At a Glance
The Mitsubishi Outlander has 16 identified common problems across 3 generations, with the Mk3 (2013-2021) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 559K 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 Outlander 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 Outlander 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 Outlander owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Mitsubishi Outlander owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Looking for a garage to repair your Mitsubishi Outlander?
Search our directory of 12,000+ UK garages by service and postcode — every garage has verified Google reviews.
Browse Mitsubishi Outlander Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Mitsubishi Outlander MOT Failures
Every reason Mitsubishi Outlander 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 | 9.68% |
| 2 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 8.99% |
| 3 | Tyre condition | 7.87% |
| 4 | Track rod end worn | 6.98% |
| 5 | Brake pads or linings worn | 6.81% |
| 6 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 5.86% |
| 7 | Number plate lamp not working | 4.98% |
| 8 | Position lamp not working | 4.27% |
| 9 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.02% |
| 10 | Ball joint dust cover split | 3.73% |
| 11 | Headlamp fault | 2.72% |
| 12 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 2.57% |
| 13 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.48% |
| 14 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.41% |
| 15 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 2.19% |
| 16 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.82% |
| 17 | Stop lamp not working | 1.62% |
| 18 | Exhaust system fault | 1.53% |
| 19 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.49% |
| 20 | Front lamp not working | 1.26% |
| 21 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 1.07% |
| 22 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.00% |
| 23 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.91% |
| 24 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.89% |
| 25 | Indicator fault | 0.78% |
| 26 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.77% |
| 27 | Seat belt condition | 0.71% |
| 28 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.60% |
| 29 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.58% |
| 30 | Parking brake condition | 0.53% |
| 31 | Fog lamp not working | 0.52% |
| 32 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.47% |
| 33 | Brake lever fault | 0.47% |
| 34 | Driveshaft fault | 0.45% |
| 35 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.40% |
| 36 | ABS fault | 0.35% |
| 37 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.35% |
| 38 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.32% |
| 39 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.30% |
| 40 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.30% |
| 41 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.29% |
| 42 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.27% |
| 43 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.26% |
| 44 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.22% |
| 45 | Steering rack fault | 0.22% |
| 46 | Horn not working | 0.20% |
| 47 | Brake caliper fault | 0.17% |
| 48 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.17% |
| 49 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.16% |
| 50 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.14% |
| 51 | Airbag warning light on | 0.12% |
| 52 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.12% |
| 53 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.12% |
| 54 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.11% |
| 55 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.11% |
| 56 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.11% |
| 57 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.10% |
| 58 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.10% |
| 59 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.09% |
| 60 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.09% |
| 61 | Engine oil leak | 0.09% |
| 62 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.08% |
| 63 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.08% |
| 64 | Rear lamp not working | 0.08% |
| 65 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.07% |
| 66 | Brake pedal fault | 0.07% |
| 67 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.07% |
| 68 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.06% |
| 69 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 70 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.06% |
| 71 | Chassis condition | 0.05% |
| 72 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.05% |
| 73 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.05% |
| 74 | Axle corroded or damaged | 0.05% |
| 75 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.04% |
| 76 | Spare wheel fault | 0.04% |
| 77 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.04% |
| 78 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.04% |
| 79 | Steering arm worn | 0.04% |
| 80 | Brake fluid leak | 0.03% |
| 81 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 82 | Exhaust leak | 0.03% |
| 83 | Front suspension fault | 0.03% |
| 84 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.03% |
| 85 | Drag link end worn | 0.03% |
| 86 | Electrical switch fault | 0.03% |
| 87 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.03% |
| 88 | Front passenger door fault | 0.03% |
| 89 | Propshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Steering free play excessive | 0.02% |
| 92 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.02% |
| 94 | Towbar fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Rear suspension fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Steering lock fault | 0.01% |
| 98 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.01% |
| 99 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.01% |
| 100 | Body security fault | 0.01% |
| 101 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.01% |
| 102 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | 0.01% |
| 103 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.01% |
| 104 | Subframe mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 105 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 106 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 108 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 109 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 110 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 112 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 114 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 115 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 116 | Steering operation fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 118 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 119 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Chain drive fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 124 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 130 | Driver airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 133 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 135 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Handbrake cable fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 139 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 140 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 143 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 145 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 146 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 148 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 153 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 159 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 160 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 161 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 162 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 163 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 164 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 166 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 167 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 171 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mitsubishi Outlander MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mitsubishi Outlander, 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 Outlander problems?
Based on analysis of 559K Mitsubishi Outlander MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 16 identified common problems across 3 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Parking brake performance below minimum". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Mitsubishi Outlander generation has the most problems?
The Mitsubishi Outlander Mk3 (2013-2021) (2013–2021) has the highest number of identified common problems (11). 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 Outlander?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mitsubishi Outlander 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
