2013 Mitsubishi ASX: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2013 Mitsubishi ASXs, from 2,345 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 2013 Mitsubishi ASXs than on all cars registered in 2013.
- Rigid brake pipes3.6× usualMitsubishi ASX16.8% All 2013 cars4.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 0.6% of all 2013 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.
- Track rod ends2.7× usualMitsubishi ASX12.9% All 2013 cars4.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 2.4% of all 2013 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.
- Brake pads1.8× usualMitsubishi ASX17.6% All 2013 cars9.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 2.3% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.
- Shock absorbers2× usualMitsubishi ASX11.7% All 2013 cars6%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.3% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
- Ball joint dust cover3.1× usualMitsubishi ASX8% All 2013 cars2.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 1.1% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 3.5% here, against 8.7% of all 2013 cars.
By area
The share of 2013 Mitsubishi ASX MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension46% 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.
- Brakes43% 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.
- Tyres30% 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 electrics18% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors8% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Exhaust and emissions7% 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% |
| 2012 | 2,009 | Suspension 49% |
| 2011 | 1,928 | Suspension 55% |
| 2010 | 1,419 | Suspension 57% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2013 Mitsubishi ASXs registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score