Most Reliable Mitsubishi Models: Real MOT Data Analysis
We analysed 306,547 real UK MOT tests to reveal which Mitsubishi models pass most often, which years to buy, and which to avoid entirely.
306,547 MOT tests analysed
Real DVSA data covering every Mitsubishi model from 1986-2023
Key Findings
Most Reliable Model
Mitsubishi ECLIPSE
87.5% pass rate
Best Single Year
LANCER 2005 Petrol
68.4% pass rate
Mitsubishi vs National Average
71.3% vs 71.4%
-0.1% below average
Proven Durability Champion
LANCER
+25.2% at 21+ years
Mitsubishi sits near the middle of UK manufacturer rankings. We analysed 306,547 real MOT tests from the DVSA database to identify which Mitsubishi models outperform the brand average and which to avoid.
This isn't survey data or owner opinions. These are actual pass/fail results from UK garages, covering Mitsubishi models sold in the UK from 2000 to 2023.
How Mitsubishi Compares to Rivals
Mitsubishi ranks #133 out of 180 manufacturers with a 71.3% average MOT pass rate. That's below the national average of 71.4%:
| Manufacturer | Pass Rate | Rank | Tests Analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | 73.8% | #115 | 1,637,457 |
| Volkswagen | 71.9% | #129 | 3,034,850 |
| Mitsubishi | 71.3% | #133 | 306,547 |
| Nissan | 68.6% | #142 | 1,626,183 |
| Ford | 68.5% | #143 | 4,473,074 |
| Vauxhall | 65.4% | #155 | 3,052,659 |
The verdict: Toyota maintains a lead among competitors, while Mitsubishi sits at #133.
Best Mitsubishi Models by MOT Pass Rate
Looking at overall reliability across all years, here's how Mitsubishi's core models rank against the 71.4% national average:
| Model | Pass Rate | vs National (71.4%) | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECLIPSE | 87.5% | +16.1% | 11,167 | 1996-2022 |
| MIRAGE | 82.9% | +11.4% | 11,083 | 2000-2021 |
| ASX | 78.8% | +7.3% | 29,671 | 2010-2021 |
| OUTLANDER | 78.2% | +6.7% | 77,653 | 1998-2023 |
| L200 | 68.6% | -2.8% | 92,822 | 1987-2022 |
| SHOGUN | 65.3% | -6.1% | 35,072 | 1986-2021 |
| COLT | 55.4% | -16.0% | 25,620 | 1987-2021 |
| GRANDIS | 53.3% | -18.1% | 1,446 | 2003-2017 |
| SPACE | 47.7% | -23.8% | 2,133 | 1992-2020 |
* Compared to overall 71.4% national average across all years. For year-adjusted comparisons that account for newer cars passing more often, see individual model breakdowns below.
Top performer
The ECLIPSE leads Mitsubishi's lineup with an 87.5% pass rate.
Proven Durability Champions: Which Mitsubishi Models Age Best?
These Mitsubishi models show solid long-term reliability based on 11+ years of MOT data. Here's how they compare to the national average for cars of the same age:
High-confidence data: Only vehicles with 11+ years of MOT history and 100+ tests are included in this ranking.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LANCER | - | All | +25.2% | 21+ years | 86.2% |
| MIRAGE | - | All | +12.4% | 11-14 years | 77.0% |
| LANCER | - | All | +12.3% | 18-20 years | 68.5% |
| PAJERO | - | All | +12.0% | 18-20 years | 68.2% |
| LANCER | - | All | +5.2% | 15-17 years | 63.0% |
| PAJERO | - | All | +4.7% | 21+ years | 65.7% |
| ASX | - | All | +4.4% | 11-14 years | 69.0% |
| SHOGUN | - | All | +3.2% | 11-14 years | 67.8% |
| SHOGUN | - | All | +1.5% | 18-20 years | 57.6% |
| SHOGUN | - | All | +0.2% | 15-17 years | 58.0% |
How to read this: A score of "+15%" means the model passes MOTs 15 percentage points more often than the average car of the same age. These are proven results from vehicles that have genuinely aged well.
