2015 Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid than on all cars registered in 2015.

• Track rod ends2.4× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  7% All 2015 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 1.4% of all 2015 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.

• Rigid brake pipes2.2× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  4.4% All 2015 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.3% of all 2015 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.

• Sidelights2.4× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  4% All 2015 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.5% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Ball joint dust cover2.2× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  3.1% All 2015 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.5% of all 2015 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.

• Sub-frame2.8× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  2.5% All 2015 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

Common 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  28% 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
  28% 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.

• Suspension
  22% 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
  15% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Steering
  3% 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.

Known faults on the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Ten recalls

  All engines

  Recalls covered adaptive cruise control (2013), gearbox, brakes, door latches, handbrake corrosion, driver aids and overheating ECUs, plus fuel leaks and starting problems on the PHEV.

  At the viewing: Ask a Mitsubishi dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Auto Express: used Mitsubishi Outlander (Mk3, 2012 on) review

• Bluetooth dropping out

  All engines

  Phones disconnecting mid-call is a common complaint.

  At the viewing: Pair your phone and make a call.

  Source: Auto Express: used Mitsubishi Outlander (Mk3, 2012 on) review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sidelights? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?