2006 Mitsubishi Outlander: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Track rod ends4.6× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  25.1% All 2006 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10%, against 2.4% of all 2006 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.5× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  26.4% All 2006 cars

  10.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 2.4% of all 2006 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.

• Sub-frame3.4× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  19.2% All 2006 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Exhaust system2.4× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  22.2% All 2006 cars

  9.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 2.6% of all 2006 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.

Common 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  69% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  42% 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
  38% 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.

• Brakes
  33% 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.

• 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  17% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 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 4.6× as often on the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?