At a Glance
The Mitsubishi Colt has 16 identified common problems across 4 generations, with the Mk6 (2004-2012) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 699K 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 our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Mitsubishi Colt common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Mitsubishi Colt generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation'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 Colt owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Mitsubishi Colt owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Looking for a garage to repair your Mitsubishi Colt?
Search our directory of 12,000+ UK garages by service and postcode — every garage has verified Google reviews.
Browse Mitsubishi Colt Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Mitsubishi Colt MOT Failures
Every reason Mitsubishi Colt 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 | 12.73% |
| 2 | Number plate lamp not working | 10.23% |
| 3 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 7.26% |
| 4 | Tyre condition | 6.08% |
| 5 | Stop lamp not working | 4.15% |
| 6 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.65% |
| 7 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 3.56% |
| 8 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.19% |
| 9 | Driveshaft fault | 3.13% |
| 10 | Front lamp not working | 2.85% |
| 11 | Position lamp not working | 2.84% |
| 12 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.82% |
| 13 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 2.74% |
| 14 | Exhaust system fault | 2.70% |
| 15 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.66% |
| 16 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 2.64% |
| 17 | Track rod end worn | 2.35% |
| 18 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.33% |
| 19 | Headlamp fault | 1.93% |
| 20 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.80% |
| 21 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.28% |
| 22 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.10% |
| 23 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.02% |
| 24 | Airbag warning light on | 1.01% |
| 25 | Fog lamp not working | 0.82% |
| 26 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.76% |
| 27 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.75% |
| 28 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.71% |
| 29 | Rear suspension fault | 0.67% |
| 30 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.64% |
| 31 | Chassis condition | 0.62% |
| 32 | Rear lamp not working | 0.58% |
| 33 | Parking brake condition | 0.57% |
| 34 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.55% |
| 35 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.48% |
| 36 | Seat belt condition | 0.48% |
| 37 | Indicator fault | 0.46% |
| 38 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.40% |
| 39 | Steering rack fault | 0.40% |
| 40 | Horn not working | 0.28% |
| 41 | Front suspension fault | 0.27% |
| 42 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.22% |
| 43 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.20% |
| 44 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.19% |
| 45 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.18% |
| 46 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.18% |
| 47 | ABS fault | 0.17% |
| 48 | Brake lever fault | 0.17% |
| 49 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.16% |
| 50 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.14% |
| 51 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.13% |
| 52 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.13% |
| 53 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.13% |
| 54 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.12% |
| 55 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.11% |
| 56 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.11% |
| 57 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.11% |
| 58 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.10% |
| 59 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.09% |
| 60 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.09% |
| 61 | Brake caliper fault | 0.09% |
| 62 | Brake pedal fault | 0.09% |
| 63 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.09% |
| 64 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.09% |
| 65 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.08% |
| 66 | Electrical switch fault | 0.07% |
| 67 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.06% |
| 68 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.06% |
| 69 | Engine oil leak | 0.06% |
| 70 | Propshaft fault | 0.06% |
| 71 | Brake fluid leak | 0.06% |
| 72 | CV joint worn | 0.05% |
| 73 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.05% |
| 74 | Body security fault | 0.04% |
| 75 | Driver airbag fault | 0.04% |
| 76 | Steering arm worn | 0.04% |
| 77 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.04% |
| 78 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.04% |
| 79 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.04% |
| 80 | Steering free play excessive | 0.03% |
| 81 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.03% |
| 82 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.03% |
| 83 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.03% |
| 84 | Front passenger door fault | 0.03% |
| 85 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.03% |
| 86 | Steering lock fault | 0.02% |
| 87 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 88 | Steering operation fault | 0.02% |
| 89 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 90 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.02% |
| 92 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.02% |
| 94 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 95 | Electric power steering fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 97 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 98 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 100 | Driver door fault | 0.01% |
| 101 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.01% |
| 102 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 104 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 105 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 106 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 107 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 108 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 109 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 110 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | <0.01% |
| 114 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 116 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 117 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
| 119 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 121 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 122 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 123 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 124 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 126 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 128 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 130 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 133 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 136 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 138 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 142 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 143 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 144 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 145 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 148 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 149 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 153 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 157 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 159 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 160 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 162 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 163 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 166 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 168 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 171 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 172 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 174 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 175 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 177 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 178 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 179 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 180 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 181 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 181 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mitsubishi Colt MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mitsubishi Colt, 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 Colt problems?
Based on analysis of 699K Mitsubishi Colt MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 16 identified common problems across 4 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Suspension linkage condition". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Mitsubishi Colt generation has the most problems?
The Mitsubishi Colt Mk6 (2004-2012) (2004–2012) has the highest number of identified common problems (19). Click the generation card above for the 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 Colt?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mitsubishi Colt owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
Search Vehicles With Common Problems
Find common car problems, MOT failures, and advisories for any make and model