Proven durability champion
The LANCER outperforms the average 21+ years-old car by 25 percentage points, with 893 MOT tests proving its reliability.
Early Performers: Strong Start, Unproven Durability
These newer Mitsubishi models (3-6 years old) show strong early results, but haven't yet proven long-term durability:
Important caveat: Durability NOT yet proven - too early to assess long-term reliability. Older versions of the same model may tell a different story at 11+ years.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIRAGE | - | All | +6.9% | 8-10 years | 82.3% |
| SHOGUN | - | All | +4.0% | 8-10 years | 79.4% |
| ASX | - | All | +3.6% | 8-10 years | 79.0% |
| ECLIPSE | - | All | +2.8% | 3-7 years | 87.6% |
| ASX | - | All | +2.7% | 3-7 years | 87.5% |
| MIRAGE | - | All | +1.9% | 3-7 years | 86.7% |
| OUTLANDER | - | All | +1.7% | 8-10 years | 77.1% |
| OUTLANDER | - | All | +1.2% | 3-7 years | 86.0% |
What this means: These models are performing well in their early years, but we recommend checking the Durability Champions section above to see how older versions of the same model family have fared over time.
Mitsubishi L200: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The L200 has 92,822 tests in our database with an overall 68.6% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Diesel | 85.8% | -1.8% | 4,734 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 83.8% | -2.4% | 9,342 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 82.5% | -1.7% | 8,160 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 81.8% | +0.1% | 8,323 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 80.5% | +1.9% | 6,801 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 72.3% | -3.2% | 6,828 |
| 2014 | Diesel | 66.7% | -5.0% | 4,951 |
| 2013 | Diesel | 64.3% | -3.9% | 4,013 |
| 2012 | Diesel | 62.4% | -3.2% | 3,213 |
| 2011 | Diesel | 56.7% | -6.3% | 4,558 |
| 2010 | Diesel | 54.5% | -5.9% | 4,132 |
| 2009 | Diesel | 51.9% | -7.1% | 2,740 |
| ... | ||||
| 2011 | Diesel | 56.7% | -6.3% | 4,558 |
| 2010 | Diesel | 54.5% | -5.9% | 4,132 |
| 2009 | Diesel | 51.9% | -7.1% | 2,740 |
L200 verdict: Avoid the 2011 diesel (56.7%).
Avoid 2001-2011 L200s
The 2011 diesel L200 has a 56.7% pass rate, well below the national average.
Mitsubishi OUTLANDER: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The OUTLANDER has 77,653 tests in our database with an overall 78.2% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 87.1% | -0.5% | 3,907 |
| 2020 | Petrol | 87.1% | -0.6% | 1,525 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 86.6% | +0.4% | 2,394 |
| 2019 | Hybrid Electric | 85.4% | -0.8% | 6,354 |
| 2018 | Hybrid Electric | 87.4% | +3.1% | 8,521 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 84.9% | +0.6% | 1,915 |
| 2017 | Hybrid Electric | 85.3% | +3.7% | 7,126 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 80.3% | -1.4% | 1,826 |
| 2016 | Hybrid Electric | 83.2% | +4.6% | 9,089 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 79.3% | +0.6% | 2,147 |
| 2015 | Hybrid Electric | 77.0% | +1.6% | 10,940 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 71.6% | -3.8% | 2,091 |
| ... | ||||
| 2010 | Diesel | 56.7% | -3.8% | 1,498 |
| 2009 | Diesel | 54.0% | -5.0% | 1,342 |
| 2008 | Diesel | 53.8% | -3.6% | 1,722 |
OUTLANDER verdict: Avoid the 2010 diesel (56.7%).
