Mitsubishi Grandis MOT Failures
An analysis of 21,383 real DVSA MOT tests on the Mitsubishi Grandis — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: NA (2004–2010).
Where the Mitsubishi Grandis fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Mitsubishi Grandis is headlight fault — this model is 41 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a significant weak point for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 21,383 MOT tests, 18.65% of all Mitsubishi Grandis tests recorded this as a failure.
Lighting faults are usually straightforward to fix (bulbs, connectors, earth points) but can indicate deeper wiring issues on older cars. Check all lights including fog lamps, number plate lights, and dashboard warning lights.
Other notable weak points include emissions failure (7.9x the fleet average), anti-roll bar links worn (29x the fleet average), track rod ends worn (23x the fleet average), and suspension component damaged or corroded (17x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Mitsubishi Grandis'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: Lights & Electrics, Exhaust & Emissions, Suspension, Steering, Bodywork. If you're inspecting a Mitsubishi Grandis 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 Grandis'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 Grandis specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are headlight fault (41x the average) and suspension component damaged or corroded (17x). abs fault (14x) and abs fault 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 Grandis specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are track rod ends worn (23x the average) and headlight fault (19x). free play in the steering, measured at the rim ... (13x) and emissions failure (7.6x) 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 Grandis specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are registration plate lamp not securely attached (36x the average) and anti-roll bar links worn (29x). bumper insecure or with damage (17x) and subframe bushes or mounts worn (11x) also appear frequently.
The shift from headlight fault at lower mileages to registration plate lamp not securely attached 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 Grandis specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Subframe mounting point corrosion Dangerous
The load-bearing structure around suspension mounting points suffers from corrosion that weakens the connection between the subframe and body shell. Affects NA; typical independent garage repair cost is £500–£1,500.
Excessive steering free play Major
The steering rack develops excessive wear causing dangerous free play at the steering wheel. Affects NA; typical independent garage repair cost is £400–£700.
Suspension component wear and corrosion Major
Multiple suspension components suffer from premature wear and corrosion damage. Affects NA; typical independent garage repair cost is £300–£800.
Engine management light illumination
The engine management warning light illuminates at 4-litre petrol variant at higher mileages. Affects NA; typical independent garage repair cost is £80–£500.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Mitsubishi Grandis common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Mitsubishi Grandis
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Mitsubishi Grandis:
Lights & Electrics — check for headlight fault. Exhaust & Emissions — check for emissions failure. Suspension — check for anti-roll bar links worn, suspension component damaged or corroded, abs fault. Steering — check for track rod ends worn, free play in the steering, measured at the rim ....
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about subframe mounting point corrosion and excessive steering free play. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £500. 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 Grandis?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
Mitsubishi Grandis MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Mitsubishi Grandis?
Based on 21,383 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is headlight fault — at 41x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include emissions failure and anti-roll bar links worn.
Is the Mitsubishi Grandis reliable based on MOT data?
The Mitsubishi Grandis has 12 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag subframe mounting point 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 Grandis most commonly fails on registration plate lamp not securely attached and anti-roll bar links worn. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are headlight fault and suspension component damaged or corroded.
How do I check a Mitsubishi Grandis'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.