2010 Mitsubishi ASX: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2010 Mitsubishi ASXs, from 1,419 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2010 Mitsubishi ASXs than on all cars registered in 2010.
- Rigid brake pipes3.1× usualMitsubishi ASX21% All 2010 cars6.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.1% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.
- Sub-frame2.6× usualMitsubishi ASX18.4% All 2010 cars7%
Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.4% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.
- Track rod ends3× usualMitsubishi ASX16.7% All 2010 cars5.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 2.7% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Exhaust system2× usualMitsubishi ASX15.3% All 2010 cars7.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 2% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
- Engine oil leaks1.8× usualMitsubishi ASX17.9% All 2010 cars10.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.2% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£600 our estimateAt the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.
Coil springs: 4.7% here, against 11.4% of all 2010 cars. Headlights: 2.3% here, against 6.8% of all 2010 cars.
By area
The share of 2010 Mitsubishi ASX MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension57% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Brakes46% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Tyres34% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Lights and electrics26% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks19% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Exhaust and emissions17% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 510 | Tyres 19% |
| 2020 | 1,486 | Tyres 22% |
| 2019 | 1,613 | Tyres 27% |
| 2018 | 2,189 | Brakes 28% |
| 2017 | 3,974 | Brakes 34% |
| 2016 | 3,181 | Brakes 34% |
| 2015 | 4,464 | Brakes 39% |
| 2014 | 3,650 | Brakes 42% |
| 2013 | 2,345 | Suspension 46% |
| 2012 | 2,009 | Suspension 49% |
| 2011 | 1,928 | Suspension 55% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2010 Mitsubishi ASXs registered in 2010. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score