2009 Mitsubishi L200: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2009 Mitsubishi L200s, from 2,109 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 2009 Mitsubishi L200s than on all cars registered in 2009.
- Rigid brake pipes5.1× usualMitsubishi L20038.5% All 2009 cars7.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 1.2% of all 2009 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.
- Chassis rust or damage9.5× usualMitsubishi L20016.1% All 2009 cars1.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 0.5% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints2.6× usualMitsubishi L20013.8% All 2009 cars5.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 2.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
- Rear fog light7.4× usualMitsubishi L2008.1% All 2009 cars1.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 1% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Shock absorbers2× usualMitsubishi L20014.8% All 2009 cars7.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 2% of all 2009 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.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 1.8% here, against 11.1% of all 2009 cars. Tyre condition: 7.3% here, against 15.6% of all 2009 cars.
By area
The share of 2009 Mitsubishi L200 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension50% 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.
- Brakes50% 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.
- Lights and electrics46% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres22% 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.
- Rust and bodywork20% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
- Driveshafts and joints14% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Cracked leaf springsAll engines
The rear leaf springs crack on pick-ups that carry heavy loads or tow. Listen for a regular knocking from a rear wheel.
At the viewing: Look at the rear springs and listen for knocking.
- Heater matrix leakAll engines
The heater matrix can fail early and leak, leaving an antifreeze smell and misted windows.
At the viewing: Sniff for antifreeze and check the carpets are dry.
- Head gasket and overheatingAll engines
Overheating can lead to head gasket failure. A bubbling sound after switching off can mean the radiator is failing.
At the viewing: Watch the temperature gauge and listen after switching off.
Looking at a Mitsubishi L200?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,586 | Tyres 18% |
| 2020 | 4,645 | Brakes 20% |
| 2019 | 8,559 | Brakes 24% |
| 2018 | 7,689 | Brakes 28% |
| 2017 | 7,899 | Brakes 33% |
| 2016 | 6,447 | Brakes 34% |
| 2015 | 6,329 | Brakes 41% |
| 2014 | 4,464 | Brakes 42% |
| 2013 | 3,486 | Brakes 41% |
| 2012 | 2,658 | Brakes 45% |
| 2011 | 3,714 | Brakes 48% |
| 2010 | 3,230 | Suspension 51% |
| 2008 | 2,234 | Suspension 50% |
| 2007 | 3,394 | Suspension 53% |
| 2006 | 4,071 | Suspension 53% |
| 2005 | 2,406 | Lights and electrics 51% |
| 2004 | 1,809 | Suspension 48% |
| 2003 | 1,265 | Suspension 49% |
| 2002 | 638 | Lights and electrics 48% |
| 2001 | 329 | Suspension 50% |
| 2000 | 185 | Suspension 52% |
| 1999 | 128 | Suspension 50% |
| 1998 | 105 | Lights and electrics 55% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2009 Mitsubishi L200s registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score