2005 Mitsubishi Outlander: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Track rod ends3.2× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  18.8% All 2005 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.6%, against 2.7% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

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

• Exhaust system2.3× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  22% All 2005 cars

  9.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 2.6% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.9× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  20.1% All 2005 cars

  10.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 2.4% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints6.7× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  10% All 2005 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 0.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes4.6× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  7.9% All 2005 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.4% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  60% 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
  35% 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
  31% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  23% 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.

• Steering
  10% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander

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

1. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?