2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 Mitsubishi Colt MOT pass rate and common faults

373 MOT tests in 2024. 44.2% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

78Well below average
Passed first time44.2%
Failed or needed repairs55.8%
Typical mileage at test93,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 373 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect12.9%
  2. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play6.2%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.6%
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.6%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm4.3%
    21 marked dangerous
  6. Position lamp: not working4.3%
  7. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.5%
  8. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.5%
  9. Individual direction indicators: incorrect colour3.5%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics53.6%
  2. Suspension29.5%
  3. Brakes17.4%
  4. Body & chassis11.0%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)10.2%
  6. Emissions & leaks9.9%
  7. Tyres9.1%
  8. Steering8.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure16.1%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.7%
  3. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened12.3%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.5%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases10.2%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Colt years2005 Colt →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Mitsubishi Colt?

In 2024, 44.2% of 2004 Mitsubishi Colt cars passed their MOT first time, across 373 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Mitsubishi Colt?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; track rod end: ball joint has excessive play; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2004 Mitsubishi Colt reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 78, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).