2007 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Headlights2.5× usual
  Mitsubishi Grandis

  27.7% All 2007 cars

  11.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.9%, against 4.5% of all 2007 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.

• Steering rack inner joints4.5× usual
  Mitsubishi Grandis

  14.9% All 2007 cars

  3.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2007 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.

• Ball joint2.9× usual
  Mitsubishi Grandis

  17.8% All 2007 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.2%, against 3.1% of all 2007 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 ends2.6× usual
  Mitsubishi Grandis

  14.2% All 2007 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 2.5% of all 2007 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.

• Suspension arm2.9× usual
  Mitsubishi Grandis

  8.9% All 2007 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 0.4% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Common 2007 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  60% 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
  51% 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
  38% 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
  19% 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 2007 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 2007 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.5× as often on the 2007 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2007 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?