2003 · 21 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2003 Mitsubishi Pajero MOT pass rate and common faults

207 MOT tests in 2024. 67.2% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

117Well above average
Passed first time67.2%
Failed or needed repairs32.9%
Typical mileage at test147,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 207 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rear fog lamp: not working6.8%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.3%
  3. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.9%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.9%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.4%
  6. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting3.4%
  7. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play2.9%
  8. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.9%
  9. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.4%
    12 marked dangerous
  10. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics23.2%
  2. Body & chassis21.3%
  3. Brakes14.0%
  4. Suspension13.5%
  5. Seat belts & airbags5.8%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.3%
  7. Steering4.8%
  8. Emissions & leaks4.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded25.6%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine22.7%
  3. Non-component advisories: Fuel Pipe/s corroded11.1%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.6%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases10.6%

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 Pajero?

In 2024, 67.2% of 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero cars passed their MOT first time, across 207 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

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

The most common failure reasons were rear fog lamp: not working; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 117, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).