2004 Mitsubishi Lancer · 1,480 MOT tests
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer reliability
2004 Mitsubishi Lancers fail 13% of first MOT tests, 67% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 9 Lancer years (1,480 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Mitsubishi Lancers: 33.2%)
- 13%
- first-time fail rate (all Mitsubishi Lancers: 33.2%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 67% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 75,335
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,480
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 67% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- 2005 cars: 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- Strong point: suspension, 77% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
Fail rate by area
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.3%
- Lights and electrics5.1%
- Suspension3.3%
- Brakes3.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.8%
- Body, chassis and structure2.2%
- Steering1.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 1.49%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Catalytic converter missing where fitted 1.42%
A missing catalytic converter increases pollution and is illegal, so it must be replaced before driving.
Rear fog lamp not working 1.35%
A failed rear fog lamp reduces visibility in fog and leaves you less visible to following traffic, so repair it.
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 1.22%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 1.15%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 1.15%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (6.22%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (3.45%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (2.03%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (2.03%) · Track rod ball joint slight play (1.82%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (1.76%)
Other years
Every Mitsubishi Lancer year
The full picture: Mitsubishi Lancer reliability. Before you pay for any Mitsubishi Lancer, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?
2004 Mitsubishi Lancers fail 13% of first MOT tests, 67% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 9 Lancer years (1,480 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (1.49% of tests), catalytic converter missing where fitted (1.42% of tests), rear fog lamp not working (1.35% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer shows 75,335 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Check a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.