Used car guide

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.

149MOTs of 2017 cars, done in 2023–2025
92%pass first time (all 2017 cars: 80%)
12,000typical miles a year
9%had tyres flagged

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.

  • Tyres
    9% 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 electrics
    9% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Suspension
    6% 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 emissions
    4% 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.

  • Brakes
    4% 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 leaks
    3% 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.

  1. 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

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2019118Tyres 13%
2016141Brakes 8%
2015171Suspension 9%
2014100Brakes 14%
2012105Suspension 20%
20113,602Suspension 48%
20104,900Suspension 51%
20093,378Suspension 49%
20084,268Suspension 46%
20072,556Suspension 44%
20062,914Suspension 45%
20053,064Suspension 39%
20041,113Suspension 15%
2003726Suspension 13%
2002178Suspension 12%
2001409Suspension 11%
2000357Suspension 13%
1999506Suspension 9%
1998361Suspension 10%
1996123Suspension 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