The 2020 eK Wagon is Mitsubishi's kei-car platform with a 660cc three-cylinder engine, often turbocharged. Common issues revolve around the small-displacement engine working hard under load, leading to premature timing chain wear, lifter noise, and occasionally head gasket failure, plus CVT transmission cooler and mount problems.
Timing Chain Stretch and Tensioner Failure
Common · high severityTypical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start that subsides after warmup, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (P0016, P0017), Rough idle or hesitation under acceleration, Metal shavings in oil during changes
Fix: Replace timing chain, guides, tensioner, and both cam gears. On turbo models, access is tighter and adds 1-2 hours. Total job runs 8-10 hours labor. These small engines rev high and the chains don't last like larger platforms.
Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800
Hydraulic Valve Lifter Noise and Wear
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Persistent ticking or tapping from valve cover, especially when cold, Noise increases with RPM, Oil pressure light flickers at idle in severe cases, Loss of power if cam lobe wear occurs
Fix: Replace all lifters (typically all 12 on the BR06 engine). If caught early, lifters alone suffice at 6-7 hours labor. If delayed, camshaft damage occurs requiring cam replacement, which pushes job to 10-12 hours with head removal. Use OEM lifters—aftermarket ones fail faster.
Estimated cost: $900-1,500 (lifters only), $2,200-3,200 (with camshaft)
CVT Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddles under front of vehicle, Burnt smell from fluid leaking onto exhaust, Transmission slipping or erratic shifting when fluid level drops, Overheating warning light in hot weather or under load
Fix: Replace cooler lines and reseal fittings at radiator. If leak goes unnoticed and trans runs low, internal CVT damage occurs requiring full rebuild or replacement. Cooler line job alone is 2-3 hours; CVT replacement is 12-15 hours and cost-prohibitive on these kei cars.
Estimated cost: $400-700 (lines only), $4,500-6,500 (CVT replacement)
Head Gasket Failure (Turbo Models)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust on startup, Coolant loss with no visible external leaks, Overheating under boost or highway driving, Milky oil on dipstick or oil cap, Bubbles in coolant reservoir when engine running
Fix: Head gasket replacement requires full head removal, resurfacing, and valve job if warpage occurred. Turbo models cook the thin gasket under sustained boost. Job runs 10-12 hours. Always check head for cracks and replace timing components while in there. Use multi-layer steel OEM gasket.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,500
Transmission Mount Collapse
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive engine movement visible from engine bay during acceleration, Vibration through cabin at idle, Difficulty engaging gears smoothly
Fix: Replace front and rear transmission mounts. The CVT's weight and vibration kill the rubber mounts faster than traditional autos. Front mount is 1.5 hours, rear is 2 hours due to access under battery tray and intake. Replace both at once to avoid comebacks.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Harmonic Balancer Deterioration
Rare · high severityTypical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Severe vibration at idle that worsens with RPM, Squealing or chirping from serpentine belt area, Visible wobble on crankshaft pulley when engine running, Check engine light with random misfire codes
Fix: Replace harmonic balancer and serpentine belt. The rubber ring separates from the hub, causing imbalance that can damage the crank snout or timing components. Job is 3-4 hours on these tight engine bays. Inspect crank nose for damage before installing new balancer.
Estimated cost: $600-950
Buy one if you need a cheap, efficient city car and can stay on top of oil changes and CVT fluid—but budget for timing chain work before 80k miles and avoid turbo models unless meticulously maintained.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.