Used car guide

2001 Mitsubishi Galant: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Mitsubishi Galant first registered in 2001: we looked at the 149 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 149 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

149MOTs of 2001 cars, done in 2023–2025
53%pass first time (all 2001 cars: 60%)
4,800typical miles a year
42%had suspension flagged

Common 2001 Mitsubishi Galant MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Mitsubishi Galant MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    42% 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
    36% 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
    34% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • 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
    21% 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.

  • Rust and bodywork
    20% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 Mitsubishi Galant

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Mitsubishi Galant?

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 Galant compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2003–Too few tests
2002153Suspension 55%
2000109Suspension 38%
1999–Too few tests
1998–Too few tests
1997–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

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 Galant cars first registered in 2001. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score