2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 Mitsubishi Lancer MOT pass rate and common faults

112 MOT tests in 2024. 83.9% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

141Well above average
Passed first time83.9%
Failed or needed repairs16.1%
Typical mileage at test72,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 112 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rear fog lamp: not working3.6%
  2. Washers: not working2.7%
  3. Horn: not working1.8%
  4. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault1.8%
  5. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.8%
  6. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.8%
  7. Rear fog lamp - switch: not operating in accordance with the requirements0.9%
  8. Sub-frames - attachment bracket and mounting: attachment bracket/mounting insecure0.9%
  9. Rigid brake pipes: leaking on a hydraulic braking system0.9%
    2 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics13.4%
  2. Emissions & leaks7.1%
  3. Brakes4.5%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.6%
  5. Body & chassis3.6%
  6. Steering2.7%
  7. Suspension2.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded5.4%
  2. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)3.6%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened2.7%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine2.7%
  5. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.7%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: rear fog lamp: not working. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer?

In 2024, 83.9% of 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer cars passed their MOT first time, across 112 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer?

The most common failure reasons were rear fog lamp: not working; washers: not working; horn: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 141, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).