Verdict
Mitsubishis pass their MOT first time on 69.4% of tests, against 68.4% for a typical vehicle of the same age and mileage. They beat 57% of cars on UK roads, ranking Mitsubishi 17th of 40 makes: about average.
The ASX does best, beating 72% of cars, with the Eclipse (2018–2021) and the older Lancer close behind at 70%. The Outlander and Shogun beat about two in three. The L200 pick-up, the most-tested Mitsubishi, is about average at 49%.
Check the Colt most carefully: it beats only 30% of cars and passes about 5 points below a typical car of its age and mileage. The Space Star (2002–2005) does worse still, beating only 15%, though it has far fewer tests.
Mitsubishis fail on steering about 1.5 times as often as a typical vehicle (about 1 in 31 tests), on body and structure about 1.25 times (about 1 in 20 tests) and slightly more often on brakes. Tyre fails are about a third less common than typical.
Where it fails
Every Mitsubishi compared with typical cars of the same age and mileage.
Every MOT area
Share of tests failing on each area, against a typical car of the same age and mileage (black line).
Pick a make and model to see its MOT pass rate, best and worst years and weak spots.
Mitsubishi models
Models with 20,000+ MOT tests, most common first. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate. Light vans are included and tend to grade lower, partly from hard commercial use.
| Model first registered | Pass rate | Rank | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| L200 1997–2021 | 66.4% | Beats 49% | C |
| Outlander 2004–2021 | 77.7% | Beats 67% | B |
| Shogun 1994–2021 | 66.6% | Beats 67% | B |
| Colt 2004–2013 | 57.2% | Beats 30% | D |
| ASX 2010–2021 | 78.7% | Beats 72% | B |
| Lancer 1998–2011 | 65.6% | Beats 70% | B |
| Mirage 2013–2020 | 82.6% | Beats 59% | C |
| Eclipse 2018–2021 | 87.0% | Beats 70% | B |
| Shogun Sport 2001–2007 | 55.7% | Beats 60% | B |
| Space Star 2002–2005 | 44.9% | Beats 15% | E |
FAQ
What is the Mitsubishi MOT pass rate?
69.4% of Mitsubishi MOT tests were passed first time, from 2.4 million tests. A typical vehicle of the same age and mileage passes 68.4%, so Mitsubishi is about average.
Is Mitsubishi reliable?
On MOT results it is about average: Mitsubishi beats 57% of cars on UK roads and ranks 17th of 40 makes. Its SUVs do better than average and the Colt clearly worse. MOT results cover safety and emissions items, not every kind of breakdown.
Which Mitsubishi model is most reliable?
The ASX, which beats 72% of cars on UK roads once age and mileage are taken into account, then the Eclipse and Lancer at about seven in ten and the Outlander and Shogun at about two in three.
Which Mitsubishi should I check most carefully?
The Colt, which beats only 30% of cars, and the older Space Star, which beats 15%.
What do Mitsubishis fail the MOT on?
Lights and electrics most often, on about 1 in 7 tests, close to typical. Compared with typical vehicles, steering fails about 1.5 times as often, body and structure about 1.25 times and brakes slightly more often; tyres fail less often.