Used car guide

2003 Mitsubishi Delica diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the diesel Mitsubishi Delica first registered in 2003 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 174 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 174 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

174MOTs of 2003 diesel cars, done in 2023–2025
50%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 57%)
7,000typical miles a year
2.2×the usual rate for engine oil leaks

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Mitsubishi Delica diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Mitsubishi Delica diesel than on all cars registered in 2003.

  • Engine oil leaks2.2× usual
    Mitsubishi Delica
    32.8% All 2003 cars
    14.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Common 2003 Mitsubishi Delica diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Mitsubishi Delica diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    56% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Brakes
    45% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    39% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    37% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Rust and bodywork
    21% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

  • Tyres
    20% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Mitsubishi Delica diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2003 Mitsubishi Delica diesel as on other cars the same age.)
  2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Mitsubishi Delica?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Mitsubishi Delica compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2019131Suspension 44%
2018122Suspension 35%
2017146Suspension 44%
2016141Suspension 50%
2015127Brakes 35%
2010117Suspension 29%
2008185Suspension 35%
2007333Suspension 37%
2006325Suspension 51%
2005442Suspension 49%
2004348Suspension 48%
2002148Suspension 43%
1996100Suspension 45%
1995101Suspension 51%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Mitsubishi Delica cars first registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score