Most Reliable Mitsubishi Models: Real MOT Data Analysis
We analysed 302,005 real UK MOT tests to reveal which Mitsubishi models pass most often, which years to buy, and which to avoid entirely.
302,005 MOT tests analysed
Real DVSA data covering every Mitsubishi model from 2000-2023
Key Findings
Most Reliable Model
Mitsubishi ECLIPSE
87.6% pass rate
Best Single Year
LANCER 2005 Petrol
68.4% pass rate
Mitsubishi vs National Average
71.4% vs 71.5%
-0.1% below average
Proven Durability Champion
LANCER 2005
+11.1% at 13+ years
Mitsubishi has built its reputation on reliability, but does the data back it up? We analysed 302,005 real MOT tests from the DVSA database to find out exactly which Mitsubishi models live up to the hype and which ones fall short.
This isn't survey data or owner opinions. These are actual pass/fail results from UK garages, covering every Mitsubishi model sold in the UK from 2000 to 2023.
How Mitsubishi Compares to Rivals
Mitsubishi ranks #45 out of 75 manufacturers with a 71.4% average MOT pass rate. That's below the national average of 71.5%:
| Manufacturer | Pass Rate | Rank | Tests Analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | 74.0% | #31 | 1,606,300 |
| Volkswagen | 72.2% | #43 | 2,967,545 |
| Mitsubishi | 71.4% | #45 | 302,005 |
| Nissan | 68.7% | #50 | 1,612,552 |
| Ford | 68.5% | #51 | 4,432,652 |
| Vauxhall | 65.4% | #59 | 3,038,498 |
The verdict: Toyota maintains a lead among competitors, while Mitsubishi sits at #45. However, newer Mitsubishi models significantly outperform this average.
Best Mitsubishi Models by MOT Pass Rate
Looking at overall reliability across all years, here's how Mitsubishi's core models rank against the 71.5% national average:
| Model | Pass Rate | vs National (71.5%) | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECLIPSE | 87.6% | +16.1% | 10,530 | 2017-2020 |
| MIRAGE | 82.8% | +11.3% | 10,949 | 2013-2020 |
| ASX | 78.7% | +7.2% | 29,493 | 2010-2020 |
| OUTLANDER | 78.2% | +6.7% | 77,011 | 2004-2021 |
| L200 | 68.6% | -2.9% | 91,654 | 2000-2020 |
| PAJERO | 66.3% | -5.2% | 1,162 | 2002-2006 |
| SHOGUN | 65.4% | -6.1% | 32,367 | 2000-2020 |
| LANCER | 64.0% | -7.5% | 10,241 | 2000-2011 |
| COLT | 55.4% | -16.1% | 25,005 | 2004-2013 |
| GRANDIS | 52.4% | -19.1% | 1,147 | 2004-2009 |
Top performer
The ECLIPSE dramatically outperforms other Mitsubishis with an 87.6% pass rate, putting it among the most reliable cars in the database.
Proven Durability Champions: Which Mitsubishi Models Age Best?
These Mitsubishi models have proven their durability with 11+ years of real-world MOT data. They're compared against the national average for cars of the same age:
High-confidence data: Only vehicles with 11+ years of MOT history and 500+ tests are included in this ranking.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LANCER | 2005 | Petrol | +11.1% | 13+ years | 68.4% |
| ASX | 2012 | Petrol | +10.6% | 11-12 years | 73.5% |
| ASX | 2011 | Petrol | +7.8% | 11-12 years | 70.7% |
| LANCER | 2008 | Petrol | +7.7% | 13+ years | 65.0% |
| ASX | 2012 | Diesel | +7.4% | 11-12 years | 70.2% |
| LANCER | 2007 | Petrol | +6.5% | 13+ years | 63.8% |
| LANCER | 2009 | Petrol | +6.5% | 13+ years | 63.8% |
| LANCER | 2006 | Petrol | +5.6% | 13+ years | 62.9% |
| SHOGUN | 2010 | Diesel | +4.3% | 13+ years | 61.6% |
| SHOGUN | 2011 | Diesel | +3.7% | 11-12 years | 66.5% |
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.
