At a Glance
The Mitsubishi Lancer has 14 identified common problems across 4 generations, with the Mk8 (2003-2007) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 310K 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 Lancer 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 Lancer 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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Browse Mitsubishi Lancer Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Mk4 (CB/CD)
Mk7
Most common MOT failure: Catalytic converter efficiency low
Mk8
Top issue: Suspension linkage condition
Mk9
Top issue: Compression ignition emissions above threshold
Most Common Mitsubishi Lancer MOT Failures
Every reason Mitsubishi Lancer 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 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 7.53% |
| 2 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 7.47% |
| 3 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 6.48% |
| 4 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 6.08% |
| 5 | Number plate lamp not working | 6.07% |
| 6 | Track rod end worn | 5.68% |
| 7 | Tyre condition | 4.63% |
| 8 | Stop lamp not working | 4.46% |
| 9 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.00% |
| 10 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.50% |
| 11 | Front lamp not working | 3.48% |
| 12 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 3.19% |
| 13 | Exhaust system fault | 3.17% |
| 14 | Position lamp not working | 3.15% |
| 15 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.45% |
| 16 | Fog lamp not working | 2.14% |
| 17 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 1.85% |
| 18 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.58% |
| 19 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.48% |
| 20 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.33% |
| 21 | Driveshaft fault | 1.25% |
| 22 | Headlamp fault | 1.15% |
| 23 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.09% |
| 24 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.98% |
| 25 | ABS fault | 0.97% |
| 26 | Steering rack fault | 0.94% |
| 27 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.84% |
| 28 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.72% |
| 29 | Rear lamp not working | 0.71% |
| 30 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.69% |
| 31 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.61% |
| 32 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.55% |
| 33 | Parking brake condition | 0.53% |
| 34 | Indicator fault | 0.50% |
| 35 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.45% |
| 36 | Horn not working | 0.42% |
| 37 | Seat belt condition | 0.38% |
| 38 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.38% |
| 39 | Airbag warning light on | 0.35% |
| 40 | Chassis condition | 0.35% |
| 41 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.35% |
| 42 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.34% |
| 43 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.27% |
| 44 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.24% |
| 45 | Rear suspension fault | 0.23% |
| 46 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.22% |
| 47 | Front suspension fault | 0.21% |
| 48 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.19% |
| 49 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.19% |
| 50 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.18% |
| 51 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.18% |
| 52 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.17% |
| 53 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.16% |
| 54 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.16% |
| 55 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.15% |
| 56 | Brake lever fault | 0.15% |
| 57 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.14% |
| 58 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.14% |
| 59 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.14% |
| 60 | Brake caliper fault | 0.13% |
| 61 | Steering arm worn | 0.12% |
| 62 | Brake pedal fault | 0.12% |
| 63 | Steering free play excessive | 0.11% |
| 64 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.10% |
| 65 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.10% |
| 66 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.09% |
| 67 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.09% |
| 68 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.09% |
| 69 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.09% |
| 70 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.08% |
| 71 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.08% |
| 72 | Engine oil leak | 0.08% |
| 73 | Electrical switch fault | 0.08% |
| 74 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.08% |
| 75 | Steering lock fault | 0.08% |
| 76 | CV joint worn | 0.08% |
| 77 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.07% |
| 78 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.06% |
| 79 | Brake fluid leak | 0.06% |
| 80 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.05% |
| 81 | Drag link end worn | 0.05% |
| 82 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 83 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 84 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 85 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.04% |
| 86 | Body security fault | 0.03% |
| 87 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 88 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 89 | Steering operation fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Steering column fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.02% |
| 92 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 93 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.02% |
| 94 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.02% |
| 95 | Propshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | 0.02% |
| 97 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.02% |
| 98 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.02% |
| 99 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.01% |
| 100 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.01% |
| 101 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 102 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.01% |
| 103 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.01% |
| 104 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.01% |
| 105 | Towbar fault | 0.01% |
| 106 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 109 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 110 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 112 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 114 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 116 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 120 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 121 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 124 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 125 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 129 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 130 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 131 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 132 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 133 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 139 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 140 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 144 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 153 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 154 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 155 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 156 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 158 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 160 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 161 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 163 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 165 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 167 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 168 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 170 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 170 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mitsubishi Lancer MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mitsubishi Lancer, 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 Lancer problems?
Based on analysis of 310K Mitsubishi Lancer MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 14 identified common problems across 4 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Suspension linkage condition". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Mitsubishi Lancer generation has the most problems?
The Mitsubishi Lancer Mk8 (2003-2007) (2003–2007) has the highest number of identified common problems (12). 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 Lancer?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mitsubishi Lancer owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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