Common Thar Problems We Would Like To See Fixed In Its Upcoming Facelift

The Mahindra Thar has captured the hearts of many adventure seekers with its rugged looks and off-road prowess, but like any vehicle, it's not without its quirks. Owners often share stories of their experiences online, highlighting recurring problems that pop up, especially after some miles on the clock. 

These issues range from everyday annoyances to more serious mechanical headaches. While the Thar shines in tough terrains, daily driving and long hauls can bring out its weaknesses. 

Stability and Handling at Higher Speeds

One of the biggest complaints from Thar owners revolves around its stability and handling, particularly at higher speeds. Many describe the vehicle feeling wobbly or unstable above 80 km/h, with a tendency for body roll that can make cornering nerve-wracking. 

This stems from the Thar's high center of gravity, narrow track width, and aerodynamic design that's more suited for off-roading than highway cruising. The suspension setup, while great for absorbing bumps off the beaten path, doesn't provide enough support during quick maneuvers or sudden braking, leading to a nose-dive effect. Owners have reported near-misses or even rollovers in extreme cases, emphasizing the need to drive conservatively on roads. It's a reminder that the Thar's rebellious image doesn't always translate to safe, high-speed performance. 

For instance, one owner on X shared, "Mahindra Thar is designed for vintage feel incorporates elements that make it unstable at high speeds. The high center of gravity, narrow track width, aerodynamic inefficiencies, and suspension setup all contribute to this instability." Another on Reddit noted variations in performance that could tie into handling woes.

Suspension Troubles

Suspension troubles are another frequent gripe, with owners noting a bouncy or busy ride on imperfect roads. Leaking rear shocks, bottoming out over potholes, and overall discomfort for passengers are common tales. The root cause often lies in the Thar's ladder-frame chassis and off-road-tuned suspension, which prioritizes durability over smoothness. 

Early models or those from initial batches seem more prone to these issues, possibly due to manufacturing variances or wear from rough usage. This can lead to a jarring experience in city traffic or on highways, where the constant movement makes long drives tiring. Some owners have upgraded to aftermarket parts for better control, but it's frustrating when a new vehicle feels like it needs tweaks right away. 

One Team-BHP user complained about a related structural issue, saying, "Caught this video on youtube of a Thar with busted lower trailing arm at the rear. The play in the arm and the tak tak noise means the rubber bush is no." On X, an owner vented, "MULTIPLE VISITS TO SERVICE STATION ONLY TO GET TEMPORARY RELIEF.. SUSPENSION, SPEAKER, MULTIPLE ERRORS."

Engine-Related Problems

Engine-related problems have left many owners stranded or heading back to the service center repeatedly. Overheating in hot climates, back compression after 50,000-60,000 km, and issues like burnt tappet seals or gaskets are reported multiple times. The mHawk diesel engine, while powerful, can struggle in extreme conditions due to inadequate cooling or sensor failures. 

Diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogs and turbo problems add to the woes, often showing up as burn marks on the bonnet or sudden power loss. These stem from the engine's complex design and the Thar's demanding use cases, like prolonged idling or heavy off-roading. 

It's disheartening for owners who expected reliability, especially since repairs can be time-consuming and costly outside warranty. A rally driver on X detailed, "Out of the three Thars I owned, one has started showing signs of back compression after just 50-60k kilometers & 3 of them had one or the other problem the list is too long. This means about 70% of the engine's health is already deteriorated, and it's likely to seize soon." 

Another on Reddit shared compression test results: "Cyl 1: 360 psi, Cyl 2: 300 psi, Cyl 3: 320 psi, Cyl 4: 360 psi. Engine back compression noted, Check Engine Light on." One more on X said, "In the Jaisalmer heat, my Thar’s tappet seals and gasket burned out after just a few hours of driving. Even after multiple replacements, the issue persisted."

Electrical Glitches

Electrical glitches plague quite a few Thar owners, turning what should be a fun drive into a tech nightmare. Infotainment systems restarting randomly, faulty sensors like the 4x4 actuator, and issues with features like the sunroof in newer Roxx models are widespread. These problems often arise from wiring vulnerabilities, software bugs, or exposure to dust and water during off-road adventures. 

In some cases, windows have shattered unexpectedly or horns have failed. While Mahindra's push for more tech is exciting, it seems the integration isn't always seamless, leading to frequent visits to the dealership. Owners in remote areas find this particularly aggravating, as diagnostics can take days. 

From Team-BHP, an owner reported, "Error code shown on the diagnostics was related to the injectors - They have been advised by Mahindra to change the wiring harness." On X, one frustrated user posted, "Mahindra & its electronics, Old story! What’s the point of having a sunroof on an off-roader vehicle?"

