2008 · 16 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer MOT pass rate and common faults

1,385 MOT tests in 2024. 63.7% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

112Well above average
Passed first time63.7%
Failed or needed repairs36.3%
Typical mileage at test92,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,385 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play6.6%
  2. Position lamp: not working4.0%
  3. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.4%
  4. Stop lamp: not working3.2%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.5%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.3%
  7. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.3%
  8. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.2%
    34 marked dangerous
  9. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.2%
  10. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.1%
    54 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics27.0%
  2. Suspension21.7%
  3. Brakes16.7%
  4. Steering8.2%
  5. Emissions & leaks7.7%
  6. Body & chassis6.4%
  7. Tyres6.1%
  8. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded13.9%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.2%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.6%
  4. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened8.4%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure7.8%

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: track rod end: ball joint has excessive play. 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 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer?

In 2024, 63.7% of 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,385 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer?

The most common failure reasons were track rod end: ball joint has excessive play; position lamp: not working; suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 112, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).