Mitsubishi Lancer MOT pass rate and common problems
74.4% of 15,746 Mitsubishi Lancer MOT tests pass.
At 74.4%, the Lancer passes slightly less often than the average across all Mitsubishi models (78.5%).
At 74.4%, the Mitsubishi Lancer passes slightly less often than the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Mitsubishi Lancer?
This is the average across every Mitsubishi Lancer in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Mitsubishi’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate declines noticeably with age, from 91.2% at 3–6 years to 77.5% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | too few tests (10) | 10 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | 91.2% | 147 | 86,449 miles |
| 6–10 years | 92.3% | 366 | 79,791 miles |
| 10–15 years | 66.8% | 5,307 | 100,080 miles |
| 15+ years | 77.5% | 9,916 | 87,875 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Mitsubishi Lancer
The most common reason the Mitsubishi Lancer fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 60.9% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 60.9% | Not working |
| Suspension | 54.0% | Ball joint excessively worn |
| Brakes | 43.0% | Excessively corroded |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 21.5% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Steering | 18.3% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Tyres | 15.8% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Visibility | 14.8% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Body, chassis, structure | 13.8% | Has a major leak of exhaust gases |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 2.2% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.7% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
Buying a used Mitsubishi Lancer: what to check
These checks follow the Mitsubishi Lancer’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Mitsubishi Lancer comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 92.3% to 66.8%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 90,000–120,000 mi to 120,000+ mi: 71.9% down to 60.2%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 60.9% of failed Mitsubishi Lancer MOTs. 21.0% of tests at 10–15 years failed on lights and electrics, against 4.8% at 3–6 years.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
2. Suspension
Recorded in 54.0% of failed Mitsubishi Lancer MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 19.9% of tests at 10–15 years failed on suspension.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 43.0% of failed Mitsubishi Lancer MOTs. 18.4% of tests at 10–15 years failed on brakes, against 2.7% at 3–6 years.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
4. Exhaust, emissions and leaks
Recorded in 21.5% of failed Mitsubishi Lancer MOTs. 7.0% of tests at 10–15 years failed on exhaust, emissions and leaks, against 2.7% at 3–6 years.
Look under the car for fresh oil or coolant, and listen for blows or rattles from the exhaust. Watch for smoke from the tailpipe when the engine starts and when you accelerate.
5. Steering
Recorded in 18.3% of failed Mitsubishi Lancer MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 8.0% of tests at 10–15 years failed on steering.
The steering should feel precise, without knocks or play, and the car should run straight. Turn to full lock both ways and listen for clunks.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Mitsubishi service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Mitsubishi models
- Mitsubishi Shogun — 75.1% pass rate
- Mitsubishi Asx — 81.3% pass rate
- Mitsubishi Colt — 64.4% pass rate
- Mitsubishi Mirage — 86.6% pass rate
- Mitsubishi Eclipse — 90.0% pass rate
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross — 91.2% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Mitsubishi Lancer?
- 74.4% of Mitsubishi Lancer MOT tests pass, based on 15,746 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Mitsubishi Lancer?
- The most common reason the Mitsubishi Lancer fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 60.9% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Mitsubishi Lancer?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Mitsubishi Lancer are lights and electrics; suspension; brakes. 21.0% of tests at 10–15 years failed on lights and electrics, against 4.8% at 3–6 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Mitsubishi Lancer?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; suspension; brakes; exhaust, emissions and leaks; steering. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Mitsubishi Lancer's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Mitsubishi service history guide for how to check and keep one.