2011 Mitsubishi Colt: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2011 Mitsubishi Colts, from 1,562 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 2011 Mitsubishi Colts than on all cars registered in 2011.
- Anti-roll bar link bushes12.4× usualMitsubishi Colt8.7% All 2011 cars0.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 0.2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) CheckatradeAt the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.
- Ball joint dust cover3.6× usualMitsubishi Colt11.2% All 2011 cars3.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.3% of all 2011 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.
- Track rod ends2.2× usualMitsubishi Colt11.8% All 2011 cars5.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 2.6% of all 2011 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.
- Wipers2.2× usualMitsubishi Colt6.9% All 2011 cars3.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 2.1% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £15–£60 our estimateAt the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.3× usualMitsubishi Colt3.5% All 2011 cars1.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.6% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 1.9% here, against 10.8% of all 2011 cars. Engine oil leaks: 4.2% here, against 8.9% of all 2011 cars.
By area
The share of 2011 Mitsubishi Colt MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension40% 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.
- Tyres32% 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 electrics31% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes24% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors10% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Exhaust and emissions6% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1,388 | Suspension 38% |
| 2010 | 2,379 | Suspension 47% |
| 2009 | 3,414 | Suspension 49% |
| 2008 | 3,434 | Suspension 48% |
| 2007 | 2,825 | Suspension 50% |
| 2006 | 2,081 | Lights and electrics 51% |
| 2005 | 1,464 | Suspension 53% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2011 Mitsubishi Colts registered in 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score