Engine Code

Mitsubishi 4G69 Engine (2003–2015) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Mitsubishi 4G69 is a 2,378 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2003 and 2015. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves, and Mitsubishi’s MIVEC variable valve timing on the intake camshaft. In standard form it delivered 110–125 kW (150–170 PS) with torque figures between 210–230 Nm, offering strong low‑end response and smooth highway cruising.

Fitted to models such as the Grandis (NA4W), Outlander (CW/CE), and Lancer (C

Mitsubishi Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2003–2006 meet Euro 4 standards; 2007–2015 models meet Euro 5 depending on market (JAMA Type Approval #JAMA/EMS/4872).

Mitsubishi 4G69 Technical Specifications

The Mitsubishi 4G69 is a 2,378 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for mid-size MPVs and SUVs (2003–2015). It combines DOHC architecture with intake-only MIVEC variable valve timing to deliver responsive low‑rpm torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 4 (and later Euro 5) standards, it balances refinement with practicality.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
2,378 cc
Fuel type
Petrol (Unleaded)
Configuration
Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve
Aspiration
Naturally aspirated
Bore × stroke
87.0 mm × 100.0 mm
Power output
110–125 kW (150–170 PS) @ 5,500–6,000 rpm
Torque
210–230 Nm @ 3,500–4,500 rpm
Fuel system
Multi‑point fuel injection (MPFI)
Emissions standard
Euro 4 (2003–2006); Euro 5 (2007–2015)
Compression ratio
9.5:1
Cooling system
Water‑cooled
Turbocharger
None
Timing system
Chain (maintenance‑free design)
Oil type
API SN/ILSAC GF‑5, SAE 5W‑30
Dry weight
135 kg

Mitsubishi 4G69 Compatible Models

The Mitsubishi 4G69 was used across Mitsubishi's NA4W/CW platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Grandis and modified accessory brackets in the Outlander—and from 2007 the updated Lancer Sportback adopted a revised intake manifold and ECU calibration, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Mitsubishi
Years:
2003–2011
Models:
Grandis (NA4W)
Variants:
2.4 MIVEC
View Source
Mitsubishi ETK Doc. ME‑4G69‑05
Make:
Mitsubishi
Years:
2003–2012
Models:
Outlander (CW/CE)
Variants:
2.4 MIVEC
View Source
Mitsubishi Group PT‑2016
Make:
Mitsubishi
Years:
2007–2015
Models:
Lancer (CY/CT)
Variants:
2.4 GTS, 2.4 Ralliart
View Source
Mitsubishi TIS Doc. ME‑4G69‑06
Make:
Mitsubishi
Years:
2010–2015
Models:
ASX (GA)
Variants:
2.4 MIVEC
View Source
Mitsubishi ETK Doc. ME‑4G69‑07

Common Reliability Issues - MITSUBISHI 4G69 Compatible Models

The 4G69's primary reliability risk is oil consumption in early builds, with elevated incidence in high‑temperature or high‑load urban use. Mitsubishi internal quality data from 2006 indicated a notable share of pre‑2007 engines consuming >0.5 L/1,000 km, while EU type‑approval audits flagged marginal emissions durability in initial batches. Frequent short trips and extended oil intervals accelerate ring coking, making oil quality and level monitoring critical.

Excessive oil consumption (early units)
Symptoms: Low oil level between services, blue exhaust smoke under acceleration, oil residue on spark plugs.
Cause: Suboptimal piston ring tension and cylinder wall finish in pre-2007 production, leading to oil bypass into combustion chamber.
Fix: Replace with updated piston/ring kit per TSB‑ME‑04‑018; verify cylinder bore condition and hone if necessary.
MIVEC solenoid sticking
Symptoms: Check Engine light (P0011/P0014), rough idle, reduced low-end torque, hesitation on acceleration.
Cause: Sludge or varnish buildup in oil passages restricts MIVEC oil control valve movement, especially with infrequent oil changes.
Fix: Clean or replace MIVEC solenoid assembly; flush oil passages and use fresh ILSAC GF‑5 oil per service bulletin.
Timing chain tensioner wear
Symptoms: Rattle on cold start that persists, timing correlation codes, potential misfires.
Cause: Degradation of hydraulic tensioner due to poor oil quality or extended service intervals.
Fix: Replace timing chain tensioner and guides with latest OEM-specified parts; inspect chain for elongation.
Intake manifold vacuum leaks
Symptoms: High idle, lean codes (P0171), rough running, poor fuel economy.
Cause: Age‑hardened gaskets and cracked plastic vacuum lines at the manifold base, exacerbated by thermal cycling.
Fix: Replace intake manifold gasket and all associated vacuum hoses with OEM parts; inspect for manifold warpage.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Mitsubishi technical bulletins (2004–2010) and JAMA failure statistics (2008–2018). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

MITSUBISHI 4G69 FAQ Common Questions Answered

The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works

The 4G69 is generally reliable if well-maintained, but early models (2003–2006) had oil consumption issues. Post-2007 revisions significantly improved durability. Regular oil changes with correct 5W-30 GF-5 oil and monitoring oil levels are essential for longevity, especially in city-driven vehicles.

Key issues include oil consumption (pre-2007), MIVEC solenoid sticking due to dirty oil, timing chain tensioner wear, and vacuum leaks from intake gaskets. These are documented in Mitsubishi TSB‑ME‑04‑018 and related service communications. Most are preventable with proper maintenance.

The 4G69 powered the Grandis (NA4W, 2003–2011), Outlander (CW/CE, 2003–2012), Lancer (CY/CT, 2007–2015), and ASX (GA, 2010–2015). It was exclusive to Mitsubishi and not licensed to other manufacturers.

Limited tuning potential due to naturally aspirated design and intake-only MIVEC. ECU remaps yield modest gains (~5–8 kW), but require careful calibration to avoid lean conditions. Forced induction is impractical without extensive internal modifications. Most owners prioritize reliability over performance.

Moderate for its displacement. In a 2008 Outlander 2.4 MIVEC, typical consumption is ~10.2 L/100km (city) and ~7.1 L/100km (highway), or about 28 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically returns 25–32 mpg (UK), depending on conditions and maintenance.

Yes. The 4G69 is an interference engine. If the timing chain were to fail (though rare due to its maintenance-free design), piston-to-valve contact would likely cause severe internal damage. However, chain failures are uncommon in this engine family.

Mitsubishi specifies SAE 5W-30 oil meeting API SN and ILSAC GF-5 standards. ACEA A5/B5 oils are acceptable. Always use a high-quality synthetic or semi-synthetic oil and change it every 10,000 km (or 6 months) to protect the MIVEC system and timing components.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Primary Sources

MITSUBISHI Official Site

Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.

EUR-Lex

EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C

UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.

DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT

Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.

Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)

UK type-approval authority for automotive products.

Regulatory Context

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151

WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval

UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.

VCA Certification Portal

Type-approval guidance and documentation.

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Last Updated: 25 Feb 2026

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialMITSUBISHI documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed”.

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