2006 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Headlights2.5× usual
  Mitsubishi Grandis

  32.3% All 2006 cars

  13%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.3%, against 5% of all 2006 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.

• Ball joint3× usual
  Mitsubishi Grandis

  19.2% All 2006 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.6%, against 3.1% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Track rod ends3.1× usual
  Mitsubishi Grandis

  17.2% All 2006 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.3%, against 2.4% of all 2006 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.

• Steering rack inner joints3.7× usual
  Mitsubishi Grandis

  14% All 2006 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2006 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.

• Brake pads2.1× usual
  Mitsubishi Grandis

  17.4% All 2006 cars

  8.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 2.1% of all 2006 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.

Common 2006 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Mitsubishi Grandis 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.

• Lights and electrics
  54% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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.

• Tyres
  42% 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
  22% 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.

• Steering
  17% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 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 2.5× as often on the 2006 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2006 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2006 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?