Mitsubishi Outlander MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 77,653 MOT tests on the Mitsubishi Outlander carried out in 2023. 22% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 Outlanders passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2004 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2016 models did best (82% passed, +3.8 points against the average for 7-year-old cars), while 2007 models fared worst (51%, −6.5 points). Tested cars had covered 71,753 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 7.2% of tests (noticeably below the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 3.1% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 77,653
- First-time pass rate
- 78%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +6.7 points
- Average mileage at test
- 71,753
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Outlander?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Outlander 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 | 178 | 92% | 91% | +0.7 points | 32,736 |
| 2020 | 5,433 | 87% | 88% | −0.5 points | 29,359 |
| 2019 | 8,919 | 86% | 86% | −0.5 points | 40,190 |
| 2018 | 10,858 | 87% | 84% | +2.6 points | 51,066 |
| 2017 | 8,959 | 84% | 82% | +2.6 points | 60,693 |
| 2016 | 11,247 | 82% | 79% | +3.8 points | 75,667 |
| 2015 | 13,052 | 76% | 75% | +0.7 points | 82,940 |
| 2014 | 7,261 | 71% | 72% | −1.1 points | 89,586 |
| 2013 | 2,161 | 64% | 68% | −4.7 points | 93,970 |
| 2012 | 1,211 | 64% | 66% | −1.5 points | 100,026 |
| 2011 | 1,437 | 62% | 63% | −1.2 points | 112,030 |
| 2010 | 1,629 | 57% | 60% | −3.1 points | 118,562 |
| 2009 | 1,464 | 55% | 59% | −3.7 points | 128,088 |
| 2008 | 1,893 | 55% | 57% | −2.7 points | 133,665 |
| 2007 | 1,410 | 51% | 57% | −6.5 points | 137,244 |
| 2006 | 98 | 59% | 56% | +3.0 points | 94,856 |
| 2005 | 173 | 53% | 56% | −3.6 points | 96,441 |
| 2004 | 241 | 54% | 56% | −2.5 points | 103,506 |
Why the Mitsubishi Outlander fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Outlander | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 7.2% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 6.1% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 5.2% | 8.9% |
| Tyres | 5.0% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 3.6% | 4.8% |
| Steering | 2.3% | 1.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.5% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 1.3% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.4% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.3% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working3.1%
- 2less than 1.5 mm thick2.5%
- 3does not clear the windscreen effectively2.4%
- 4ball joint excessively worn2.0%
- 5ball joint has excessive play1.7%
- 6has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.7%
- 7tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.6%
- 8ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.3%
- 9not working on dipped beam1.1%
- 10excessively binding1.0%
Common Outlander MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Outlander, 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 | 15.6% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 10.9% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 9.6% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 5.5% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 4.4% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 3.4% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 2.6% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.5% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 2.4% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 2.4% |
Tips to help your Outlander pass
Based on where Outlanders most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 7.2% of Outlander 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 · 6.1% of Outlander 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.
Compare with other models
Is the Outlander ULEZ compliant? See the Mitsubishi Outlander ULEZ check, or view all Mitsubishi models.
Other Mitsubishi models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 77,653 first MOT tests of the Mitsubishi Outlander 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 77,653 first MOT tests of the Mitsubishi Outlander.
What is the Mitsubishi Outlander MOT failure rate?
In our data, 22% of 77,653 first MOT attempts on the Mitsubishi Outlander ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Mitsubishi Outlander fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (7.2% of tests), brakes (6.1% of tests), suspension (5.2% of tests).
Which Outlander year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2016 cars performed best: 82% passed first time, +3.8 points against the average for 7-year-old cars. The weakest was 2007, at 51% (−6.5 points).
How many miles had a typical Mitsubishi Outlander covered at its MOT?
The average was 71,753 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 32,736 miles and 2004 cars 103,506.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Mitsubishi Outlander?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 15.6% of tests, in the tyres area. 5.0% of Outlanders failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Outlander's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 77,653 Outlanders in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 51% to 92% 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 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
- 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
Check any Outlander's MOT history
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