2022 MITSUBISHI EK WAGON

Typical onset: 30,000-60,000 mi

Symptoms: Loud ticking or tapping from cylinder head on cold start, Noise persists after warmup, especially at idle, Check engine light with misfire codes P0300-P0303, Loss of power and rough idle in severe cases

Fix: Requires cylinder head removal, lifter replacement (all 12), camshaft inspection, and often cam replacement due to lobe wear. 8-12 hours labor depending on turbo configuration. Turbo models add 2 hours for turbo removal/reinstall.

Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500

Typical onset: 40,000-70,000 mi

Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust on startup, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Overheating under load or in hot weather, Milky oil on dipstick or oil cap, Bubbling in coolant reservoir with engine running

Fix: Head gasket replacement requires 10-14 hours on turbo models. Must remove turbocharger, exhaust manifold, resurface head (often warped .003-.008 inches). Recommend replacing timing chain components and valve stem seals while open.

Estimated cost: $3,200-5,800

Typical onset: 25,000-50,000 mi

Symptoms: Small puddle of reddish fluid under front of vehicle, CVT fluid spots on driveway after parking, Burning smell after highway driving, CVT overheat warning light on dash

Fix: Cooler lines crack at the crimp fittings where they connect to the transmission. Requires line replacement (both recommended even if only one leaks) and fluid refill. 2.5-3.5 hours labor. Must use Mitsubishi CVTF-J4 fluid exclusively.

Estimated cost: $650-950

Typical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: Rattling from front of engine on cold start, subsides after 3-5 seconds, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes P0016, P0017, Rough idle and hesitation during acceleration, Engine won't start after sitting overnight in severe cases

Fix: Timing chain, tensioner, guides, and gears all need replacement. 7-9 hours labor. Critical to replace the oil control valve (VVT solenoid) simultaneously as debris from chain wear clogs it. Recommend complete upper engine oil flush before reassembly.

Estimated cost: $1,800-2,900

Typical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: Severe vibration at idle that worsens with RPM, Squealing or grinding from front of engine, Serpentine belt shredding or falling off repeatedly, Visible wobble of crankshaft pulley when engine running

Fix: Rubber isolator between inner hub and outer ring deteriorates. Requires balancer replacement and often crankshaft position sensor replacement due to erratic signal. 3-4 hours labor. Must inspect crankshaft nose for damage before installing new balancer.

Estimated cost: $750-1,200

Typical onset: 35,000-65,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive engine movement visible when revving in Park, Vibration through floorboard at idle, Steering wheel shakes when stopped in gear

Fix: Front transmission mount (engine side) rubber tears and separates. Requires transmission support and mount replacement. 2-2.5 hours labor. Often both engine and transmission mounts need replacement together for balanced support.

Estimated cost: $450-750