Used buying checklist
Mitsubishi Grandis reliability, common problems and used buying checks
A used Mitsubishi Grandis looks worse than average for reliability in UK MOT data: 29.2% of 1,884 tests failed, compared with 18.7% across all indexed models. A good example should have a clean MOT history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). MOT data does not capture every reliability issue, especially intermittent engine, gearbox or infotainment faults that do not appear during the test.
- 29.2% MOT failure rate
- Median tested mileage 121,237 miles
- 550 failed MOT tests analysed
Corrosion and structure is the clearest area to check
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in this model's MOT history (66.7 MOT notes per 100 tests). Example MOT phrases from this area include excessively corroded, or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting, and prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength.
Example MOT phrases to search in the car's history:
- excessively corroded
- or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting
- prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength
- corroded and seriously weakened
- has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel (steering rack fitted)
- ball joint has excessive play
- ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt
- ball joint excessively worn
- inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
- light intensity significantly reduced
Focus on corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical
The model's recorded failure rate is 29.2%, +10.5 percentage points compared with the average across all models. Use the seller questions below to check whether repeat MOT notes have actually been repaired.
- MOT tests analysed1,884 tests
- Median tested mileage121,237 miles
- Failed MOT tests550
Should you buy a used Mitsubishi Grandis?
70.8% of the MOT tests we analysed for this model passed. The model's recorded failure rate is 29.2%, +10.5 percentage points compared with the average across all models. This is a buying brief for the exact car in front of you: clean repeat history matters more than badge reputation.
- Repeat unresolved MOT notes for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical
- corrosion and structure appearing across more than one MOT
- Any dangerous MOT failure on the exact car, especially if the same area appears again later
- No paperwork showing applicable recall work has been completed
- A seller who cannot explain MOT wording such as "excessively corroded"
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (66.7 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Past 100k miles on the Mitsubishi Grandis, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
The MOT failure rate rises from 25.0% at 6-10 years to 29.0% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, lights and electrical, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller.
5 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
What should I check first?
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, lights and electrical, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller. Each item shows whether it comes from MOT results, recall notices, or a standard used-car check.
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Corrosion and structure Seen in MOT results
Corrosion and structure is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (66.7 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Inspect sills, subframes, mounting points, arches, and underside corrosion advisories.
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Suspension and steering Seen in MOT results
Suspension and steering is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (50.3 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and inspect steering play.
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Lights and electrical Seen in MOT results
Lights and electrical is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (46.0 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check every lamp, warning light, horn, battery condition, and dashboard messages.
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Emissions, engine, and exhaust Seen in MOT results
Emissions, engine, and exhaust is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (26.8 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check warning lights, smoke, exhaust leaks, recent emissions failures, and service history.
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Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors Seen in MOT results
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (9.3 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check windscreen damage, wiper operation, washers, mirrors, and demisting.
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Tyres and wheels Seen in MOT results
Tyres and wheels is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (3.6 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check tyre age, tread depth, sidewall damage, wheel condition, and alignment wear.
What changes with mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Mitsubishi Grandis, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
Common MOT problem areas
Common faults: what usually fails on this model?
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (66.7 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Recall-related areas to verify
Official recall areas
Manufacturer recall notices for the Mitsubishi Grandis mainly involve 3 areas: brakes, mixed recall notices, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. Treat each as something to verify on the specific car you are viewing; the recall table below shows the official notice text.
Mileage and age checks
Mileage changes: what starts showing up after high mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Mitsubishi Grandis, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical. On lower-mileage cars, the most common named areas are corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors.
| Mileage range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50k | 40 | 34 | 15.0%+4.2 percentage points vs all models | 43,454 miles |
| 50-100k | 458 | 345 | 25.6%+4.8 percentage points vs all models | 85,576 miles |
| 100-150k | 975 | 706 | 29.5%+3.3 percentage points vs all models | 123,865 miles |
| 150-200k | 326 | 230 | 35.6%+8.3 percentage points vs all models | 165,872 miles |
| 200k+ | 62 | 43 | 37.1%+10.5 percentage points vs all models | 218,846 miles |
Problem areas by mileage
Past 100k miles on the Mitsubishi Grandis, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
| Mileage range | Car areas most often recorded | Specific MOT defect examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50k |
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| 50-100k |
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| 100-150k |
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| 150-200k |
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| 200k+ |
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Fair comparisons: is this problem normal for its age?
The MOT failure rate rises from 25.0% at 6-10 years to 29.0% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%. The highest failure rate by age is 30.0% for 10-15 years cars, based on 333 tests.
| Age range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-10 years 2016–2020 reg. |
12 | 9 | 25.0%+8.4 percentage points vs all models | 8.9 years |
| 10-15 years 2011–2016 reg. |
333 | 232 | 30.0%+6.5 percentage points vs all models | 14.1 years |
| 15+ years pre-2011 reg. |
1,539 | 1,110 | 29.0%+3.1 percentage points vs all models | 17.3 years |
Recall records and data freshness
Recall context: are there safety notices to know about?
5 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
| 2014-11-28 | BRAKE LAMPS MAY NOT ILLUMINATE Silicon grease applied to the brake light switch during production may penetrate the switch and insulate the contacts. This may prevent the stop lamps from operating and on vehicles with automatic transmission the shift lever cannot be moved from the park position. Clean mounting and replace brake light switch |
|---|---|
| 2009-07-15 | EXHAUST HEAT SHIELD MAY DETACH It has been identified that during high speed driving high stresses are generated around the exhaust muffler heat shield which in the worst case scenario can cause the shield to detach from the vehicle Recalled petrol engined vehicles will have the heat shield replaced with one of a modified design. Whereas on diesel engined vehicles testing has shown that the heat shield is not required therefore it will be removed. |
| 2009-07-15 | STOP LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE/EXHAUST HEAT SHIELD MAY DETACH 1) It has been identified that as the result of the manufacturing process silicon grease may have contaminated the stop lamp switch contacts. This can result in oxidation of the contacts and prevent the stop lamps operating when the footbrake is applied. 2) It has also been identified that during high speed driving high stresses are generated around the exhaust muffler heat shield which in the worst case scenario can cause the shield to detach from the vehicle. Recalled vehicles will have the stop lamp switch replaced. Additionally on petrol engined vehicles the exhaust muffler heat shield will be replaced with one of a modified design. |
| 2009-07-15 | STOP LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY It has been identified that as the result of the manufacturing process silicon grease may have contaminated the stop lamp switch contacts. This can result in oxidation of the contacts and prevent the stop lamps operating when the footbrake is applied. Recalled vehicles will have the stop lamp switch replaced. |
| 2007-03-14 | REAR SEAT MAY FAIL DURING REAR IMPACT In the event of a rear end accident it is possible that the reclining mechanism of the second row seat could fail which may result in personal injury if the seat was occupied at the time. Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to fit improved reclining adjusters to the second row seats. |
Related searches
Common ways people look up the Mitsubishi Grandis. Each link runs the search and lands on the relevant section of this report.
Related reliability guides
See where this model sits against other Mitsubishi reports by MOT failure rate and common problem area.
Compare high-confidence model reports across all makes.
Use the fleet mileage baseline before checking this model's own mileage table.
Compare this model's age pattern with the wider MOT baseline.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). These are patterns from many MOT tests and recall notices. They help you decide what to inspect and what to ask; they do not certify the condition of one specific car.