2009 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Headlights3.3× usual
  Mitsubishi Grandis

  23.1% All 2009 cars

  6.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 3.7% of all 2009 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.

• Rigid brake pipes3.1× usual
  Mitsubishi Grandis

  22% All 2009 cars

  7.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 1.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings5.5× usual
  Mitsubishi Grandis

  13.2% All 2009 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.5%, against 1.1% of all 2009 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 ends3.3× usual
  Mitsubishi Grandis

  16% All 2009 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.9%, against 2.4% of all 2009 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.

• Ball joint2.5× usual
  Mitsubishi Grandis

  15.7% All 2009 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.5%, against 3.4% of all 2009 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.

Common 2009 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  62% 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
  46% 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
  37% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  11% 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.

• Steering
  10% 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 2009 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 3.3× as often on the 2009 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2009 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 5.5× as often on the 2009 Mitsubishi Grandis diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?