Used car guide

2006 Mitsubishi Grandis: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2006 Mitsubishi Grandiss, from 213 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 213 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

213MOT tests in 2025
49%pass first time (all 2006 cars: 57%)
6,700typical miles a year
2.4×the usual rate for headlights

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2006 Mitsubishi Grandiss than on all cars registered in 2006.

  • Headlights2.4× usual
    Mitsubishi Grandis
    34.3% All 2006 cars
    14.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 8.9%, against 5.1% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

  • Ball joint2.7× usual
    Mitsubishi Grandis
    17.4% All 2006 cars
    6.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 8.5%, against 3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Track rod ends2.9× usual
    Mitsubishi Grandis
    16.4% All 2006 cars
    5.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 8.5%, against 2.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Brake pads2.1× usual
    Mitsubishi Grandis
    16.4% All 2006 cars
    8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.9% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

By area

The share of 2006 Mitsubishi Grandis MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Lights and electrics
    55% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Suspension
    54% 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.

  • Brakes
    40% 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.

  • Tyres
    39% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    18% 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.

  • Steering
    16% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Looking at a Mitsubishi Grandis?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2009131Suspension 66%
2007127Suspension 51%
2005209Suspension 59%
2004138Suspension 53%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2006 Mitsubishi Grandiss registered in 2006. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score