2013 Mitsubishi Outlander: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2013 Mitsubishi Outlanders, from 1,947 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 2013 Mitsubishi Outlanders than on all cars registered in 2013.
- Track rod ends3.9× usualMitsubishi Outlander18.6% All 2013 cars4.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 9.5%, against 2.4% of all 2013 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 cover4.2× usualMitsubishi Outlander10.9% All 2013 cars2.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1.1% of all 2013 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.
- Brake pads1.8× usualMitsubishi Outlander18.1% All 2013 cars9.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 2.3% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.
- Anti-roll bar bushes and joints13.4× usualMitsubishi Outlander6.7% All 2013 cars0.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.1% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) CheckatradeAt the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.
- Sub-frame2.5× usualMitsubishi Outlander9.1% All 2013 cars3.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.2% of all 2013 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.
By area
The share of 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander 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.
- 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.
- Tyres29% 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.
- Lights and electrics23% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks12% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors8% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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% |
| 2012 | 1,046 | Suspension 61% |
| 2011 | 1,166 | Suspension 62% |
| 2010 | 1,304 | Suspension 62% |
| 2009 | 1,049 | Suspension 64% |
| 2008 | 1,182 | Suspension 65% |
| 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 2013 Mitsubishi Outlanders registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score