2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Mitsubishi Lancer MOT pass rate and common faults

238 MOT tests in 2024. 86.6% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

151Well above average
Passed first time86.6%
Failed or needed repairs13.4%
Typical mileage at test77,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 238 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rear fog lamp: not working2.1%
  2. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.7%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.7%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength1.7%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.7%
    9 marked dangerous
  6. Registration plates: missing1.3%
  7. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits0.8%
  8. Registration plates: does not conform to the specified requirements0.8%
  9. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits0.8%
  10. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed0.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics7.1%
  2. Emissions & leaks6.7%
  3. Suspension4.2%
  4. Brakes3.8%
  5. Number plates & VIN2.9%
  6. Tyres2.1%
  7. Body & chassis1.7%
  8. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded6.3%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm4.2%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine2.9%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened2.1%
  5. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced1.7%

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: rear fog lamp: not working. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer?

In 2024, 86.6% of 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer cars passed their MOT first time, across 238 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer?

The most common failure reasons were rear fog lamp: not working; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 151, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).