V46W · V26W · V24W · V44W · V25W · V45W · V23W · V43W · V55W
Mitsubishi Pajero import check
V46W is the factory model code for the Mitsubishi Pajero, built for the Japanese market from 1991 to 1999. Other versions carry V26W, V24W, V44W, V25W, V45W, V23W, V43W and V55W. Every genuine car has a chassis (frame) number that starts with its code, such as V46W-. That number is the one thing that links its Japanese history to its UK records.
V46W at a glance
- Model code
- V46W
- Make
- Mitsubishi
- Model
- Pajero (second generation)
- Body
- SUV (3 or 5 doors)
- Built
- 1991 to 1999
- Engine
- 4M40 (2835 cc turbo diesel) or 4D56 (2476 cc turbo diesel) or 6G72 (2972 cc naturally aspirated petrol) or 6G74 (3497 cc naturally aspirated petrol)
- Drivetrain
- 4WD (Super Select on some)
- Japanese trims
- Exceed, Super Exceed, Field Master, Evolution
- Chassis number format
- V46W- then the serial number
From our own model library, compiled from public sources and not yet checked against a second source. UK records sometimes drop the hyphen or the leading zeros of the serial; our check allows for that.
Reading the V46W chassis code
- The last digit is reported to mark the engine: 3 for the 3.0 V6, 4 for the 2.5 diesel, 5 for the 3.5 V6 and 6 for the 2.8 diesel. V2x is reported to be the short body and V4x the long.
| Code | What it is | Engine | Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| V46W | Pajero (second generation) | 4M40 / 4D56 / 6G72 / 6G74 | 1991–1999 |
| V26W | Short bodyNot yet confirmed | 4M40 / 4D56 / 6G72 / 6G74 | 1991–1999 |
| V24W | Short bodyNot yet confirmed | 4M40 / 4D56 / 6G72 / 6G74 | 1991–1999 |
| V44W | Long bodyNot yet confirmed | 4M40 / 4D56 / 6G72 / 6G74 | 1991–1999 |
| V25W | Short bodyNot yet confirmed | 4M40 / 4D56 / 6G72 / 6G74 | 1991–1999 |
| V45W | Long bodyNot yet confirmed | 4M40 / 4D56 / 6G72 / 6G74 | 1991–1999 |
| V23W | Short bodyNot yet confirmed | 4M40 / 4D56 / 6G72 / 6G74 | 1991–1999 |
| V43W | Long bodyNot yet confirmed | 4M40 / 4D56 / 6G72 / 6G74 | 1991–1999 |
| V55W | Pajero Evolution, 3.5 V6 | 6G74 | 1997–1999 |
Have a chassis number? The chassis decoder reads it for you.
Is it a genuine V46W?
The Pajero was sold in the UK as the Mitsubishi Shogun. A UK Shogun has a 17-character VIN; a Japanese Pajero has a frame number like V46W-….
Known problems to check on a V46W
- Rust on the chassis, sills, rear arches and spare-wheel carrier
- 4M40 timing-chain wear and overheating
- Super Select four-wheel-drive transfer case and front axle disconnect faults
- Cars from snowy northern Japan can have more underbody rust than the auction grade suggests: look underneath before you buy
These are common issues for the model, not facts about any particular car. Ask the seller about each one.
Before you buy
- Check four-wheel drive engages in every Super Select mode and the front axle light goes out
- Get underneath: the chassis matters more than the paint
The V46W on a Japanese auction sheet
- The sheet names the car パジェロ (Pajero).
Most imports were bought at a Japanese auction, and the inspector’s sheet records the grade, mileage and every mark on the body. Ask the seller for it, then run it through our auction sheet translator to read it in English and check the chassis number and mileage against the UK record.
Recalls in Japan for the V46W family
Japan publishes every recall with the chassis numbers it covers. Run a recall check with the car’s chassis number to see whether any apply to it.
MOT record in the UK
Mitsubishi Pajero
- 32% of 3,353 first MOT tests failed in 2024 and 2025, 14% lower than the UK average for cars of the same age.
- Most common advisory: Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive (22% of tests).
- Most common failure: Rear fog lamp: not working (4.9% of tests).
The UK name was Shogun, so a Pajero on a UK record is almost always an import.
All Mitsubishi Pajero MOT statisticsFrom DVSA’s anonymised MOT data, licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Kilometres, miles and the first UK MOT
A V46W sold new in Japan has a speedometer in kilometres. When it is imported, the speedometer is either converted to miles or left in km, and the first UK MOT should record whichever the dial shows. Mistakes here are common, and they’re where mileage problems hide.
We put the Japanese auction mileage and every UK MOT reading on one timeline and check the crossing: whether the readings agree after converting, whether the km figure was written down as miles, and whether the first UK reading is lower than the car had already done in Japan. See an illustrative example.
What we haven’t confirmed yet
We only state what we’re confident of. We haven’t yet checked these points about the Mitsubishi Pajero against a second source, so treat them with care:
- The engine and body each second-generation Pajero code marks, so we list every engine for each code.
Know the answer? Email [email protected].
Questions
What is the chassis code for the Mitsubishi Pajero?
V46W, with V26W, V24W, V44W, V25W, V45W, V23W, V43W and V55W for other engines or drive layouts. A Japanese-market Mitsubishi Pajero has a frame number that starts with its code, then a hyphen and a serial number. You’ll find it on the V5C and on a plate in the engine bay.
Which years was the V46W built?
From 1991 to 1999, with the 4M40 (2835 cc turbo diesel) or 4D56 (2476 cc turbo diesel) or 6G72 (2972 cc naturally aspirated petrol) or 6G74 (3497 cc naturally aspirated petrol) engines and 4WD (Super Select on some) layout.
What should I check when buying a V46W?
Rust on the chassis, sills, rear arches and spare-wheel carrier. 4M40 timing-chain wear and overheating. Super Select four-wheel-drive transfer case and front axle disconnect faults. Cars from snowy northern Japan can have more underbody rust than the auction grade suggests: look underneath before you buy. Check four-wheel drive engages in every Super Select mode and the front axle light goes out. Get underneath: the chassis matters more than the paint. Also check that the Japanese auction mileage lines up with the first UK MOT, because km and miles are easily mixed up.