Used car guide

2005 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the diesel Mitsubishi Grandis first registered in 2005 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 198 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 198 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

198MOTs of 2005 diesel cars, done in 2023–2025
49%pass first time (all 2005 cars: 57%)
7,800typical miles a year
2.1×the usual rate for headlights

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel than on all cars registered in 2005.

  • Headlights2.1× usual
    Mitsubishi Grandis
    27.3% All 2005 cars
    13.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 10.1%, against 5% of all 2005 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.

  • Track rod ends2.7× usual
    Mitsubishi Grandis
    15.7% All 2005 cars
    5.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 9.1%, against 2.7% of all 2005 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 2005 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    53% 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
    49% 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
    48% 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
    39% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    20% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    14% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Mitsubishi Grandis 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 headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2005 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel as on other cars the same age.)
  2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2005 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel as on other cars the same age.)
  3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Mitsubishi Grandis?

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 Grandis compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2009467Suspension 59%
2008284Suspension 53%
2007578Suspension 55%
2006823Lights and electrics 53%
2004504Suspension 52%

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 Grandis cars first registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score