2008 Mitsubishi Outlander: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 Mitsubishi Outlanders, from 1,182 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 2008 Mitsubishi Outlanders than on all cars registered in 2008.
- Rigid brake pipes2.6× usualMitsubishi Outlander25% All 2008 cars9.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.5% of all 2008 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-frame2.8× usualMitsubishi Outlander21.5% All 2008 cars7.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.4% of all 2008 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.
- Headlights1.9× usualMitsubishi Outlander20.4% All 2008 cars10.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 4.3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £40–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.
- Ball joint2.4× usualMitsubishi Outlander15.6% All 2008 cars6.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 9.1%, against 3.2% of all 2008 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 ends2.6× usualMitsubishi Outlander14.3% All 2008 cars5.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 9.1%, against 2.5% of all 2008 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.
By area
The share of 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension65% 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.
- Brakes47% 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 electrics41% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres34% 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 emissions15% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks14% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,495 | Tyres 25% |
| 2020 | 5,304 | Tyres 26% |
| 2019 | 8,674 | Tyres 27% |
| 2018 | 10,790 | Tyres 25% |
| 2017 | 8,824 | Tyres 26% |
| 2016 | 10,938 | Tyres 27% |
| 2015 | 12,549 | Brakes 31% |
| 2014 | 6,984 | Suspension 37% |
| 2013 | 1,947 | Suspension 50% |
| 2012 | 1,046 | Suspension 61% |
| 2011 | 1,166 | Suspension 62% |
| 2010 | 1,304 | Suspension 62% |
| 2009 | 1,049 | Suspension 64% |
| 2007 | 802 | Suspension 68% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 Mitsubishi Outlanders registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score