At a Glance
Mitsubishi has 180 identified common problems across 32 models, with the L200 being the most affected model and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 6.0M MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read how we identify common car problems →
Below: per-model breakdowns of Mitsubishi common problems, MOT failure rates by category, pass-rate data, and repair patterns drawn from 6.0M DVSA MOT tests across 20 years. Click any model to see generation-specific issues, mileage-banded fault patterns, and the most common MOT failures recorded by UK testers.
MOT Tests & Failures by Model
Top Mitsubishi models by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that model's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Mitsubishi owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Mitsubishi owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Looking for a garage to repair your Mitsubishi?
Search our directory of 12,000+ UK garages by service and postcode — every garage has verified Google reviews.
Mitsubishi Common Problems by Model
Select a model to see problems by generation
Showing top 9 by MOT test volume — search to find any of 32 Mitsubishi models.
L200
Most common: Suspension
Shogun
Most common: Brakes
Colt
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Outlander
Most common: Brakes
Lancer
Most common: Brakes
Carisma
Most common: Brakes
Shogun Sport
Most common: Suspension
Pajero
Most common: Suspension
Asx
Most common: Brakes
Most Common Mitsubishi MOT Failures
Every reason Mitsubishi vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 8.05% |
| 2 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 7.47% |
| 3 | Number plate lamp not working | 7.04% |
| 4 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 6.83% |
| 5 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 6.02% |
| 6 | Exhaust system fault | 4.49% |
| 7 | Stop lamp not working | 4.41% |
| 8 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.36% |
| 9 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.84% |
| 10 | Tyre condition | 3.39% |
| 11 | Front lamp not working | 3.28% |
| 12 | Track rod end worn | 3.12% |
| 13 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.52% |
| 14 | Driveshaft fault | 2.15% |
| 15 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 1.98% |
| 16 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.78% |
| 17 | Position lamp not working | 1.74% |
| 18 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.64% |
| 19 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.53% |
| 20 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.27% |
| 21 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.23% |
| 22 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.23% |
| 23 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.21% |
| 24 | Chassis condition | 1.14% |
| 25 | Headlamp fault | 1.07% |
| 26 | Fog lamp not working | 1.03% |
| 27 | Front suspension fault | 0.91% |
| 28 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.91% |
| 29 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.88% |
| 30 | Rear lamp not working | 0.81% |
| 31 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.77% |
| 32 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.76% |
| 33 | Seat belt condition | 0.61% |
| 34 | Indicator fault | 0.60% |
| 35 | Parking brake condition | 0.59% |
| 36 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.58% |
| 37 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.44% |
| 38 | Horn not working | 0.44% |
| 39 | ABS fault | 0.44% |
| 40 | Steering rack fault | 0.36% |
| 41 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.36% |
| 42 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.34% |
| 43 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.34% |
| 44 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.33% |
| 45 | Airbag warning light on | 0.33% |
| 46 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.32% |
| 47 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.28% |
| 48 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.22% |
| 49 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.19% |
| 50 | Brake pedal fault | 0.19% |
| 51 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.17% |
| 52 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.17% |
| 53 | Rear suspension fault | 0.15% |
| 54 | Brake fluid leak | 0.15% |
| 55 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.15% |
| 56 | Drag link end worn | 0.14% |
| 57 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.13% |
| 58 | Brake caliper fault | 0.13% |
| 59 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.12% |
| 60 | Brake lever fault | 0.12% |
| 61 | Engine oil leak | 0.11% |
| 62 | Electrical switch fault | 0.11% |
| 63 | Steering arm worn | 0.10% |
| 64 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.09% |
| 65 | Steering free play excessive | 0.09% |
| 66 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.09% |
| 67 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.09% |
| 68 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.08% |
| 69 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.08% |
| 70 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.08% |
| 71 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.07% |
| 72 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.07% |
| 73 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.06% |
| 74 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.06% |
| 75 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.06% |
| 76 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 77 | Body security fault | 0.06% |
| 78 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.05% |
| 79 | Steering lock fault | 0.05% |
| 80 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.05% |
| 81 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.05% |
| 82 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.05% |
| 83 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.05% |
| 84 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.05% |
| 85 | Steering column fault | 0.04% |
| 86 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.04% |
| 87 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.04% |
| 88 | Steering operation fault | 0.04% |
| 89 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.04% |
| 90 | Towbar fault | 0.03% |
| 91 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.03% |
| 92 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 93 | Propshaft fault | 0.03% |
| 94 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.03% |
| 95 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.03% |
| 96 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 97 | CV joint worn | 0.02% |
| 98 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 100 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.02% |
| 102 | Steering box fault | 0.02% |
| 103 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.02% |
| 104 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 105 | Power steering pump fault | 0.02% |
| 106 | Spare wheel fault | 0.02% |
| 107 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 108 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.02% |
| 109 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 110 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 111 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 112 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.02% |
| 113 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.02% |
| 114 | Power steering ram fault | 0.01% |
| 115 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 116 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.01% |
| 117 | Suspension unit fault | 0.01% |
| 118 | Front passenger door fault | 0.01% |
| 119 | Speedometer fault | 0.01% |
| 120 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 121 | Driver airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 125 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 126 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 128 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 130 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 131 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 132 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 134 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 136 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 138 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 139 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 140 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | <0.01% |
| 141 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 144 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 145 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 146 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Anchor bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 149 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 151 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 154 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 155 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 158 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 159 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 160 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Spring saddle corroded | <0.01% |
| 163 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 164 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 165 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 166 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 167 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 170 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 171 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 172 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 173 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 174 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 176 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 177 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 178 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 179 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 180 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 181 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 182 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 183 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 184 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 185 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 186 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 187 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 188 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 189 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 190 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 191 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 192 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 193 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 194 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 195 | Chain drive fault | <0.01% |
| 196 | Leaf spring slipper worn | <0.01% |
| 197 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 198 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 199 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 200 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 201 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 202 | Steering head bearings worn | <0.01% |
| 203 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 204 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 205 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 205 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mitsubishi MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for Mitsubishi, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
Join as a car owner — free
Get MOT reminders, a pre-MOT checklist, and tools to compare garages near you.
MOT Reminders
Free email alerts 28 and 7 days before your MOT expires.
44-Point MOT Checklist
Printable checklist to inspect your car before the test.
Save Favourite Garages
Save garages you trust and compare their ratings side by side.
Already a member? Sign in
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Mitsubishi problems?
Based on analysis of 6.0M Mitsubishi MOT tests from DVSA data, Mitsubishi has 180 identified common problems across 32 models. The Mitsubishi L200 has the most recorded problems. Suspension issues are the most common category.
Which Mitsubishi model has the most problems?
By total identified common problems, the Mitsubishi L200 has the highest count with 76 problems. This is partly because it is one of the more popular Mitsubishi models on UK roads. See the models grid for a full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Mitsubishi?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mitsubishi owners spot problems early. We review all submissions before they are published.
Search Vehicles With Common Problems
Find common car problems, MOT failures, and advisories for any make and model
