Family SUV · 1998–2021 cars
Mitsubishi Outlander reliability
The Mitsubishi Outlander fails 21.9% of first MOT tests, 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 249,689 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Mitsubishi Outlander before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 21.9%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 11% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 249,689
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 10,200
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
What this means for buyers
The Mitsubishi Outlander has a first-time MOT fail rate of 21.9%, against 28.4% for all cars. Compared with cars of the same age and mileage, it has 11% fewer MOT fails, ranking 29 of 58 family models. The 2016 model stands out with 26% fewer fails than cars of the same age and mileage, while 2013 models had 9% more fails, so be wary of that year.
Steering is the weak spot, with 88% more fails than cars of the same age and mileage, so test drive it carefully. Check for play or noise, and look at the track rod ends for wear. Brake pads worn below 1.5mm are the most common failure, so check their thickness. Make sure the wipers clear the screen and every position lamp works. A well-kept Outlander can be a good buy if you check these first.
MOT fail rate by age
How the Mitsubishi Outlander ages
Each point is the share of Mitsubishi Outlanders of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Mitsubishi Outlander | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 13.8% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 13.1% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 13.5% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 16.4% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 19.7% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 24.6% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 28.2% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 34% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 35.8% | 34.6% |
| 12 | 39.3% | 37.3% |
| 13 | 43.2% | 39.5% |
| 14 | 44.5% | 41.1% |
| 15 | 47.4% | 42.3% |
| 16 | 47.7% | 42.9% |
| 17 | 47.7% | 43.4% |
| 18 | 45.2% | 43.5% |
| 19 | 47.6% | 43.4% |
By year
The best and worst Mitsubishi Outlander years
2016 cars come out best and 2013 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Outlander | 1,512 | 11.2% | 19% fewer fails | 35,281 |
| 2020 Outlander | 7,596 | 13% | 8% fewer fails | 35,171 |
| 2019 Outlander | 21,593 | 12.8% | 16% fewer fails | 40,718 |
| 2018 Outlander | 38,048 | 13.9% | 18% fewer fails | 47,322 |
| 2017 Outlander | 31,627 | 15.3% | 22% fewer fails | 56,020 |
| 2016 Outlander | 38,998 | 17.2% | 26% fewer fails | 69,263 |
| 2015 Outlander | 45,320 | 23% | 14% fewer fails | 77,806 |
| 2014 Outlander | 25,086 | 28% | 5% fewer fails | 86,454 |
| 2013 Outlander | 7,463 | 36.1% | 9% more fails | 93,696 |
| 2012 Outlander | 4,170 | 33.3% | 7% fewer fails | 97,827 |
| 2011 Outlander | 4,984 | 36.4% | 7% fewer fails | 110,306 |
| 2010 Outlander | 5,454 | 41.1% | 0% more fails | 117,708 |
| 2009 Outlander | 4,954 | 45.5% | 6% more fails | 128,277 |
| 2008 Outlander | 6,437 | 46.2% | 4% more fails | 133,088 |
| 2007 Outlander | 4,750 | 48.3% | 7% more fails | 135,089 |
| 2006 | 293 | 44.4% | 4% more fails | 92,070 |
| 2005 | 575 | 48.9% | 13% more fails | 98,001 |
| 2004 | 732 | 47% | 7% more fails | 102,393 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Mitsubishi Outlander
Its weak spot is steering: 88% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics7.2%18% below avg
- Brakes6.2%15% above avg
- Suspension5.4%18% below avg
- Tyres5%23% below avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.5%13% below avg
- Steering2.5%88% above avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.5%37% below avg
- Body, chassis and structure1.4%37% below avg
- Seat belts and airbags0.4%42% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.11% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 2
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.97% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 3
Position lamp not working 1.89% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 4
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 1.6% of tests
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
- 5
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.4% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 6
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.4% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 7
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 0.97% of tests
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
- 8
Dipped beam headlamp not working 0.95% of tests
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Mitsubishi Outlander's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit13.48%
- Brake pads wearing thin9.33%
- Brake disc pitted or scored7.97%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking4.63%
- Brake pipes corroded and greasy3.97%
- Child seat limits belt inspection2.43%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Mitsubishi Outlander
- 1
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 2
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 3
Position lamp not working
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 4
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Mitsubishi Outlander covers about 10,200 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Hybrid59.3%
- Diesel29.4%
- Electric4.6%
- Petrol3.9%
- Other2.8%
- LPG0%
Most common colours
Black, White, Grey, Red, Silver
Average engine size: 2.1 litres.
Compare
How the Mitsubishi Outlander compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz GLC | 11.3% | 33% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Skoda Yeti | 20.9% | 19% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mazda CX-5 | 18% | 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Land Rover Discovery Sport | 16.5% | 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mitsubishi Outlander | 21.9% | 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Nissan X-Trail | 29.3% | 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Renault Kadjar | 20.8% | 19% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every family suv ranked in the family suv reliability index, or all Mitsubishi models.
Questions
Mitsubishi Outlander questions, answered
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?
On MOT results, the Mitsubishi Outlander is about average: it fails 21.9% of first MOT tests, 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 30 of 59 family suv models in our index.
What fails most on a Mitsubishi Outlander MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Mitsubishi Outlander are brake pads worn below 1.5mm (2.11% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (1.97% of tests), position lamp not working (1.89% of tests). By area, lights and electrics fails 7.2% of its tests.
Which Mitsubishi Outlander year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2016 cars do best (26% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2013 cars do worst (9% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Mitsubishi Outlander do a year?
A typical Mitsubishi Outlander covers about 10,200 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Mitsubishi Outlander before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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