2012 Mitsubishi L200: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Mitsubishi L200?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Mitsubishi L200 than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Rigid brake pipes6.3× usual
  Mitsubishi L200

  31.4% All 2012 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 0.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Rear fog light17× usual
  Mitsubishi L200

  11.9% All 2012 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.3%, against 0.6% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Chassis rust or damage15.6× usual
  Mitsubishi L200

  7.8% All 2012 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.1% of all 2012 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.

• Shock absorbers2.2× usual
  Mitsubishi L200

  12.7% All 2012 cars

  5.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 1.5% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Ball joint dust cover3.3× usual
  Mitsubishi L200

  8% All 2012 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 1% of all 2012 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.

Common 2012 Mitsubishi L200 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Mitsubishi L200 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  44% 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
  36% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  35% 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.

• Tyres
  21% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  10% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Known faults on the 2012 Mitsubishi L200

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Cracked leaf springs

  All engines

  The rear leaf springs crack on pick-ups that carry heavy loads or tow. Listen for a regular knocking from a rear wheel.

  At the viewing: Look at the rear springs and listen for knocking.

  Source: Vanguide: Mitsubishi L200 common problems

• Heater matrix leak

  All engines

  The heater matrix can fail early and leak, leaving an antifreeze smell and misted windows.

  At the viewing: Sniff for antifreeze and check the carpets are dry.

  Source: Vanguide: Mitsubishi L200 common problems

• Head gasket and overheating

  All engines

  Overheating can lead to head gasket failure. A bubbling sound after switching off can mean the radiator is failing.

  At the viewing: Watch the temperature gauge and listen after switching off.

  Source: Vanguide: Mitsubishi L200 common problems

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Mitsubishi L200

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

1. Has it towed or carried heavy loads often?
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 6.3× as often on the 2012 Mitsubishi L200 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rear fog light? (Flagged at MOT 17× as often on the 2012 Mitsubishi L200 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 15.6× as often on the 2012 Mitsubishi L200 as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?