Used car guide

2003 Mitsubishi Shogun: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Mitsubishi Shoguns, from 1,360 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,360MOT tests in 2025
59%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 59%)
5,700typical miles a year
2.2×the usual rate for rust around suspension or steering mountings

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2003 Mitsubishi Shoguns than on all cars registered in 2003.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.2× usual
    Mitsubishi Shogun
    14.6% All 2003 cars
    6.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, against 3.2% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Chassis rust or damage2.9× usual
    Mitsubishi Shogun
    11.7% All 2003 cars
    4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.2% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

  • Body structure rust or damage2.7× usual
    Mitsubishi Shogun
    9.6% All 2003 cars
    3.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

  • Ball joint1.9× usual
    Mitsubishi Shogun
    11.9% All 2003 cars
    6.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 2.7% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Wheel bearings1.9× usual
    Mitsubishi Shogun
    7.1% All 2003 cars
    3.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 1.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

Better than most

Flexible brake hoses: 2.4% here, against 6% of all 2003 cars.

By area

The share of 2003 Mitsubishi Shogun MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    51% 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.

  • Brakes
    39% 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 electrics
    38% 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 bodywork
    25% 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.

  • Tyres
    23% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    18% 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

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20211,213Brakes 24%
2020679Brakes 28%
2019732Brakes 29%
20181,139Brakes 28%
20171,153Brakes 31%
20161,536Brakes 31%
20151,835Brakes 29%
20141,540Brakes 32%
2013904Suspension 35%
2012659Brakes 37%
20111,059Suspension 40%
2010998Suspension 44%
2009568Suspension 53%
2008843Suspension 49%
20071,867Suspension 55%
20062,293Suspension 51%
20052,864Suspension 52%
20042,593Suspension 51%
2002782Suspension 52%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2003 Mitsubishi Shoguns registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score