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 - these vehicles have not been tested at older ages. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OUTLANDER | 2018 | Hybrid Electric | +6.2% | 5-6 years | 87.4% |
| ASX | 2017 | Petrol | +5.2% | 5-6 years | 86.4% |
| ASX | 2017 | Diesel | +4.6% | 5-6 years | 85.8% |
| ECLIPSE | 2018 | Petrol | +4.6% | 5-6 years | 85.8% |
| OUTLANDER | 2017 | Hybrid Electric | +4.1% | 5-6 years | 85.3% |
| MIRAGE | 2017 | Petrol | +3.6% | 5-6 years | 84.8% |
| MIRAGE | 2019 | Petrol | +3.2% | 3-4 years | 89.1% |
| OUTLANDER | 2016 | Hybrid Electric | +2.2% | 5-6 years | 83.4% |
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 91,654 tests in our database with an overall 68.6% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Diesel | 85.9% | -1.8% | 4,617 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 83.7% | -2.5% | 9,273 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 82.5% | -1.7% | 8,140 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 81.9% | +0.2% | 8,272 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 80.6% | +2.0% | 6,762 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 72.3% | -3.2% | 6,818 |
| 2014 | Diesel | 66.7% | -5.0% | 4,924 |
| 2013 | Diesel | 64.2% | -4.0% | 3,996 |
| 2012 | Diesel | 62.5% | -3.2% | 3,168 |
| 2011 | Diesel | 56.7% | -6.3% | 4,558 |
| 2010 | Diesel | 54.5% | -6.0% | 4,132 |
| 2009 | Diesel | 51.9% | -7.2% | 2,740 |
| ... | ||||
| 2011 | Diesel | 56.7% | -6.3% | 4,558 |
| 2010 | Diesel | 54.5% | -6.0% | 4,132 |
| 2009 | Diesel | 51.9% | -7.2% | 2,740 |
L200 verdict: Avoid the 2011 diesel (56.7%).
Avoid early L200 models
The 2011 diesel L200 has a 56.7% pass rate, failing MOTs more often than passing.
Mitsubishi OUTLANDER: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The OUTLANDER has 77,011 tests in our database with an overall 78.2% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Hybrid Electric | 93.3% | +2.5% | 105 |
| 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 87.1% | -0.6% | 3,811 |
| 2020 | Petrol | 87.0% | -0.7% | 1,510 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 86.6% | +0.4% | 2,394 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 86.0% | -0.2% | 171 |
| 2019 | Hybrid Electric | 85.5% | -0.7% | 6,191 |
| 2018 | Hybrid Electric | 87.4% | +3.1% | 8,521 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 84.9% | +0.6% | 1,915 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 84.8% | +0.6% | 421 |
| 2017 | Hybrid Electric | 85.3% | +3.7% | 7,122 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 80.3% | -1.4% | 1,826 |
| 2016 | Hybrid Electric | 83.2% | +4.6% | 9,088 |
| ... | ||||
| 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: The 2021 hybrid electric model achieves an excellent 93.3% pass rate. Avoid the 2010 diesel (56.7%).
Avoid early OUTLANDER models
The 2010 diesel OUTLANDER has a 56.7% pass rate, failing MOTs more often than passing.
Mitsubishi SHOGUN: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The SHOGUN has 32,367 tests in our database with an overall 65.4% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Diesel | 84.4% | -3.3% | 648 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 84.6% | -1.6% | 745 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 84.7% | +0.5% | 1,176 |
| 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% | +5.3% | 1,604 |
| 2013 | Diesel | 71.5% | +3.2% | 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% | 708 |
| ... | ||||
| 2009 | Diesel | 55.9% | -3.1% | 708 |
| 2008 | Diesel | 57.2% | -0.2% | 1,060 |
| 2007 | Diesel | 59.0% | +2.1% | 2,525 |
SHOGUN verdict: Avoid the 2009 diesel (55.9%).
Avoid early SHOGUN models
The 2009 diesel SHOGUN has a 55.9% pass rate, failing MOTs more often than passing.
