2012 Mitsubishi Shogun: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Rigid brake pipes3.3× usual
  Mitsubishi Shogun

  18.1% All 2012 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, 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.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings5.8× usual
  Mitsubishi Shogun

  5.8% All 2012 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.3% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

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

• Ball joint1.9× usual
  Mitsubishi Shogun

  10.8% All 2012 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 3% 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.

• Exhaust system1.9× usual
  Mitsubishi Shogun

  10.5% All 2012 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 1.5% of all 2012 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 2012 Mitsubishi Shogun MOT failures and advisories

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

• Brakes
  37% 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
  36% 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
  23% 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
  16% 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
  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.

• Rust and bodywork
  11% 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.

Known faults on the 2012 Mitsubishi Shogun

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.

• Timing chain guides rattling

  All engines

  The top timing chain guides can loosen and rattle.

  At the viewing: Listen for rattling from the engine, especially from cold.

  Source: What Car?: used Mitsubishi Shogun (2006 on) review

• Fuel pump, EGR and oil leaks

  Diesel

  Fuel pump failure causes erratic idle, a blocked EGR valve cuts power, and the oil pressure switch can leak.

  At the viewing: Let it idle, drive it properly, and look for oil leaks.

  Source: What Car?: used Mitsubishi Shogun (2006 on) review

• Noisy 4WD after towing, erratic infotainment

  All engines

  The four-wheel-drive system can be noisy on cars that have towed, and the infotainment and older electric windows play up.

  At the viewing: Listen for drivetrain noise and test the windows and screen.

  Source: What Car?: used Mitsubishi Shogun (2006 on) review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Mitsubishi Shogun

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

1. Have the timing chains or guides been replaced?
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2012 Mitsubishi Shogun as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 5.8× as often on the 2012 Mitsubishi Shogun as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2012 Mitsubishi Shogun as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?