2009 Mitsubishi Lancer: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2009 Mitsubishi Lancers, from 962 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 Lancers than on all cars registered in 2009.
- Rigid brake pipes2.8× usualMitsubishi Lancer20.7% All 2009 cars7.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, 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.
- Sub-frame2.3× usualMitsubishi Lancer17.5% All 2009 cars7.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.
- Track rod ends2.4× usualMitsubishi Lancer12.7% All 2009 cars5.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 2.5% of all 2009 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.
- Ball joint dust cover1.9× usualMitsubishi Lancer8.5% All 2009 cars4.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 1.8% of all 2009 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.
- Anti-lock braking system4.3× usualMitsubishi Lancer3.4% All 2009 cars0.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 0.7% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
Coil springs: 5.4% here, against 12.4% of all 2009 cars. Engine oil leaks: 3.8% here, against 10.4% of all 2009 cars.
By area
The share of 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension51% 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.
- Brakes38% 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 electrics37% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- 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.
- Exhaust and emissions13% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors11% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1,050 | Suspension 51% |
| 2010 | 1,395 | Suspension 54% |
| 2008 | 1,260 | Suspension 48% |
| 2007 | 741 | Suspension 46% |
| 2006 | 839 | Suspension 43% |
| 2005 | 892 | Suspension 37% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2009 Mitsubishi Lancers registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score