At a Glance
The Mitsubishi L300 has 27 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the 3rd Gen (1986-1999) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 24K 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 L300 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 L300 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.
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Most Common Mitsubishi L300 MOT Failures
Every reason Mitsubishi L300 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 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 13.50% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 9.66% |
| 3 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 5.47% |
| 4 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.35% |
| 5 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.87% |
| 6 | Exhaust system fault | 4.43% |
| 7 | Number plate lamp not working | 4.25% |
| 8 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.78% |
| 9 | Track rod end worn | 3.20% |
| 10 | Stop lamp not working | 2.85% |
| 11 | Tyre condition | 2.57% |
| 12 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.48% |
| 13 | Fog lamp not working | 2.36% |
| 14 | Suspension mounting corroded | 2.33% |
| 15 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.24% |
| 16 | Front lamp not working | 2.05% |
| 17 | Brake pads or linings worn | 1.87% |
| 18 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.65% |
| 19 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.62% |
| 20 | Chassis condition | 1.49% |
| 21 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.34% |
| 22 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.19% |
| 23 | Rear lamp not working | 1.08% |
| 24 | Horn not working | 0.94% |
| 25 | Seat belt condition | 0.91% |
| 26 | Indicator fault | 0.89% |
| 27 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.87% |
| 28 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.79% |
| 29 | Position lamp not working | 0.72% |
| 30 | Steering rack fault | 0.68% |
| 31 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.64% |
| 32 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.63% |
| 33 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.55% |
| 34 | Brake pedal fault | 0.51% |
| 35 | Parking brake condition | 0.47% |
| 36 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.43% |
| 37 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.42% |
| 38 | Front suspension fault | 0.41% |
| 39 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.37% |
| 40 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.34% |
| 41 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.32% |
| 42 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.32% |
| 43 | Headlamp fault | 0.28% |
| 44 | Steering free play excessive | 0.27% |
| 45 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.25% |
| 46 | Electrical switch fault | 0.24% |
| 47 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.24% |
| 48 | Drag link end worn | 0.23% |
| 49 | Brake fluid leak | 0.22% |
| 50 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.21% |
| 51 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.20% |
| 52 | Steering operation fault | 0.20% |
| 53 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.20% |
| 54 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | 0.19% |
| 55 | Spare wheel fault | 0.19% |
| 56 | Brake caliper fault | 0.18% |
| 57 | Rear suspension fault | 0.18% |
| 58 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.18% |
| 59 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.17% |
| 60 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.15% |
| 61 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.14% |
| 62 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.14% |
| 63 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.14% |
| 64 | Steering arm worn | 0.14% |
| 65 | Body security fault | 0.13% |
| 66 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.12% |
| 67 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.11% |
| 68 | Driveshaft fault | 0.11% |
| 69 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.11% |
| 70 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.11% |
| 71 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.10% |
| 72 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.09% |
| 73 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.09% |
| 74 | Engine oil leak | 0.08% |
| 75 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.08% |
| 76 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 77 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.07% |
| 78 | Steering coupling worn | 0.07% |
| 79 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.07% |
| 80 | Anchor bracket corroded | 0.06% |
| 81 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.06% |
| 82 | Loading door damaged or insecure | 0.06% |
| 83 | Steering box fault | 0.05% |
| 84 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.05% |
| 85 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.05% |
| 86 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.05% |
| 87 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.04% |
| 88 | Steering column fault | 0.04% |
| 89 | Steering lock fault | 0.04% |
| 90 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.04% |
| 91 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.04% |
| 92 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 93 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | 0.04% |
| 94 | Load sensing valve fault | 0.04% |
| 95 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.04% |
| 96 | Steering shaft fault | 0.04% |
| 97 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 98 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.03% |
| 99 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.03% |
| 100 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.03% |
| 101 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | 0.03% |
| 102 | Spring saddle corroded | 0.03% |
| 103 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.03% |
| 104 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.03% |
| 105 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.03% |
| 106 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 107 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 108 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 109 | Steering drive system fault | 0.02% |
| 110 | Step damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 111 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.02% |
| 112 | Towbar fault | 0.02% |
| 113 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 114 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.01% |
| 115 | Brake lever fault | 0.01% |
| 116 | Brake valve fault | 0.01% |
| 117 | Dip switch fault | 0.01% |
| 118 | Driver door fault | 0.01% |
| 119 | Passenger seat fault | 0.01% |
| 120 | Power steering pump fault | 0.01% |
| 121 | Speedometer fault | 0.01% |
| 122 | Stub axle worn | 0.01% |
| 123 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | 0.01% |
| 124 | Suspension unit fault | 0.01% |
| 125 | Torque or reaction arm worn | 0.01% |
| 126 | Transmission oil leak | 0.01% |
| 127 | Universal joint worn | 0.01% |
| 128 | ABS fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 130 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 132 | Headlamp levelling device fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 135 | Leaf spring slipper worn | <0.01% |
| 136 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 138 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 141 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 142 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
Showing all 142 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mitsubishi L300 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mitsubishi L300, 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Mitsubishi L300 problems?
Based on analysis of 24K Mitsubishi L300 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 27 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Wiper blades deteriorated". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Mitsubishi L300 generation has the most problems?
The Mitsubishi L300 3rd Gen (1986-1999) (1986–1999) has the highest number of identified common problems (35). 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 L300?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mitsubishi L300 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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