2003 Mitsubishi Colt: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Mitsubishi Colt first registered in 2003: we looked at the 119 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 119 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2003 Mitsubishi Colt MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2003 Mitsubishi Colt MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension55% 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.
- Tyres43% 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.
- Brakes36% 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 electrics35% 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 bodywork20% 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.
- 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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Mitsubishi Colt
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Mitsubishi Colt?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Mitsubishi Colt compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1,516 | Tyres 33% |
| 2012 | 4,309 | Tyres 32% |
| 2011 | 4,837 | Suspension 35% |
| 2010 | 7,539 | Suspension 41% |
| 2009 | 11,161 | Suspension 45% |
| 2008 | 12,099 | Suspension 44% |
| 2007 | 10,260 | Suspension 46% |
| 2006 | 7,783 | Lights and electrics 49% |
| 2005 | 5,504 | Lights and electrics 51% |
| 2004 | 1,179 | Lights and electrics 55% |
| 2002 | 211 | Suspension 43% |
| 2001 | – | Too few tests |
| 2000 | 154 | Suspension 47% |
| 1999 | 145 | Suspension 38% |
| 1998 | 165 | Suspension 47% |
| 1997 | 122 | Suspension 54% |
| 1996 | – | Too few tests |
| 1995 | – | Too few tests |
| 1994 | – | Too few tests |
| 1993 | – | Too few tests |
| 1992 | – | Too few tests |
| 1991 | – | Too few tests |
| 1990 | – | Too few tests |
| 1989 | – | Too few tests |
| 1988 | – | Too few tests |
| 1987 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Mitsubishi Colt cars first registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score