Mitsubishi L200 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 92,822 MOT tests on the Mitsubishi L200 carried out in 2023. 31% failed at the first attempt, which is slightly above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 L200s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1997 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2016 models did best (80% passed, +1.9 points against the average for 7-year-old cars), while 2021 models fared worst (84%, −7.2 points). Tested cars had covered 90,214 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 17.1% of tests (noticeably above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 10.6% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 92,822
- First-time pass rate
- 69%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −2.8 points
- Average mileage at test
- 90,214
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular L200?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
L200 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 98 | 84% | 91% | −7.2 points | 37,707 |
| 2020 | 4,734 | 86% | 88% | −1.8 points | 37,437 |
| 2019 | 9,343 | 84% | 86% | −2.4 points | 46,290 |
| 2018 | 8,160 | 83% | 84% | −1.7 points | 56,132 |
| 2017 | 8,324 | 82% | 82% | +0.1 points | 64,827 |
| 2016 | 6,802 | 80% | 79% | +1.9 points | 73,232 |
| 2015 | 6,828 | 72% | 75% | −3.2 points | 79,281 |
| 2014 | 4,952 | 67% | 72% | −5.0 points | 86,016 |
| 2013 | 4,013 | 64% | 68% | −3.9 points | 94,883 |
| 2012 | 3,214 | 62% | 66% | −3.2 points | 104,188 |
| 2011 | 4,561 | 57% | 63% | −6.3 points | 115,983 |
| 2010 | 4,135 | 55% | 60% | −5.9 points | 121,840 |
| 2009 | 2,742 | 52% | 59% | −7.1 points | 124,953 |
| 2008 | 3,056 | 54% | 57% | −3.1 points | 130,015 |
| 2007 | 4,828 | 54% | 57% | −3.3 points | 129,597 |
| 2006 | 5,981 | 53% | 56% | −3.0 points | 133,575 |
| 2005 | 3,680 | 56% | 56% | +0.1 points | 122,446 |
| 2004 | 2,819 | 55% | 56% | −1.0 points | 123,443 |
| 2003 | 2,097 | 54% | 57% | −2.2 points | 124,467 |
| 2002 | 1,020 | 56% | 58% | −1.9 points | 130,755 |
| 2001 | 562 | 57% | 59% | −1.7 points | 132,610 |
| 2000 | 312 | 60% | 61% | −1.0 points | 139,183 |
| 1999 | 188 | 59% | 62% | −3.4 points | 140,686 |
| 1998 | 130 | 58% | 64% | −6.2 points | 134,778 |
| 1997 | 127 | 59% | 64% | −5.4 points | 129,875 |
Why the Mitsubishi L200 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | L200 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 17.1% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 10.3% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 10.3% | 6.8% |
| Body and structure | 6.6% | 3.5% |
| Visibility | 5.6% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.2% | 3.1% |
| Tyres | 3.2% | 6.3% |
| Steering | 2.1% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.6% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.7% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working10.6%
- 2excessively corroded3.9%
- 3ball joint excessively worn3.3%
- 4does not clear the windscreen effectively3.0%
- 5constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.6%
- 6less than 1.5 mm thick2.1%
- 7tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.8%
- 8fractured1.8%
- 9provides insufficient washer liquid1.6%
- 10inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps1.6%
Common L200 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used L200, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 19.5% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 12.9% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 7.5% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 6.8% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 5.1% |
| corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced | Body and structure | 5.0% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 3.9% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 3.7% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 3.4% |
| has excessive play | Suspension | 3.0% |
Tips to help your L200 pass
Based on where L200s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 17.1% of L200 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.
Brakes · 10.3% of L200 tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Body and structure · 6.6% of L200 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.
Compare with other models
Is the L200 ULEZ compliant? See the Mitsubishi L200 ULEZ check, or view all Mitsubishi models.
Other Mitsubishi models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 92,822 first MOT tests of the Mitsubishi L200 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 92,822 first MOT tests of the Mitsubishi L200.
What is the Mitsubishi L200 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 31% of 92,822 first MOT attempts on the Mitsubishi L200 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Mitsubishi L200 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (17.1% of tests), suspension (10.3% of tests), brakes (10.3% of tests).
Which L200 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2016 cars performed best: 80% passed first time, +1.9 points against the average for 7-year-old cars. The weakest was 2021, at 84% (−7.2 points).
How many miles had a typical Mitsubishi L200 covered at its MOT?
The average was 90,214 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 37,707 miles and 1997 cars 129,875.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Mitsubishi L200?
"excessively corroded" was recorded on 19.5% of tests, in the brakes area. 10.3% of L200s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific L200's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 92,822 L200s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 52% to 86% 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 readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
Check any L200's MOT history
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