Mitsubishi Colt MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 25,620 MOT tests on the Mitsubishi Colt carried out in 2023. 45% failed at the first attempt, which is well above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 6 in 10 Colts passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1998 to 2013. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2013 models did best (71% passed, +3.0 points against the average for 10-year-old cars), while 1998 models fared worst (46%, −18.3 points). Tested cars had covered 81,043 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 23.2% of tests (well above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 11.2% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 25,620
- First-time pass rate
- 55%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −16.0 points
- Average mileage at test
- 81,043
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Colt?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Colt MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 522 | 71% | 68% | +3.0 points | 58,063 |
| 2012 | 1,496 | 65% | 66% | −0.8 points | 63,154 |
| 2011 | 1,714 | 65% | 63% | +2.2 points | 68,786 |
| 2010 | 2,687 | 60% | 60% | −0.9 points | 74,657 |
| 2009 | 4,089 | 56% | 59% | −3.0 points | 78,638 |
| 2008 | 4,622 | 52% | 57% | −5.5 points | 82,308 |
| 2007 | 4,108 | 52% | 57% | −5.1 points | 87,214 |
| 2006 | 3,143 | 52% | 56% | −4.2 points | 90,037 |
| 2005 | 2,210 | 52% | 56% | −4.1 points | 91,582 |
| 2004 | 494 | 50% | 56% | −6.4 points | 90,826 |
| 2003 | 50 | 52% | 57% | −4.6 points | 77,125 |
| 2002 | 83 | 49% | 58% | −8.1 points | 75,855 |
| 2000 | 64 | 55% | 61% | −5.9 points | 79,313 |
| 1999 | 62 | 56% | 62% | −6.0 points | 77,958 |
| 1998 | 68 | 46% | 64% | −18.3 points | 85,816 |
Why the Mitsubishi Colt fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Colt | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 23.2% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 14.6% | 8.9% |
| Body and structure | 9.2% | 3.5% |
| Visibility | 8.7% | 4.8% |
| Brakes | 7.9% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 7.6% | 6.3% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.5% | 3.1% |
| Steering | 4.9% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 2.7% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.4% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working11.2%
- 2constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt6.1%
- 3does not clear the windscreen effectively5.8%
- 4projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.9%
- 5fractured or broken3.8%
- 6inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps3.7%
- 7ball joint has excessive play3.1%
- 8tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.7%
- 9not working on dipped beam2.7%
- 10pin or bush excessively worn2.5%
Common Colt MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Colt, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 15.0% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 14.3% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 10.4% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 8.9% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 7.6% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 6.7% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 4.9% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.2% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 3.9% |
| incorrect colour | Lights and electrics | 3.5% |
Tips to help your Colt pass
Based on where Colts most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 23.2% of Colt tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Body and structure · 9.2% of Colt tests
Look underneath for corrosion
On older cars, check sills, subframe mounts and brake pipes for rust. Surface rust is common, but corrosion on structural or brake parts is a fail.
Visibility · 8.7% of Colt tests
Clear the view
Replace wiper blades that smear, fill the washer bottle and get chips in the windscreen repaired early, especially in the area directly in front of the driver.
Compare with other models
Is the Colt ULEZ compliant? See the Mitsubishi Colt ULEZ check, or view all Mitsubishi models.
Other Mitsubishi models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 25,620 first MOT tests of the Mitsubishi Colt carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 25,620 first MOT tests of the Mitsubishi Colt.
What is the Mitsubishi Colt MOT failure rate?
In our data, 45% of 25,620 first MOT attempts on the Mitsubishi Colt ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Mitsubishi Colt fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (23.2% of tests), suspension (14.6% of tests), body and structure (9.2% of tests).
Which Colt year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2013 cars performed best: 71% passed first time, +3.0 points against the average for 10-year-old cars. The weakest was 1998, at 46% (−18.3 points).
How many miles had a typical Mitsubishi Colt covered at its MOT?
The average was 81,043 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2013 cars averaged 58,063 miles and 1998 cars 85,816.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Mitsubishi Colt?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 15.0% of tests, in the tyres area. 7.6% of Colts failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Colt's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 25,620 Colts in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 46% to 71% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readMOT advisories explained: what they mean and what to fix firstHalf of all cars tested in 2023 left with at least one advisory. They don't fail the MOT, but they're the tester's warning of what's coming next.Read the guide
Check any Colt's MOT history
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