2017 Mitsubishi Outlander diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander diesel than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Brake pads1.7× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  18.9% All 2017 cars

  10.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 2.2% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints25× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  5% All 2017 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Rigid brake pipes3.9× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  3.9% All 2017 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.1% of all 2017 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.

• Track rod ends2.8× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  3.9% All 2017 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.6% of all 2017 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.

• Engine oil leaks2.1× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  3.2% All 2017 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Common 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  30% 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
  24% 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
  16% 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
  7% 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
  5% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  4% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander diesel

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.

• Oil in the clutch (diesel)

  2.2 diesel manual

  Engine oil can get onto the clutch and flywheel of the 2.2 diesel, and both then need replacing, which is expensive.

  At the viewing: Feel for clutch slip or judder pulling away.

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

• 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 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander diesel

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

1. Has the clutch or flywheel been replaced?
2. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 25× as often on the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander diesel as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?