Build Quality Niggles

Build quality niggles, though minor individually, add up to create ongoing frustration. Things like rust formation, clutch wear, brake ineffectiveness, and loose parts like the rear swing arm are mentioned often. The causes sometimes trace back to the Thar's exposure to harsh environments, but other times to assembly inconsistencies or material choices in early production runs. 

For instance, plastic components breaking or fuel gauges malfunctioning disrupt daily use. These issues make the Thar feel less polished than competitors, and while warranty covers many, the hassle of repeated fixes erodes the joy of ownership. 

A Team-BHP article highlighted, "Broken plastic fitment of the soft top" and "Broken blower plastic nobs" as common. On Cardekho, one reviewer said, "This car is not for family but you can enjoy your off road journey with your frnds," pointing to practicality flaws.

Tyre and Braking Concerns

Tyre and braking concerns are echoed by owners who push the Thar on varied surfaces. The stock tyres lack grip, especially in wet conditions or during hard stops, causing skidding or extended stopping distances. Combined with the vehicle's weight distribution, this leads to instability when braking from speed. 

The problem is amplified by the Thar's off-road bias, where road-oriented performance takes a back seat. Upgrading tyres helps, but it's an extra expense that many feel shouldn't be necessary on a premium SUV. While specific quotes on tyres are sparse, related handling issues tie in, like the instability mentioned earlier.

Roof and Water Leakage

Roof and water leakage issues are a headache for owners of hardtop variants, with water seeping in during rains or car washes. This often happens through gaps in the mid-roof slit or poor sealing around the edges. The cause is typically inadequate factory sealing or design flaws in how the panels fit together, making it worse in vehicles exposed to the elements. 

Owners report wet interiors, musty smells, and even electrical shorts from the moisture. DIY fixes like applying silicone sealant work for some, but it's disappointing to deal with on a new off-roader meant for adventure.

 One Team-BHP owner lamented, "THE ROOF LEAKED (Hardtop variant) after the first car wash at home, the roof unit is divided. And there is a gap in the middle from where the water seeped inside... It was quite an embarrassment for me." Another added, "The service folks at Mahindra put a thick layer of black silicone glue sealant to cover the whole mid roof slit."

Steering and Alignment Issues

Steering and alignment problems leave owners constantly correcting their path, with the vehicle pulling to one side, usually left. This includes off-centered steering wheels and persistent misalignment even after service visits. Causes range from factory assembly errors, like improper toe nut centering on the tie rod, to wear from uneven roads. 

It affects driving comfort and safety, making long trips exhausting and potentially leading to uneven tyre wear. While recalibration at service centers resolves it for some, repeated complaints suggest it's a widespread quality control lapse.

 A Team-BHP user explained, "My Thar used to drag left at all any speed on leaving the steering even for few seconds... Thar was sent to the service team and issue was off centring of toe nut of tie rod."

Noise and Vibration Problems

Noise and vibration problems turn the Thar into a rattling companion, with squeaking from axles over bumps, humming from the rear, or tak-tak sounds from trailing arms. These stem from worn bushings, loose components, or design elements like the ladder frame amplifying road imperfections. In daily use, it creates a fatiguing cabin environment, especially on highways where wind and engine noise add to the mix. 

Owners often resort to aftermarket dampeners or bush replacements, but the high NVH levels detract from what should be an enjoyable drive. On X, one owner complained, "HIGH NOISE IN CAR." From Team-BHP, “The play in the arm and the tak tak noise means the rubber bush is gone.”

AC and Heating System Issues

AC and heating system issues make the cabin uncomfortable, with problems like floor heating on the driver's side, faulty blower actuators, or broken knobs. Causes include poor insulation, electrical faults in the actuators, or plastic wear from usage. In hot climates, inadequate cooling leads to sweaty drives, while unintended heating adds to discomfort. 

Service centers replace parts, but recurring glitches suggest design shortcomings in the HVAC setup. From Team-BHP, "Kaput fan blower actuator" and "Broken blower plastic nobs" were highlighted as problems.

Rear Axle and Structural Failures

Rear axle and structural failures, especially in the Thar Roxx, have alarmed owners with reports of axles breaking or trailing arms busting early on. This arises from potential welding weaknesses, overloading, or insufficient testing for real-world stresses. It results in sudden breakdowns, towing needs, and safety risks during drives. While some blame rough usage, many point to manufacturing flaws, leading to calls for recalls and better quality checks from Mahindra. 

One X user shared, "Jai Mataji, the car that I have brought mahindra thar roxx has covered about 8000 kilometers and broke down on the highway... The car started vibrating on its own and after a kilometer or two, it stopped."

Owning a Thar is an adventure in itself, but these common issues highlight areas where improvements could make it even better. If you're considering one, weigh your usage—it's a beast off-road but demands patience on the tarmac. Many owners still love it despite the flaws, thanks to its character and capability.

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