1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 Mitsubishi Lancer MOT pass rate and common faults

132 MOT tests in 2024. 85.6% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

135Well above average
Passed first time85.6%
Failed or needed repairs14.4%
Typical mileage at test77,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 132 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.5%
  2. Rear fog lamp: not working3.0%
  3. Horn: not working2.3%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.3%
  5. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed1.5%
  6. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits1.5%
  7. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.5%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.5%
  9. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.5%
  10. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds default limits1.5%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Emissions & leaks16.7%
  2. Lights & electrics9.8%
  3. Suspension6.8%
  4. Brakes6.1%
  5. Body & chassis3.0%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.3%
  7. Seat belts & airbags2.3%
  8. Tyres2.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded4.5%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure4.5%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.0%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened2.3%
  5. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting2.3%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Lancer years2000 Lancer →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Mitsubishi Lancer?

In 2024, 85.6% of 1999 Mitsubishi Lancer cars passed their MOT first time, across 132 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Mitsubishi Lancer?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; rear fog lamp: not working; horn: not working. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 1999 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 135, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).