2021 Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the hybrid Mitsubishi Outlander first registered in 2021 (hybrid cars only): we looked at the 558 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres22% 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.
- Brakes13% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Lights and electrics5% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Seats and seatbelts1% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Suspension1% 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.
Known faults on the 2021 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.
- All engines
Ten recalls
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
- All engines
Bluetooth dropping out
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 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid
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 Outlander?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Mitsubishi Outlander compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2020 | 16,045 | Tyres 25% |
| 2019 | 26,105 | Tyres 26% |
| 2018 | 32,159 | Tyres 25% |
| 2017 | 26,574 | Tyres 25% |
| 2016 | 33,107 | Tyres 26% |
| 2015 | 38,318 | Brakes 30% |
| 2014 | 21,288 | Brakes 34% |
| 2013 | 6,111 | Suspension 46% |
| 2012 | 3,350 | Suspension 53% |
| 2011 | 3,884 | Suspension 57% |
| 2010 | 4,368 | Suspension 58% |
| 2009 | 3,772 | Suspension 63% |
| 2008 | 4,656 | Suspension 64% |
| 2007 | 3,267 | Suspension 65% |
| 2006 | 239 | Suspension 69% |
| 2005 | 432 | Suspension 60% |
| 2004 | 534 | Suspension 63% |
| 2003 | – | 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 Outlander cars first registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score