2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer MOT pass rate and common faults

378 MOT tests in 2024. 87.0% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

154Well above average
Passed first time87.0%
Failed or needed repairs13.0%
Typical mileage at test74,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 378 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.1%
  2. Position lamp: not working1.9%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.9%
  4. Catalytic converter: missing where one was fitted as standard1.6%
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.6%
  6. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits1.3%
  7. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.3%
  8. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.3%
  9. Rear fog lamp: not working1.3%
  10. Catalyst emissions: hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits0.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks11.1%
  2. Lights & electrics10.8%
  3. Suspension5.8%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.7%
  5. Brakes3.2%
  6. Body & chassis1.6%
  7. Steering1.3%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded7.7%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.9%
  3. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play2.9%
  4. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened1.9%
  5. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened1.9%

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: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. 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 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer?

In 2024, 87.0% of 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer cars passed their MOT first time, across 378 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; position lamp: not working; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 154, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).