Mitsubishi ASX: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The ASX has 29,493 tests in our database with an overall 78.7% 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% | 1,458 |
| 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% | 1,393 |
| 2014 | Diesel | 75.0% | +3.3% | 2,415 |
ASX verdict:
Mitsubishi COLT: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The COLT has 25,005 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% | 1,492 |
| 2011 | Petrol | 65.3% | +2.3% | 1,709 |
| 2010 | Petrol | 59.5% | -1.0% | 2,681 |
| 2009 | Petrol | 56.0% | -3.0% | 4,082 |
| 2008 | Petrol | 52.2% | -5.2% | 3,941 |
| 2008 | Diesel | 49.8% | -7.6% | 679 |
| 2007 | Diesel | 51.9% | -5.1% | 707 |
| 2007 | Petrol | 51.8% | -5.2% | 3,401 |
| 2006 | Petrol | 52.1% | -4.0% | 2,852 |
| 2006 | Diesel | 49.8% | -6.3% | 289 |
| 2005 | Diesel | 55.8% | -0.4% | 215 |
| ... | ||||
| 2010 | Petrol | 59.5% | -1.0% | 2,681 |
| 2009 | Petrol | 56.0% | -3.0% | 4,082 |
| 2008 | Petrol | 52.2% | -5.2% | 3,941 |
COLT verdict: Avoid the 2010 petrol (59.5%).
Avoid early COLT models
The 2010 petrol COLT has a 59.5% pass rate, failing MOTs more often than passing.
Mitsubishi Hybrids vs Petrol vs Diesel
Mitsubishi's fuel type comparison shows clear differences in reliability:
| Fuel Type | Average Pass Rate | vs National | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Electric | 83.1% | +11.6% | 47,338 |
| Electric | 73.0% | +1.5% | 3,383 |
| Petrol | 71.5% | -0.0% | 76,249 |
| Diesel | 68.1% | -3.4% | 165,472 |
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% (-15.0% vs same-age) | 973 |
| LANCER | 2011 | Diesel | 54.9% (-11.7% vs same-age) | 871 |
| COLT | 2008 | Diesel | 49.8% (-10.1% vs same-age) | 679 |
| OUTLANDER | 2007 | Diesel | 49.7% (-10.2% vs same-age) | 1,356 |
| L200 | 2009 | Diesel | 52.2% | 2,386 |
| L200 | 2011 | Diesel | 56.6% (-9.9% vs same-age) | 4,267 |
| L200 | 2010 | Diesel | 54.5% (-8.9% vs same-age) | 3,560 |
| L200 DOUBLE CAB | 2010 | Diesel | 54.5% (-8.3% vs same-age) | 572 |
| COLT | 2008 | Petrol | 52.2% | 3,941 |
| OUTLANDER | 2014 | Diesel | 66.5% | 2,302 |
Pattern to avoid
Early 2010-2011 diesel LANCERs, 2008-2008 diesel/petrol COLTs, 2007-2014 diesel OUTLANDERs are the models that drag down Mitsubishi's average. The LANCER 2010 performs 14% worse than the average car of the same age at 11-12 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 | 36,420 |
| 2. Suspension | 25,978 |
| 3. Brakes | 24,844 |
| 4. Visibility | 14,876 |
| 5. Body, chassis, structure | 13,532 |
| 6. Tyres | 12,975 |
| 7. Steering | 8,261 |
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
- Limited data for recent models
Note: Long-term durability not yet proven for these newer models
Best If Buying Used (Proven)
11+ years of proven durability data
- LANCER 2005-2009: +7% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- ASX 2011-2012: +7% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
Mitsubishi Models to Avoid (Proven Poor)
Proven below average at 11+ years - not just old, genuinely problematic
- LANCER 2010-2011: -11% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average durability at 11-12 years)
- L200 2010-2011: -7% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average durability at 11-12 years)
- OUTLANDER 2007: -8% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average durability at 13+ years)
- COLT 2005-2008: -6% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average durability at 13+ years)
About This Data
This analysis uses real MOT test results from the DVSA database, covering 302,005 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: 500 tests for proven durability rankings, 1,000 tests for early performer rankings. Pass rates are calculated as first-time passes, excluding retests.
The overall national average MOT pass rate is 71.51% based on 32.3 million tests across all manufacturers. Year-specific averages range from ~59% (2009 vehicles) to ~88% (2020 vehicles).
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