Mitsubishi Asx MOT Failures
An analysis of 129,535 real DVSA MOT tests on the Mitsubishi Asx — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: GA (2010–2020).
Where the Mitsubishi Asx fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Mitsubishi Asx is track rod ends worn — this model is 11 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it worth watching for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 129,535 MOT tests, 8.14% of all Mitsubishi Asx tests recorded this as a failure.
Steering faults include worn track rod ends, power steering leaks, and rack wear. These are safety-critical — any play in the steering should be investigated immediately.
Other notable weak points include anti-roll bar links worn (10x the fleet average), brake pipes corroded (11x the fleet average), emissions failure (9.9x the fleet average), and subframe bushes or mounts worn (8.5x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Mitsubishi Asx's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 5 categories: Steering, Suspension, Brakes, Exhaust & Emissions, Bodywork. If you're inspecting a Mitsubishi Asx before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The Mitsubishi Asx's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the Mitsubishi Asx specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are suspension component damaged or corroded (42x the average) and track rod ends worn (11x). brake pipes corroded (11x) and anti-roll bar links worn (10x) also appear frequently.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the Mitsubishi Asx specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement (27x the average) and emissions failure (9.8x). brake lining or pad worn down to wear indicator (9.3x) and anti-roll bar links worn (8.5x) also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
For the Mitsubishi Asx specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are emissions failure (9.9x the average) and obligatory mirror or device slightly damaged or... (8.0x). structural corrosion (7.9x) and track rod ends worn (6.9x) also appear frequently.
The shift from suspension component damaged or corroded at lower mileages to emissions failure at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Mitsubishi Asx specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Brake pipe corrosion (GA) Dangerous
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. Affects GA; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£500.
DPF blockage and regeneration failure (GA) Major
The diesel particulate filter (DPF) on Mitsubishi diesel engines becomes blocked with soot if the car is used primarily for short urban journeys. Affects GA; typical independent garage repair cost is £500–£1,200.
CVT transmission juddering at high mileage (GA) Major
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. Affects GA; typical independent garage repair cost is £1,500–£3,500.
Front suspension component wear and corrosion (GA) Major
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. Affects GA; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£500.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Mitsubishi Asx common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Mitsubishi Asx
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Mitsubishi Asx:
Steering — check for track rod ends worn. Suspension — check for anti-roll bar links worn, subframe bushes or mounts worn, suspension component damaged or corroded. Brakes — check for brake pipes corroded, parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement. Exhaust & Emissions — check for emissions failure.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about brake pipe corrosion and dpf blockage and regeneration failure. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £200. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Mitsubishi Asx?
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Mitsubishi Asx MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Mitsubishi Asx?
Based on 129,535 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is track rod ends worn — at 11x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include anti-roll bar links worn and brake pipes corroded.
Is the Mitsubishi Asx reliable based on MOT data?
The Mitsubishi Asx has 13 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag brake pipe corrosion as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Mitsubishi Asx most commonly fails on emissions failure and obligatory mirror or device slightly damaged or.... Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are suspension component damaged or corroded and track rod ends worn.
How do I check a Mitsubishi Asx's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.