2005 Mitsubishi Pajero: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2005 Mitsubishi Pajeros, from 176 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 176 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 2005 Mitsubishi Pajero MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- 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.
- Suspension35% 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 electrics30% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Rust and bodywork28% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks27% 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 mirrors10% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 188 | Brakes 49% |
| 2003 | 140 | Brakes 39% |
| 1995 | 101 | Brakes 45% |
| 1994 | 106 | Brakes 43% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2005 Mitsubishi Pajeros registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score