2011 Mitsubishi Outlander: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Track rod ends4.3× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  20.3% All 2011 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.4%, against 2.4% of all 2011 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.

• Rigid brake pipes2.9× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  16.8% All 2011 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1% of all 2011 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.

• Coil springs2.1× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  18.8% All 2011 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 4% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Sub-frame3.3× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  13.7% All 2011 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.2% of all 2011 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.

• Ball joint dust cover4× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  10.7% All 2011 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1.2% of all 2011 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 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  57% 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
  42% 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.

• Tyres
  30% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  24% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  12% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  12% 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 2011 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 4.3× as often on the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?