2004 Mitsubishi Grandis: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Mitsubishi Grandis?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Mitsubishi Grandis than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Headlights2× usual
  Mitsubishi Grandis

  27% All 2004 cars

  13.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.1%, against 4.9% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Exhaust system2.3× usual
  Mitsubishi Grandis

  22% All 2004 cars

  9.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.9%, against 2.8% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Brake pads2.4× usual
  Mitsubishi Grandis

  17.7% All 2004 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 1.8% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Steering rack inner joints3.1× usual
  Mitsubishi Grandis

  11.5% All 2004 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Track rod ends2.1× usual
  Mitsubishi Grandis

  13.9% All 2004 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 3% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2004 Mitsubishi Grandis MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Mitsubishi Grandis MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  52% 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
  47% 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
  44% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  31% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  25% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  15% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Mitsubishi Grandis

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

1. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2004 Mitsubishi Grandis as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2004 Mitsubishi Grandis as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2004 Mitsubishi Grandis as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?