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Mitsubishi Canter Problems & Known Issues

The most common Mitsubishi Canter problems ranked by severity — what to watch for, what it costs to fix, and what happens if you ignore it.

Generations

FB5 — Fourth Generation
1996–2010
3.0 Diesel
FB6 — Fifth Generation
2011–2017
3.0 Diesel

Top issues to watch for

The most serious Mitsubishi Canter problems ranked by severity. We track 5 known issues — here are the ones you need to know about first.

Dangerous
Body structure corrosion (FB5/FB6)
FB5, FB61996–2017120k–200k miles
Commercial vehicles are often used in harsh conditions and may not receive the same care as passenger cars regarding washing and corrosion protection. This typically affects chassis rails, load-bearing sections, and mounting points where salt and moisture accumulate.
What happens if ignoredStructural corrosion can compromise vehicle safety by weakening mounting points for critical systems like suspension and steering. Severe corrosion may make the vehicle unroadworthy and uneconomical to repair, particularly on older commercial vehicles.
Major
Suspension component wear (FB5/FB6)
FB5, FB61996–2017100k–200k miles
Commercial vehicle suspension components experience accelerated wear due to heavy loading and frequent start-stop cycles. The commercial duty cycle creates higher stresses than passenger car use, leading to premature failure of rubber bushes and ball joints. This is a characteristic issue of commercial vehicles operating beyond design load limits.
What happens if ignoredWorn suspension components affect vehicle stability and braking performance, creating safety risks especially when loaded. Complete failure of a ball joint or suspension arm can cause loss of control. Repair typically requires replacement of multiple components due to interconnected wear patterns.
Independent garage
£300–£800
Specialist
£400–£1,000
Main dealer
£500–£1,200
Parts only
£150–£400
Major
Wheel bearing wear (FB5/FB6)
FB5, FB61996–2017120k–200k miles
Wheel bearings on commercial vehicles experience higher loads and more frequent loading cycles than passenger cars. MOT data shows this model fails at 6.6 times the fleet average for excessive wheel bearing play. The combination of heavy payloads and frequent stop-start urban delivery cycles accelerates bearing wear. Failed wheel bearings create noise and can affect braking stability.
What happens if ignoredA failed wheel bearing can cause wheel wobble, affect braking performance, and in extreme cases lead to wheel separation. The noise will progressively worsen and bearing replacement cannot be delayed indefinitely without safety risk.
Independent garage
£150–£300
Specialist
£200–£400
Main dealer
£300–£500
Parts only
£80–£150
Major
Brake binding issues (FB5/FB6)
FB5, FB61996–2017100k–200k miles
Commercial vehicle brakes work harder due to frequent heavy loading and stop-start cycles. MOT data shows this model fails at 5.4 times the fleet average for binding brakes, with brake imbalance failures at 7.8 times the fleet rate. Brake caliper seizure and uneven brake performance are characteristic issues, often caused by corroded slider pins or seized pistons in the brake calipers.
What happens if ignoredBinding brakes cause premature disc and pad wear, reduced fuel economy, and can lead to brake fade or complete brake failure if the system overheats. Brake imbalance creates unpredictable stopping behaviour and increases stopping distances.
Independent garage
£200–£500
Specialist
£250–£600
Main dealer
£350–£700
Parts only
£100–£250

1 more known issues tracked

Including wear items, electrical niggles, and generation-specific problems.

MOT failure hotspots

Based on DVSA MOT test data. These are the items where the Mitsubishi Canter fails at a significantly higher rate than the average car.

Axle or kingpin wear
Suspension · 120-150k miles
MOT failure rate: 2070x the fleet average
Sample: 186 tests
Track rod ends worn
Steering · 100-120k miles
MOT failure rate: 50x the fleet average
Sample: 161 tests
Coil springs broken
Suspension · 150k+ miles
MOT failure rate: 29x the fleet average
Sample: 572 tests
Transmission shaft bearing worn
Bodywork · 120-150k miles
MOT failure rate: 28x the fleet average
Sample: 219 tests
ABS fault
Suspension · 100-120k miles
MOT failure rate: 15x the fleet average
Sample: 250 tests
Anti-roll bar links worn
Suspension · 100-120k miles
MOT failure rate: 12x the fleet average
Sample: 445 tests

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Related

Mitsubishi Canter reliability FAQs

What are the most common problems with the Mitsubishi Canter?

The Mitsubishi Canter has 5 known issues across 2 severity levels. The most serious are: Body structure corrosion (FB5/FB6).

Is the Mitsubishi Canter reliable?

The Mitsubishi Canter has 1 dangerous and 4 major known issues. Most can be avoided with a thorough pre-purchase check and full service history.

How much does it cost to fix Mitsubishi Canter problems?

Costs vary by issue. Independent garages are typically 30-50% cheaper than main dealers for most repairs.

Which Mitsubishi Canter generation is most reliable?

The FB5 (1996–2010) has the fewest dangerous issues (1). However, condition and service history matter more than generation — a well-maintained earlier car can be more reliable than a neglected newer one.