Mitsubishi Pajero MOT pass rate and common problems
73.3% of 3,330 Mitsubishi Pajero MOT tests pass.
The Pajero passes 73.3% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the average across all Mitsubishi models (78.5%).
The Mitsubishi Pajero passes 73.3% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Mitsubishi Pajero?
This is the average across every Mitsubishi Pajero 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 82.7% at 3–6 years to 72.6% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | too few tests (10) | 10 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | 82.7% | 75 | 75,279 miles |
| 6–10 years | 80.5% | 149 | 82,700 miles |
| 10–15 years | 76.5% | 68 | 102,490 miles |
| 15+ years | 72.6% | 3,028 | 147,113 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Mitsubishi Pajero
The most common reason the Mitsubishi Pajero fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 64.6% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 64.6% | Not working |
| Body, chassis, structure | 64.0% | Or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting |
| Brakes | 46.3% | Excessively corroded |
| Suspension | 43.4% | Prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 22.5% | Prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced |
| Steering | 15.4% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Visibility | 14.7% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 14.4% | Unable to be completed |
| Tyres | 6.4% | Has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure |
| Identification of the vehicle | 0.8% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
Buying a used Mitsubishi Pajero: what to check
These checks follow the Mitsubishi Pajero’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 Pajero comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 80.5% to 76.5%. 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: 80.5% down to 68.8%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 64.6% of failed Mitsubishi Pajero MOTs. 35.3% of tests at 10–15 years failed on lights and electrics, against 12.0% 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. Bodywork and corrosion
Recorded in 64.0% of failed Mitsubishi Pajero MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 22.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on bodywork and corrosion.
Look underneath and along the sills for corrosion, especially near suspension and seat-belt mountings. Uneven panel gaps or mismatched paint can indicate accident repair.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 46.3% of failed Mitsubishi Pajero MOTs. 16.0% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 8.0% 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. Suspension
Recorded in 43.4% of failed Mitsubishi Pajero MOTs. 14.8% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension, against 2.7% at 3–6 years.
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.
5. Seat belts and airbags
Recorded in 22.5% of failed Mitsubishi Pajero MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 8.1% of tests at 15+ years failed on seat belts and airbags.
Pull every seat belt out fully and let it retract. Check the buckles latch and release, and that the airbag warning light goes out after starting.
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 Mirage — 86.6% pass rate
- Mitsubishi Eclipse — 90.0% pass rate
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross — 91.2% pass rate
- Mitsubishi Delica — 66.4% pass rate
- Mitsubishi Space — 49.8% pass rate
- Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin — 62.5% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Mitsubishi Pajero?
- 73.3% of Mitsubishi Pajero MOT tests pass, based on 3,330 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Mitsubishi Pajero?
- The most common reason the Mitsubishi Pajero fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 64.6% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Mitsubishi Pajero?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Mitsubishi Pajero are lights and electrics; bodywork and corrosion; brakes. 35.3% of tests at 10–15 years failed on lights and electrics, against 12.0% at 3–6 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Mitsubishi Pajero?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; bodywork and corrosion; brakes; suspension; seat belts and airbags. 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 Pajero'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.