2003 Mitsubishi Pajero · 1,026 MOT tests
2003 Mitsubishi Pajero reliability
2003 Mitsubishi Pajeros fail 34.2% of first MOT tests, 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 3 Pajero years (1,026 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mitsubishi Pajeros: 32.5%)
- 34.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Mitsubishi Pajeros: 32.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 25% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 146,263
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,026
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 6% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 27% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 13.3% of tests fail here (21% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: tyres, 62% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics17.3%
- Body, chassis and structure13.3%
- Brakes12.5%
- Suspension12.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.3%
- Seat belts and airbags4.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Rear fog lamp not working 4.58%
A failed rear fog lamp reduces visibility in fog and leaves you less visible to following traffic, so repair it.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 3.12%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 3.12%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 2.83%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.73%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Exhaust has major gas leak 2.05%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (19.2%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (18.52%) · Wheel bearing slight play (8.87%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (7.6%) · Fuel pipes starting to corrode (7.12%) · Chassis corroded but still rigid (6.73%)
Other years
Every Mitsubishi Pajero year
The full picture: Mitsubishi Pajero reliability. Before you pay for any Mitsubishi Pajero, 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 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero reliable?
2003 Mitsubishi Pajeros fail 34.2% of first MOT tests, 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 3 Pajero years (1,026 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero MOT?
Most often rear fog lamp not working (4.58% of tests), seat belt anchor area weakened (3.12% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (3.12% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero shows 146,263 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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