2016 Mitsubishi Outlander: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Track rod ends3× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  6.8% All 2016 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.1% of all 2016 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints18.5× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  3.7% All 2016 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.1% of all 2016 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.

• Rigid brake pipes2.2× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  3.3% All 2016 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.2% of all 2016 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.

• Ball joint dust cover2× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  2.4% All 2016 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.5% of all 2016 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 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  26% 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
  25% 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.

• Suspension
  19% 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
  8% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  5% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  3% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander

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.

• Oil in the clutch (diesel)

  2.2 diesel manual

  Engine oil can get onto the clutch and flywheel of the 2.2 diesel, and both then need replacing, which is expensive.

  At the viewing: Feel for clutch slip or judder pulling away.

  Source: Auto Express: used Mitsubishi Outlander (Mk3, 2012 on) review

• Ten recalls

  All engines

  Recalls covered adaptive cruise control (2013), gearbox, brakes, door latches, handbrake corrosion, driver aids and overheating ECUs, plus fuel leaks and starting problems on the PHEV.

  At the viewing: Ask a Mitsubishi dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Auto Express: used Mitsubishi Outlander (Mk3, 2012 on) review

• Bluetooth dropping out

  All engines

  Phones disconnecting mid-call is a common complaint.

  At the viewing: Pair your phone and make a call.

  Source: Auto Express: used Mitsubishi Outlander (Mk3, 2012 on) review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander

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

1. Has the clutch or flywheel been replaced?
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 18.5× as often on the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?