Budget 4x4 crossover that just keeps going
The Mitsubishi ASX is a compact crossover SUV produced from 2010 to 2021 that competed against the Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Tucson at a lower price point. It attracted buyers wanting optional four-wheel drive, a higher driving position, and Mitsubishi's reputation for rugged dependability at a bargain price. Its long production run without major redesign meant it became increasingly dated against newer rivals, but strong warranty coverage and low depreciation kept it relevant in the used market.
We track 8 known issues across the Mitsubishi ASX range, including 1 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Mitsubishi ASX? Enter the reg to see which of our 8 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
GA (2010–2020) — Petrol options included the 1.6 MIVEC, 1.6 MIVEC, 1.8 MIVEC, with 1.6 DiD, 1.6 DiD, 1.8 DiD, 1.8 DiD, 2.2 DiD on the diesel side. Our database flags 8 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Brake pipe corrosion (£200–£500 to address).
MOT data shows the ASX fails brake pipe corrosion tests at 94.1 times the national fleet average, with 511 recorded failures across all variants. The brake pipes, particularly those running along the rear axle and behind the fuel tank, are prone to corrosion from road salt and water ingress. This is a safety-critical issue that can lead to complete brake failure. The problem affects all engine variants and becomes more prevalent with age and mileage.
Brake pipe failure can cause complete loss of braking ability, leading to a serious accident. Corroded pipes must be replaced immediately and the brake system bled. Replacement of rear brake pipes typically costs £300-600 depending on extent of corrosion. The car should not be driven if brake pipe corrosion is suspected.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
The diesel particulate filter (DPF) on Mitsubishi diesel engines becomes blocked with soot if the car is used primarily for short urban journeys. The system requires regular high-temperature regeneration cycles to burn off accumulated particulates, typically achieved during sustained motorway driving. When regeneration fails repeatedly, the DPF warning light illuminates and the engine enters limp mode. This is the most widely reported issue on diesel ASX models, with replacement DPF units costing over £1000. Covers expert database entry: DPF issues.
A completely blocked DPF requires replacement at £1000-1500 plus fitting. In severe cases, backpressure can damage the turbocharger or cause oil contamination. The car may enter permanent limp mode and fail the MOT emissions test. Continued driving with a blocked DPF can cause expensive engine damage.
Ask about the car's typical usage — short urban journeys prevent DPF regeneration. Check for DPF warning lights and ask about any previous regeneration issues. A forced regeneration at a garage costs far less than a DPF replacement.
The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fitted to petrol ASX models develops internal wear that causes juddering during acceleration, particularly from standstill and at low speeds. The steel belt and pulley system gradually wears, creating vibration that is felt through the steering wheel and floor. This is a known characteristic of high-mileage CVT units and is exacerbated by infrequent fluid changes. Once juddering develops, the transmission typically requires replacement rather than repair. Covers expert database entry: CVT issues at high mileage.
CVT replacement costs £3000-4000 including fitting. Rebuilt units may be available for £1500-2500 but have uncertain longevity. The juddering will progressively worsen and may eventually prevent normal driving. The transmission is generally reliable until high mileage but expensive to repair when it fails.
Test the automatic gearbox extensively in slow traffic, car parks and on hill starts. Feel for any juddering, hesitation or clunking during gear changes. Try repeated low-speed manoeuvres as this is where problems are most apparent.
MOT data shows the ASX has suspension component failures at 282.2 times the national fleet average for worn bushes and joints, with 52 recorded failures. The front lower arm bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and ball joints are particularly susceptible to wear and corrosion. Additionally, suspension components suffer from excessive corrosion at 282.2 times the fleet average. This creates dangerous handling characteristics and MOT failures.
Worn suspension components create unpredictable handling, increased braking distances, and rapid tyre wear. Severely corroded components can fail completely, causing loss of control. Typical repair costs range from £200-600 depending on which components need replacement. The car will fail its MOT if suspension wear exceeds limits.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
MOT data shows parking brake failures at 52.1 times the national fleet average for efficiency below requirements and 52.1 times average for inoperative on one side, with 1,574 combined failures. The rear drum brake system used for the parking brake develops problems with seized adjusters, corroded brake shoes, and cable stretch. This creates an MOT failure and safety risk on inclines.
Inadequate parking brake performance creates a safety risk on slopes and will cause an MOT failure. Repair typically involves adjusting or replacing rear brake components, cables, and adjusters. Costs range from £150-400 depending on the extent of corrosion and component replacement required.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
For the full breakdown of all 8 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Mitsubishi ASX common problems page.
Based on 148k real DVSA MOT tests, the Mitsubishi ASX fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is suspension component damaged or corroded at 42x the fleet average, followed by parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement (27x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Mitsubishi ASX MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 13k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
See the full Mitsubishi ASX service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Mitsubishi ASX has some well-documented weak points, including 1 safety-critical issue that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable. 2019-2021 models are the most reliable, benefiting from a decade of incremental fixes. Avoid 2011-2013 and 2015-2016 models which had the highest rates of engine, transmission, and electrical complaints.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Mitsubishi ASX, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 8 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 8 known Mitsubishi ASX issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.