Mitsubishi Lancer MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 11,086 MOT tests on the Mitsubishi Lancer carried out in 2023. 34% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Lancers passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1998 to 2019. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2000 models did best (91% passed, +30.3 points against the average for 23-year-old cars), while 2010 models fared worst (57%, −3.7 points). Tested cars had covered 90,917 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 15.6% of tests (noticeably above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 10.0% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 11,086
- First-time pass rate
- 66%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −5.7 points
- Average mileage at test
- 90,917
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Lancer?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Lancer 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 51 | 96% | 86% | +9.9 points | 89,983 |
| 2017 | 59 | 93% | 82% | +11.5 points | 83,693 |
| 2016 | 59 | 88% | 79% | +9.5 points | 82,669 |
| 2015 | 67 | 96% | 75% | +20.0 points | 79,660 |
| 2011 | 1,364 | 60% | 63% | −3.3 points | 95,448 |
| 2010 | 1,887 | 57% | 60% | −3.7 points | 98,276 |
| 2009 | 1,292 | 61% | 59% | +2.5 points | 100,075 |
| 2008 | 1,609 | 64% | 57% | +6.5 points | 93,054 |
| 2007 | 975 | 64% | 57% | +7.0 points | 85,446 |
| 2006 | 1,122 | 63% | 56% | +6.9 points | 87,122 |
| 2005 | 1,138 | 68% | 56% | +12.2 points | 86,691 |
| 2004 | 383 | 84% | 56% | +28.3 points | 78,884 |
| 2003 | 257 | 85% | 57% | +28.6 points | 80,275 |
| 2002 | 62 | 87% | 58% | +29.6 points | 72,399 |
| 2001 | 134 | 89% | 59% | +30.2 points | 70,759 |
| 2000 | 109 | 91% | 61% | +30.3 points | 76,608 |
| 1999 | 156 | 86% | 62% | +23.4 points | 75,952 |
| 1998 | 101 | 88% | 64% | +24.2 points | 83,108 |
Why the Mitsubishi Lancer fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Lancer | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 15.6% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 13.1% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 9.6% | 6.8% |
| Steering | 6.8% | 1.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.7% | 3.1% |
| Visibility | 5.3% | 4.8% |
| Tyres | 4.9% | 6.3% |
| Body and structure | 4.1% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.9% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.5% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working10.0%
- 2ball joint has excessive play5.7%
- 3ball joint excessively worn4.2%
- 4pin or bush excessively worn3.1%
- 5does not clear the windscreen effectively2.5%
- 6excessively corroded2.3%
- 7less than 1.5 mm thick2.2%
- 8has a major leak of exhaust gases2.1%
- 9inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps2.0%
- 10tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.0%
Common Lancer MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Lancer, 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 | 13.9% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 13.6% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 10.6% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 9.9% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 9.4% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 7.2% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 6.9% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 5.7% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 5.4% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.5% |
Tips to help your Lancer pass
Based on where Lancers most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 15.6% of Lancer 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 · 9.6% of Lancer 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.
Steering · 6.8% of Lancer tests
Feel for play in the steering
Clunks or play in the steering wheel, uneven tyre wear or a split steering rack gaiter are all reasons to book an inspection before the test.
Compare with other models
Is the Lancer ULEZ compliant? See the Mitsubishi Lancer ULEZ check, or view all Mitsubishi models.
Other Mitsubishi models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 11,086 first MOT tests of the Mitsubishi Lancer 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 11,086 first MOT tests of the Mitsubishi Lancer.
What is the Mitsubishi Lancer MOT failure rate?
In our data, 34% of 11,086 first MOT attempts on the Mitsubishi Lancer ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Mitsubishi Lancer fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (15.6% of tests), suspension (13.1% of tests), brakes (9.6% of tests).
Which Lancer year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2000 cars performed best: 91% passed first time, +30.3 points against the average for 23-year-old cars. The weakest was 2010, at 57% (−3.7 points).
How many miles had a typical Mitsubishi Lancer covered at its MOT?
The average was 90,917 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2019 cars averaged 89,983 miles and 1998 cars 83,108.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Mitsubishi Lancer?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 13.9% of tests, in the tyres area. 4.9% of Lancers failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Lancer's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 11,086 Lancers in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 57% to 96% 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 Lancer's MOT history
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