I can feel the brakes pulsing throught the pedal but otherwise the brakes seem OK. Eventually, I’ll change the discs, which I’ve discovered are not expensive - Nick Nicholson from London

I have had 2 Shoguns where front disks have warped. 1st one at 26,000 & 2nd at 67,000 miles. Common fault due to overheating. Second change, replacements (not Misubishi) failed within 200 miles. Second replacement OK. Disks are about £70 - Brian Mckay from Kent

Mitsubishi Shogun swb 1999 3L 24v GLS 1999

The Shogun is brilliant on wet & dry roads - it sticks like glue.

Mitsubishi Shogun gls 1993

I bought this shogun for two reasons. One, I always wanted one and Two, the fact that I needed the seating required for the kids. It’s been an interesting purchase over the time I’ve owned it; I have replaced some service items - balance belt etc, but found that I have had some serious welding to do. It’s fabulous off-road, very stable but it feels that on road the gearing could do with an improvement, ie the final gear is rubbish. I would of thought that 60mph at 3,000 rpm is bad, thought it would be better at say 2,000 rpm thereby saving fuel and noise. Overall it’s been good and would buy another one without hesitation.

Mitsubishi Shogun 3.0L td 1996

Hi, I have a 1996 Shogun it is the best car. A lot better than a s****y old Land Rover or Toyota Hilux, it will go anywhere. It has a 3.0L td and does 0 to 60 in 6.6 secs with no super charger! And it has a chrome bull-bar, so Shogun lovers buy a 1996 shogun!

Mitsubishi Shogun equippe lwb 2005

After 75,000 miles and nearly four years towing many of those round the country as a horse transporter this has been 99.9% reliable. Only the alarm fob needed replacing after 3 1/2 years. OK, its a bit wallowy compared to the newest model but no sore back (which I am prone to) on 600mile round trips. Very short 1st gear is so good when towing. Off road my lwb is as good as my old swb Terrano (much more comfy though). Mud, rock crawling etc and ground clearance deceptively good though the tow bar, as with any car can catch at approach and departure points on the steeper inclines. 4x4 system works better than anything I have used off road. Only negative, a bit bland but nothing comes close at this price and pulls 3.3 tonnes. Show me another SUV (Pathfinder, most of the new pick ups, Kia etc) that can legally tow a fully laden Ifor Williams 505 or 510 horse trailer (except disco / defender) at just short of 2.9 tonnes and no road cars. Am about to buy my second Shogun in auto this time.

Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2did elegance 2003

I did not have a bad word for this car until it had reached 51,000 miles. The guide the chain runs through has also twisted and snapped as it is made of plastic and it has completely wrecked the engine. I have looked after my vehicle, serviced it regularly and now have a nice looking car with a completely shattered engine due to the fact the tensioner designed to hold the timing chain taught has in fact snapped and dropped into the timing chain. Mitsubishi want no part off looking into this problem, which at 51,000 miles is a bitter pill to swallow. The cost of repair is running beyond £2000 pounds - you have been warned, this has happened to other people as well.

Mitsubishi Shogun 1996

I think the Shogun is the best car made - no problems ever.

Mitsubishi Shogun Field 2005

Not had a problem with gearbox but rear drive shaft popped from iol seal. It seems there’s stress on the circlip that holds in the seal and drive shaft with the consequence of loosing all the oil from the dif. causing damage to gears in the dif. any body out there had similar. My warranty ran out last year not got bill for repairs yet. Hoping Mitsubishi will see this as manufacturing fault and repair under warranty. Other than this, really love the beast best motor I’ve had.

Responses to this review

Re your diff seal problem; You should do a google search on pajero companion seals...in Australia. Have a look at the Pajero club of victoria forums too . I believe Mitsubishi Motors Aust are replacing this rear diff seal (a change to a better design late 2005) as a warranty fix if it is asked for - John Croker from Australia

Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2 Elegance LWB 2003

I have had the same problem of overheating when towing and changed the main radiator which fixed the problem. It seems they are not man enough on the automatics as a friend had the same problem on 1999 2.8 and changing the radiator fixed this as well. I had a 1998 2.8 manual before and never had this problem, have been in touch with Mitsubishi UK about this but they do not want to know.

Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2 Elegance 2004

I’ve had Shoguns since 1994 (this is my 4th) and never a problem with towing until this one that we’ve had from new. It overheats after about 60 miles and was recalled in 2006 for overheating. I had the recall work done but it still overheats at about 90 miles. After sales is rubbish as no dealer wants to know. Now going to chop it in for a Toyota Invincible - what a shame as my wife and I love the Shoguns but I think its bad design in the new engine. If any one knows the answer I would be grateful.

Mitsubishi Shogun 2005

I had the same problem with our Shogun Field, also a 05 and was told the same thing. I also had intermittent problem with oil warning light coming on and told ’no known problem like this’ and then got a recall notice to attend to problem!! I agree that after sales care is not that brilliant.

Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2 DiD Elegance 2004

I bought this to replace a Chrysler Grand Voyager as the family wagon (two adults, three grown kids, two dogs and family holidays around Europe with roofbox/trailer and five full-sized bikes!) - not an easy job. The Shogun had a couple of teething problems which were resolved by adequate dealer. The equipment is good and durable, it’s quiet, comfortable, well equipped and remarkably economical when loaded on long trips (less so if you use it for Tesco run...) and a lot more stable and safer than a Grand Voyager! Mitsubishi Assist program (£15/yr for European recovery etc) is fantastic value and service was amazing only time I used it. I have recommended Shogun to one friend and my father so far - so I must like it.

Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2 did equipe 2002

great car ........BUT I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH AUTOBOX SELECT DRIVE IN MORNING STICK FEELS SPONGEY ,VERY RELUCTENT TO PULL AWAY ,WHEN I DOES FINE FOR THE REST OF THE DAY AFTER WARM UP,BEEN IN LOCAL MITSIBUSHI DEALER FOR 2 DAYS THEY HAVE NOT A CLUE .ANY HELP PLEASE EMAIL LOSING HOPE scottgibson76@ blueyonder.co.uk

Mitsubishi Shogun 2006

Most surprising element was the fuel economy of the 3.2 diesel engine. I expected it to do far less per litre. On road this is avery smooth ride, easily manouverable despite its apparant size. In ice/snow the 4 wheel drive performs very well and control is easily kept. Off road in low and very low drive this vehicle needs off road tyres. On general off road, grass damp surfaces it performs well. Once the mud starts to depen it gets more difficult without the all terain tyres. With them it drives, even when i sunk it to the axles.... not on purpose of course. The all leather interior was comfortable and the driving controls are well placed and easy to reach and use.

Mitsubishi Shogun

Own Shogun Field, have problem with gearbox locking intermittently. Told by local dealer and Colt cars that if fault not seen by garage than no further investigation will be undertaken until vehicle breaks down. Car is 05 and still under warranty. Have been very pleased with Shogun up to now but would not consider buying another one due to after sales service.