This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Mitsubishi Raider powertrain problems
moderate 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 10 powertrain complaints filed for the 2006 Mitsubishi Raider, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 19% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 5 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 13 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2006 Mitsubishi Raider report a pattern of transmission failures that start manifesting anywhere from 35,000 to 147,000 miles. The automatic transmission spontaneously shifts into neutral while driving, refuses to engage into drive or park, or gets stuck in a single gear—particularly third—and won't upshift. Several owners hear loud clunking during gear changes and describe the vehicle stalling at highway speeds because the transmission won't shift. One owner had 15 shop visits for the same transmission malfunction; another experienced the vehicle aggressively accelerating on its own after a forced shift. Dealers tell owners the gearbox is faulty but won't repair it under warranty.
Electrical gremlins are equally troublesome. Vehicles fail to start at 42,000 to 157,000 miles; some owners must shift into neutral to force a crank. Dashboard lights and speedometers cut out while driving. One owner's ignition switch stopped recognizing the key. A recall (Campaign #14V795000) addresses ignition-switch failures, but some identical vehicles are excluded from it and parts remain unavailable.
Brake-system failures are serious. Owners report significant fluid leaks at the drums and rear wheels, rear brakes that drag and lock, and one owner experienced complete brake failure at 40 mph with the pedal sinking to the floorboard. Dealers deny there's a problem or won't perform repairs. One owner mentions a TSB for brake shudder at highway speeds but could not get service.
Check engine lights cycle on repeatedly—up to 20 times monthly in one case—with transmission codes, low voltage signals, and transmission-overheating messages. Lights sometimes extinguish on their own after a few days of driving, leaving owners uncertain whether the vehicle is safe to operate.
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission shifts out of gear or fails to shift properly
Automatic transmission loses engagement, slips into neutral spontaneously, or fails to shift to appropriate gear. Includes loud clunking noises during gear changes and engine stalling at highway speeds due to transmission malfunction. Owners report the transmission is stuck in gear, won't shift to next gear, or gear selector spontaneously moves to neutral while driving.
When: 35,000–157,000 miles; occurs during normal driving and highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shifts into neutral spontaneously while driving; Loud noise when shifting into drive or reverse; Engine stalls at highway speed (65–75 mph); Vehicle stuck in one gear, won't shift to fourth; Transmission will not engage into drive or park; Aggressive independent acceleration after shifting; Check engine light accompanies transmission issues
Codes mentioned: Transmission low voltage, Transmission overheating codes, Transmission malfunction codes (11 codes reported in one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite gearbox replacement as the only solution; one shop suggested used or new transmission replacement but could not guarantee recurrence wouldn't happen. TSB #0516001 addresses no engine crank/loss of front control module communication. PCM reprogramming (TSB #137) attempted to correct transmission sensitivity and drivability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB #0516001 (NHTSA ID #10019046) and TSB #137 (NHTSA ID #10021743) address transmission and control module issues; dealers advised transmission replacement at owner expense; no recall issued for this population; manufacturer advised no solution yet implemented.
Electrical system failure and no-crank condition
Vehicle fails to start or cranks intermittently; electrical gremlins including loss of dashboard instruments and lighting. Owners report needing to shift to neutral to force start. Ignition switch failures prevent key recognition and vehicle startup.
When: 42,000–157,000 miles; intermittent failures
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle won't crank; requires towing; Must shift into neutral to start vehicle; Lights and dash cut off while driving; Speedometer fails; Radio cuts off; Key not recognized; ignition won't turn; Motor and security warning lights illuminate
Codes mentioned: Low voltage to transmission and engine control systems
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced ECU and installed missing fuse (fuse later verified to be present by owner). Independent mechanic replaced clutch twice on one vehicle. One dealership found low voltage to transmission.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign #14V795000 (Electrical System / Ignition Switch) issued but some vehicles with identical symptoms not included in recall; manufacturer stated solution not yet implemented for this population; dealer stated parts not available.
Brake fluid leak and rear brake drag/lock-up
Significant brake fluid leaks at the drum and rear wheels; rear brakes drag and lock up intermittently. One owner reports brake failure at highway speed with pedal traveling to floorboard before vehicle stops.
When: 42,000–90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake fluid constantly low; Brake fluid pooling on drum and beneath rear tire; Rear brakes drag and lock up; Brake failure while driving at 40 mph; pedal travels to floor; Shudder or vibration in brake pedal at highway speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer did not repair brake fluid leak; one dealer inspection found nothing wrong with brakes despite failure event; brake fluid leak on driver-side rear tire remains unrepaired. TSB #0635001 addresses shudder while braking at highway speeds.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB #0635001 (NHTSA ID #10018781) references brake shudder; some vehicles with symptoms not included in recall; no remedy provided by manufacturers in narratives.
Rear differential (gearcase) oil leak
Significant oil leak from rear differential housing, described by owner as 'fairly bad' and ongoing.
When: 42,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Gear oil leaking from rear differential
Repairs/costs cited: Owner unable to afford repair; leak ongoing at time of complaint.
Check engine light cycling on and off with multiple transmission fault codes
Check engine light illuminates repeatedly (up to 20 times per month per one owner) with transmission-related diagnostic codes. Light sometimes clears on its own after a few days of driving.
When: Recurring; reported at 48,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light comes on repeatedly; Engine revving stuck in third gear; Multiple transmission codes stored (11 transmission codes reported); Transmission overheating code; Low voltage to transmission code
Codes mentioned: Transmission low voltage, Transmission overheating, Multiple transmission fault codes (11 total in one report)
Repairs/costs cited: NAPA shop replaced sensor once; light returned after short time; TSB #137 (PCM reprogramming) recommended to correct drivability and sensitivity issues but owner concerned about cost of repeated repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB #137 (NHTSA ID #10021743) addresses PCM reprogramming for sensitivity and drivability correction.
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mitsubishi raider. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, she attempted to decelerate but the brakes failed and the cruise control function erroneously engaged. The contact continued to apply the brakes and as the brake pedal abnormally traveled to the floorboard, the vehicle finally came to a stop. In addition, the transmission failed. The vehicle was taken to…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mitsubishi raider. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. After several attempts, the vehicle started and the motor warning light and security light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing and the mechanic stated the there was low voltage to the transmission. The failure recurred multiple times intermittently.…
Dt*: the contact stated after starting the vehicle, there was a loud noise while shifting into drive. Later while driving 70 MPH on normal dry roads, the vehicle engine stalled. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer who determined that the gear box was faulty, and that it was a common problem. There were no repairs made.
2006 Mitsubishi raider @ 42,000 miles. This vehicle has been nothing but problems with no solutions. First I had electrical problems, lights and dash cutting off, no speedometer, radio would cut off. Once it wouldn't crank, I had to have it towed to the dealership, where they said I was missing a fuse, apparently it fell out while in route to dealership, because I checked all of them before I…
These parts were on recall, I set up my appointment with the dealership. Called to verify appointment and was told it was cancelled, the recalled air bag parts are also on recall. This is unacceptable, I have children and grandchildren that ride in my truck. Mitsubishi said the date the new air bags will be available are not available at this time. 2006 Mitsubishi raider air…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2006 Mitsubishi Raider?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2006 Mitsubishi Raider?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 41,000 and 125,000 miles, with the median around 90,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 41,000; a quarter make it past 125,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Mitsubishi/Raider.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.