2017 Mitsubishi Lancer: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Mitsubishi Lancer first registered in 2017: we looked at the 149 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 149 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres9% 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.
- Lights and electrics9% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension6% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions4% 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.
- Brakes4% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks3% 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 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Mitsubishi Lancer?
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Other years
Every year of the Mitsubishi Lancer compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2019 | 118 | Tyres 13% |
| 2016 | 141 | Brakes 8% |
| 2015 | 171 | Suspension 9% |
| 2014 | 100 | Brakes 14% |
| 2012 | 105 | Suspension 20% |
| 2011 | 3,602 | Suspension 48% |
| 2010 | 4,900 | Suspension 51% |
| 2009 | 3,378 | Suspension 49% |
| 2008 | 4,268 | Suspension 46% |
| 2007 | 2,556 | Suspension 44% |
| 2006 | 2,914 | Suspension 45% |
| 2005 | 3,064 | Suspension 39% |
| 2004 | 1,113 | Suspension 15% |
| 2003 | 726 | Suspension 13% |
| 2002 | 178 | Suspension 12% |
| 2001 | 409 | Suspension 11% |
| 2000 | 357 | Suspension 13% |
| 1999 | 506 | Suspension 9% |
| 1998 | 361 | Suspension 10% |
| 1996 | 123 | Suspension 24% |
| 1991 | – | Too few tests |
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 Lancer cars first registered in 2017. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score