The Mitsubishi 4N15 is a 2,268 cc, inline‑four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2015 and 2023. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 16 valves, and a high-pressure common-rail fuel system with solenoid injectors. In standard form it delivered 133–150 kW (181–204 PS) with torque of 430–470 Nm, engineered for responsive low-end thrust and refined highway cruising.
Fitted to models such as the Pajero Sport (KH/KJ), L200/Triton (KG/KH), and Eclipse Cross (limited markets), the 4N15 was designed to balance off‑road capability with modern emissions compliance. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue, allowing full Euro 6 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is premature failure of the variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) actuator linkage due to carbon buildup and thermal fatigue. This issue, referenced in Mitsubishi Technical Service Bulletin TSB-ENG-2018-11, can cause boost control faults and limp-mode activation. From 2020 onward, Mitsubishi revised the actuator arm material and updated ECU calibration to improve durability under high-load conditions.
All production years 2015–2023 meet Euro 6 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6217).
The Mitsubishi 4N15 is a 2,268 cc inline‑four turbocharged diesel engine engineered for SUVs and light commercial vehicles (2015–2023). It combines SOHC 16-valve architecture with high-pressure common-rail injection and a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low-RPM torque and smooth power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 6 standards, it integrates advanced aftertreatment systems including SCR, DPF, and EGR for stringent emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,268 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (VGT with electronic actuator) | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 97.4 mm | |
| Power output | 133–150 kW (181–204 PS) @ 3,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 430–470 Nm @ 2,000–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Common-rail with solenoid injectors (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 15.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable geometry turbo (MHI TD04HL-15T) | |
| Timing system | Belt‑driven SOHC | |
| Oil type | API CK-4, SAE 0W‑30 | |
| Dry weight | 198 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for towing and off-road use but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using API CK-4 0W-30 oil to protect the timing belt and turbo actuator. Extended short-trip driving can lead to DPF clogging and EGR carbon buildup. Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) and ISO 22241-compliant AdBlue are mandatory. Post-2020 engines feature the revised VGT actuator arm (P/N MD665544) per TSB-ENG-2018-11 and should be used in all replacements. Avoid aggressive throttle inputs during cold starts to reduce thermal shock on the turbo linkage.
Oil Specs: Requires API CK-4 specification (Mitsubishi Owner’s Manual 2020). ACEA C2/C3 acceptable if CK-4 unavailable.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all 2015–2023 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6217). No market-specific deviations.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output varies slightly by model application due to ECU tuning (Mitsubishi PT-2022).
Mitsubishi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ENG-4N15-A, ENG-4N15-B, ME-4N15-01
Mitsubishi Technical Service Bulletin TSB-ENG-2018-11
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6217)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles – Engine test code
The Mitsubishi 4N15 was used across Mitsubishi's global utility platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced sump in the L200 and modified cooling in the Pajero Sport—and from 2020 the VGT actuator arm was revised, creating minor parts incompatibility. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front-left side of the block near the timing cover (Mitsubishi TIS ENG-4N15-C). The 7th VIN digit is 'N' for 4N1x series. Visual identification: SOHC rocker cover with 'MIVEC' logo, single VGT turbo with electronic actuator. Critical differentiation from 4D56: 4N15 has 2,268 cc displacement, common-rail injection, and Euro 6 aftertreatment. Pre-2020 VGT actuators use P/N MD554433; post-2020 use MD665544 with reinforced linkage.
The 4N15's primary reliability risk is VGT actuator linkage failure in early builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to frequent short-trip driving or high-load towing. Mitsubishi internal durability reports from 2019 indicated VGT faults in ~6% of pre-2020 engines before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show low SCR-related failures due to robust aftertreatment design. Thermal cycling and carbon accumulation make actuator maintenance and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Mitsubishi technical bulletins (2017–2022) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MITSUBISHI 4N15.
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