Avoid 2007-2010 OUTLANDERs
The 2010 diesel OUTLANDER has a 56.7% pass rate, well below the national average.
Mitsubishi SHOGUN: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The SHOGUN has 35,072 tests in our database with an overall 65.3% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Diesel | 84.4% | -3.2% | 649 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 84.5% | -1.7% | 748 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 84.6% | +0.4% | 1,183 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 82.8% | +1.1% | 1,187 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 80.7% | +2.0% | 1,587 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 80.4% | +5.0% | 1,892 |
| 2014 | Diesel | 77.1% | +5.4% | 1,604 |
| 2013 | Diesel | 71.5% | +3.3% | 924 |
| 2012 | Diesel | 71.8% | +6.2% | 677 |
| 2011 | Diesel | 66.5% | +3.5% | 1,117 |
| 2010 | Diesel | 63.7% | +3.2% | 1,113 |
| 2009 | Diesel | 55.9% | -3.1% | 712 |
| ... | ||||
| 2009 | Diesel | 55.9% | -3.1% | 712 |
| 2008 | Diesel | 57.0% | -0.4% | 1,064 |
| 2007 | Diesel | 59.0% | +2.1% | 2,525 |
SHOGUN verdict: Avoid the 2009 diesel (55.9%).
Avoid 2002-2009 SHOGUNs
The 2009 diesel SHOGUN has a 55.9% pass rate, well below the national average.
Mitsubishi ASX: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The ASX has 29,671 tests in our database with an overall 78.8% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Petrol | 89.4% | +1.8% | 1,550 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 88.8% | +2.5% | 1,538 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 89.3% | +5.1% | 826 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 86.6% | +2.3% | 1,385 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 86.4% | +4.7% | 1,857 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 85.8% | +4.2% | 2,138 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 84.8% | +6.1% | 1,058 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 82.9% | +4.3% | 2,133 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 79.3% | +3.8% | 2,901 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 78.4% | +2.9% | 1,675 |
| 2014 | Petrol | 75.9% | +4.2% | 1,394 |
| 2014 | Diesel | 75.0% | +3.3% | 2,415 |
ASX verdict:
Mitsubishi COLT: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The COLT has 25,620 tests in our database with an overall 55.4% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Petrol | 71.3% | +3.0% | 522 |
| 2012 | Petrol | 64.7% | -0.9% | 1,494 |
| 2011 | Petrol | 65.3% | +2.3% | 1,710 |
| 2010 | Petrol | 59.5% | -1.0% | 2,681 |
| 2009 | Petrol | 56.0% | -3.0% | 4,083 |
| 2008 | Petrol | 52.2% | -5.2% | 3,942 |
| 2008 | Diesel | 49.8% | -7.6% | 679 |
| 2007 | Diesel | 51.9% | -5.0% | 707 |
| 2007 | Petrol | 51.8% | -5.2% | 3,401 |
| 2006 | Petrol | 52.1% | -4.0% | 2,853 |
| 2005 | Petrol | 51.6% | -4.6% | 1,994 |
| ... | ||||
| 2010 | Petrol | 59.5% | -1.0% | 2,681 |
| 2009 | Petrol | 56.0% | -3.0% | 4,083 |
| 2008 | Petrol | 52.2% | -5.2% | 3,942 |
COLT verdict: Avoid the 2010 petrol (59.5%).
Avoid 2005-2010 COLTs
The 2010 petrol COLT has a 59.5% pass rate, well below the national average.
Mitsubishi Hybrids vs Petrol vs Diesel
Reliability varies by fuel type for Mitsubishi. Here's how each performs:
| Fuel Type | Average Pass Rate | vs National | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Electric | 83.1% | +11.7% | 47,670 |
| Electric | 73.6% | +2.2% | 3,602 |
| Petrol | 71.3% | -0.1% | 84,861 |
| Diesel | 68.0% | -3.5% | 170,278 |
The hybrid advantage: Mitsubishi hybrids pass MOTs 12% more often than petrols and 15% more often than diesels.
