2004 Mitsubishi Lancer: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2004 Mitsubishi Lancers, from 356 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 356 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension12% 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.
- Lights and electrics9% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes9% 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.
- Tyres8% 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.
- 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.
- Rust and bodywork5% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1,050 | Suspension 51% |
| 2010 | 1,395 | Suspension 54% |
| 2009 | 962 | Suspension 51% |
| 2008 | 1,260 | Suspension 48% |
| 2007 | 741 | Suspension 46% |
| 2006 | 839 | Suspension 43% |
| 2005 | 892 | Suspension 37% |
| 2003 | 226 | Suspension 10% |
| 2001 | 143 | Lights and electrics 8% |
| 2000 | 118 | Brakes 14% |
| 1999 | 182 | Suspension 8% |
| 1998 | 130 | Suspension 13% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2004 Mitsubishi Lancers registered in 2004. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score