At a Glance
The Mitsubishi Pajero has 11 identified common problems across 4 generations, with the Mk2 (1991-1999) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 224K 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 Pajero 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 Pajero 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 Pajero Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Pajero/Shogun Mk1
Mk2
Top issue: Fog lamp not working
Mk3
Most common MOT failure: Number plate lamp not working
Mk4
Most common MOT failure: Rear fog lamp not working
Most Common Mitsubishi Pajero MOT Failures
Every reason Mitsubishi Pajero 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 | 12.10% |
| 2 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 10.09% |
| 3 | Exhaust system fault | 9.05% |
| 4 | Number plate lamp not working | 7.54% |
| 5 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.91% |
| 6 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.21% |
| 7 | Track rod end worn | 3.34% |
| 8 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.34% |
| 9 | Stop lamp not working | 3.15% |
| 10 | Driveshaft fault | 3.03% |
| 11 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 2.80% |
| 12 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.62% |
| 13 | Front suspension fault | 1.99% |
| 14 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.95% |
| 15 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.95% |
| 16 | Chassis condition | 1.86% |
| 17 | Fog lamp not working | 1.49% |
| 18 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.48% |
| 19 | Front lamp not working | 1.47% |
| 20 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.46% |
| 21 | Tyre condition | 1.36% |
| 22 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.31% |
| 23 | Horn not working | 1.03% |
| 24 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.83% |
| 25 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.79% |
| 26 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.78% |
| 27 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.74% |
| 28 | Rear lamp not working | 0.68% |
| 29 | Seat belt condition | 0.61% |
| 30 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.59% |
| 31 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.55% |
| 32 | Indicator fault | 0.50% |
| 33 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.48% |
| 34 | Parking brake condition | 0.47% |
| 35 | Position lamp not working | 0.45% |
| 36 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.42% |
| 37 | Brake pedal fault | 0.37% |
| 38 | ABS fault | 0.33% |
| 39 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.33% |
| 40 | Steering arm worn | 0.31% |
| 41 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.30% |
| 42 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.29% |
| 43 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.29% |
| 44 | Brake fluid leak | 0.23% |
| 45 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.23% |
| 46 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.22% |
| 47 | Drag link end worn | 0.22% |
| 48 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.21% |
| 49 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.21% |
| 50 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.20% |
| 51 | Electrical switch fault | 0.20% |
| 52 | Headlamp fault | 0.18% |
| 53 | Steering column fault | 0.18% |
| 54 | Steering rack fault | 0.18% |
| 55 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.17% |
| 56 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.16% |
| 57 | Brake caliper fault | 0.16% |
| 58 | Steering free play excessive | 0.15% |
| 59 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.13% |
| 60 | Steering lock fault | 0.13% |
| 61 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.12% |
| 62 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.12% |
| 63 | Engine oil leak | 0.10% |
| 64 | Towbar fault | 0.10% |
| 65 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.10% |
| 66 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.09% |
| 67 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.09% |
| 68 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.08% |
| 69 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.08% |
| 70 | Steering box fault | 0.07% |
| 71 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 72 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.06% |
| 73 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.06% |
| 74 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.06% |
| 75 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.05% |
| 76 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 77 | Propshaft fault | 0.04% |
| 78 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.04% |
| 79 | Body security fault | 0.04% |
| 80 | Steering operation fault | 0.04% |
| 81 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.03% |
| 82 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.03% |
| 83 | CV joint worn | 0.03% |
| 84 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.03% |
| 85 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.03% |
| 86 | Brake lever fault | 0.03% |
| 87 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 88 | Speedometer fault | 0.02% |
| 89 | Power steering pump fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.02% |
| 91 | Airbag warning light on | 0.02% |
| 92 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 93 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Steering drive system fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.01% |
| 98 | Passenger seat fault | 0.01% |
| 99 | Rear suspension fault | 0.01% |
| 100 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 101 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 102 | Driver seat fault | 0.01% |
| 103 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 104 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.01% |
| 105 | Driver door fault | 0.01% |
| 106 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.01% |
| 107 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 110 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 111 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
| 112 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 114 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 115 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 117 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 118 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Subframe corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 120 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 122 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 123 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 125 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 130 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 131 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 132 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 134 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 138 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 139 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 145 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 147 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 148 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 149 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 150 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 152 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | <0.01% |
| 153 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 154 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 155 | Driver airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 158 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 159 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 160 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 161 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Headlamp levelling device fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 165 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 166 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 169 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 171 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 172 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 173 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 174 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 175 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 177 | Steering head bearings worn | <0.01% |
| 178 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 179 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 180 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | <0.01% |
| 181 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 181 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mitsubishi Pajero MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mitsubishi Pajero, 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 Pajero problems?
Based on analysis of 224K Mitsubishi Pajero MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 11 identified common problems across 4 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Fog lamp not working". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Mitsubishi Pajero generation has the most problems?
The Mitsubishi Pajero Mk2 (1991-1999) (1991–1999) has the highest number of identified common problems (16). 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 Pajero?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mitsubishi Pajero owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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