Mitsubishi Models to Avoid
Not all Mitsubishis are reliable. These specific model/year combinations have failure rates well above average:
| Model | Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LANCER | 2010 | Diesel | 49.0% | 973 |
| LANCER | 2011 | Diesel | 54.9% | 871 |
| COLT | 2008 | Diesel | 49.8% | 679 |
| OUTLANDER | 2007 | Diesel | 49.7% | 1,356 |
| L200 | 2009 | Diesel | 52.2% | 2,386 |
| L200 | 2011 | Diesel | 56.6% | 4,267 |
| L200 | 2010 | Diesel | 54.5% | 3,560 |
| L200 DOUBLE CAB | 2010 | Diesel | 54.5% | 572 |
| COLT | 2008 | Petrol | 52.2% | 3,941 |
| COLT | 2007 | Petrol | 51.8% | 3,401 |
Pattern to avoid
Early 2010-2011 diesel LANCERs, 2007-2008 petrol/diesel COLTs, 2009-2011 diesel L200s are the models that drag down Mitsubishi's average. The SPACE performs 13% worse than the average car of the same age at 21+ years - this is proven poor durability. These vehicles fail MOTs more often than they pass.
What Goes Wrong on Mitsubishis?
When Mitsubishis fail MOTs, these are the most common causes:
| Failure Category | Total Failures |
|---|---|
| 1. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 38,448 |
| 2. Suspension | 27,514 |
| 3. Brakes | 26,230 |
| 4. Visibility | 15,670 |
| 5. Body, chassis, structure | 14,809 |
| 6. Tyres | 13,440 |
| 7. Noise, emissions and leaks | 9,106 |
Pre-MOT checklist for Mitsubishi owners:
- Check all bulbs (number plate lights are commonly missed)
- Inspect suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links
- Check brake pad thickness and disc condition
- Clean windscreen and check wiper blade condition
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Buying Recommendations
Best If Buying Nearly New
2019-2023 models with highest early pass rates
- ASX EXCEED 4X4 CVT 2020 Petrol: 92% pass rate
- MIRAGE 2019 Petrol: 89% pass rate
- OUTLANDER EXCEED PHEV CVT 2020 Hybrid Electric: 90% pass rate
- OUTLANDER EXCEED CVT 2019 Petrol: 88% pass rate
Note: Long-term durability not yet proven for these newer models
Best If Buying Used (Proven)
11+ years of proven durability data
- LANCER (21+ years): +14% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- MIRAGE (11-14 years): +12% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- PAJERO (18-20 years): +8% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
Mitsubishi Models to Avoid (Proven Poor)
Proven below average at 11+ years - not just old, genuinely problematic
- SPACE (21+ years): -11% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average at 21+ years)
- CARISMA (21+ years): -8% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average at 21+ years)
- COLT (21+ years): -5% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average at 21+ years)
- LANCER (11-14 years): -6% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average at 11-14 years)
About This Data
This analysis uses real MOT test results from the DVSA database, covering 306,547 tests on Mitsubishi vehicles between 2000 and 2023.
Year-Adjusted Scoring (v2.1): In year-by-year breakdowns, each vehicle is compared against the national average for vehicles of the same model year. This removes the natural bias where newer cars pass more often, allowing fair comparisons across eras.
Evidence-Tiered Durability: We separate "proven durability" (vehicles tested at 11+ years old) from "early performers" (3-6 years old). Only vehicles with proven long-term data are used for durability claims. Age-band comparisons use weighted national averages.
Minimum thresholds: 100 tests for proven durability rankings, 100 tests for early performer rankings. Pass rates are calculated as first-time passes, excluding retests.
The overall national average MOT pass rate is 71.44% based on 32,300,000 tests across all manufacturers. Year-specific averages range from ~59% (2009 vehicles) to ~88% (2020 vehicles).
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