Mitsubishi Outlander MOT pass rate and common problems
83.0% of 118,749 Mitsubishi Outlander MOT tests pass.
The Outlander has a pass rate of 83.0%, a little higher than the average across all Mitsubishi models (78.5%).
The Mitsubishi Outlander has a pass rate of 83.0%, a little higher than the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Mitsubishi Outlander?
This is the average across every Mitsubishi Outlander 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 drops sharply with age: the Mitsubishi Outlander tested at 0–3 years pass 88.5% of the time, compared with just 59.2% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 88.5% | 2,762 | 30,121 miles |
| 3–6 years | 90.6% | 34,393 | 48,834 miles |
| 6–10 years | 83.5% | 62,258 | 82,573 miles |
| 10–15 years | 69.9% | 13,945 | 109,801 miles |
| 15+ years | 59.2% | 5,391 | 133,757 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Mitsubishi Outlander
The most common reason the Mitsubishi Outlander fails its MOT is brakes — present in 38.9% of failed tests, most often logged as "Less than 1.5 mm thick".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 38.9% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 36.8% | Not working |
| Suspension | 30.5% | Ball joint excessively worn |
| Tyres | 23.7% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Visibility | 14.4% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Steering | 11.3% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Body, chassis, structure | 6.2% | Has a major leak of exhaust gases |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.8% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 1.7% | Buckle not functioning as intended |
| Road Wheels | 1.3% | Fixing missing |
Buying a used Mitsubishi Outlander: what to check
These checks follow the Mitsubishi Outlander’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 Outlander comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 83.5% to 69.9%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 30,000–60,000 mi to 60,000–90,000 mi: 89.0% down to 83.0%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Brakes
Recorded in 38.9% of failed Mitsubishi Outlander MOTs. 22.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 1.0% at 0–3 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.
2. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 36.8% of failed Mitsubishi Outlander MOTs. 29.4% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 4.5% at 0–3 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.
3. Suspension
Recorded in 30.5% of failed Mitsubishi Outlander MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 36.1% of tests at 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.
4. Tyres
Recorded in 23.7% of failed Mitsubishi Outlander MOTs.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
5. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 14.4% of failed Mitsubishi Outlander MOTs.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
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 L200 — 77.6% pass rate
- Mitsubishi Shogun — 75.1% pass rate
- Mitsubishi Asx — 81.3% pass rate
- Mitsubishi Colt — 64.4% pass rate
- Mitsubishi Lancer — 74.4% pass rate
- Mitsubishi Mirage — 86.6% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Mitsubishi Outlander?
- 83.0% of Mitsubishi Outlander MOT tests pass, based on 118,749 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Mitsubishi Outlander?
- The most common reason the Mitsubishi Outlander fails its MOT is brakes — present in 38.9% of failed tests, most often logged as "Less than 1.5 mm thick".
- What are the common problems with the Mitsubishi Outlander?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Mitsubishi Outlander are brakes; lights and electrics; suspension. 22.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 1.0% at 0–3 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Mitsubishi Outlander?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: brakes; lights and electrics; suspension; tyres; windscreen and wipers. 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 Outlander'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.