Mitsubishi Space Star MOT Failures
An analysis of 43,972 real DVSA MOT tests on the Mitsubishi Space Star — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: DG0 (1998–2005).
Where the Mitsubishi Space Star fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Mitsubishi Space Star is anti-roll bar links worn — this model is 59 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a major concern for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 43,972 MOT tests, 15.05% of all Mitsubishi Space Star tests recorded this as a failure.
Suspension failures typically mean worn bushes, drop links, or dampers. These affect handling and tyre wear. Budget £150–£400 per corner at an independent garage for full suspension overhaul.
Other notable weak points include abs fault (65x the fleet average), headlight fault (64x the fleet average), light unit fault (20x the fleet average), and transmission joint, belt or chain worn (118x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Mitsubishi Space Star'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: Suspension, Lights & Electrics, Bodywork, Steering, Seatbelts & Airbags. If you're inspecting a Mitsubishi Space Star 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 Space Star'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 Space Star specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are transmission joint, belt or chain worn (118x the average) and brake hoses perished or damaged (74x). abs fault (65x) and headlight fault (64x) 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 Space Star specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are anti-roll bar links worn (47x the average) and body panel damage (31x). transmission joint, belt or chain worn (22x) and steering rack wear (22x) 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 Space Star specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are suspension component damaged or corroded (35x the average) and anti-roll bar links worn (24x). track rod ends worn (18x) and light unit fault (16x) also appear frequently.
The shift from transmission joint, belt or chain worn at lower mileages to suspension component damaged or corroded 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 Space Star specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Subframe mounting point structural corrosion Dangerous
The load-bearing structure within 30cm of suspension component mounting points suffers from premature corrosion on the Space Star, particularly around the front subframe attachment areas. Affects DG0; typical independent garage repair cost is £800–£1,500.
Suspension bush and joint premature wear Major
Front suspension bushes, ball joints and control arm joints wear at an exceptionally high rate on the Space Star, with MOT data showing 59.1 times the national fleet average for excessive wear. Affects DG0; typical independent garage repair cost is £300–£600.
General body structural corrosion Major
The Space Star suffers from widespread structural corrosion that reduces overall body rigidity, with MOT data showing Areas particularly affected include door frames, sills, and rear wheel arches. Affects DG0; typical independent garage repair cost is £400–£1,200.
Brake flexible hose deterioration Major
Brake flexible hoses deteriorate at 18.9 times the national fleet average, showing excessive damage, chafing, or stretching. Affects DG0; typical independent garage repair cost is £80–£150.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Mitsubishi Space Star common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Mitsubishi Space Star
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Mitsubishi Space Star:
Suspension — check for anti-roll bar links worn, abs fault. Lights & Electrics — check for headlight fault, light unit fault.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about subframe mounting point structural corrosion and suspension bush and joint premature wear. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £800. 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 Space Star?
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Mitsubishi Space Star MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Mitsubishi Space Star?
Based on 43,972 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is anti-roll bar links worn — at 59x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include abs fault and headlight fault.
Is the Mitsubishi Space Star reliable based on MOT data?
The Mitsubishi Space Star has 17 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag subframe mounting point structural 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 Space Star most commonly fails on suspension component damaged or corroded and anti-roll bar links worn. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are transmission joint, belt or chain worn and brake hoses perished or damaged.
How do I check a Mitsubishi Space Star'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.