Used buying checklist
Mitsubishi L200 reliability, common problems and used buying checks
A used Mitsubishi L200 looks about average for reliability in UK MOT data: 19.5% of 94,565 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.
- 19.5% MOT failure rate
- Median tested mileage 84,472 miles
- 18,456 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 (64.3 MOT notes per 100 tests). Example MOT phrases from this area include excessively corroded, prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength, and corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced.
Example MOT phrases to search in the car's history:
- excessively corroded
- prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength
- corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced
- corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened
- has a fracture which is likely to adversely affect braking or steering
- ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated
- ball joint excessively worn
- has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel (steering box fitted)
- does not illuminate simultaneously with the position lamps
- lens slightly defective
Focus on corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical
The model's recorded failure rate is 19.5%, +0.8 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 analysed94,565 tests
- Median tested mileage84,472 miles
- Failed MOT tests18,456
Should you buy a used Mitsubishi L200?
80.5% of the MOT tests we analysed for this model passed. The model's recorded failure rate is 19.5%, +0.8 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 (64.3 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 L200, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
The MOT failure rate rises from 9.2% at 0-3 years to 29.1% 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 windscreen, wipers, and mirrors. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller.
6 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 windscreen, wipers, and mirrors. 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 (64.3 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 (19.1 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 (15.8 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check every lamp, warning light, horn, battery condition, and dashboard messages.
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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 (8.9 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check windscreen damage, wiper operation, washers, mirrors, and demisting.
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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 (8.8 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check warning lights, smoke, exhaust leaks, recent emissions failures, and service history.
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Tyres and wheels Seen in MOT results
Tyres and wheels is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (2.0 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 L200, 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 (64.3 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 L200 mainly involve 6 areas: suspension and steering, mixed recall notices, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and seatbelts and safety systems. 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 L200, 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, windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, and lights and electrical.
| Mileage range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50k | 19,761 | 17,665 | 9.5%-1.3 percentage points vs all models | 36,094 miles |
| 50-100k | 38,372 | 31,248 | 17.4%-3.3 percentage points vs all models | 74,143 miles |
| 100-150k | 25,644 | 18,797 | 26.9%+0.7 percentage points vs all models | 120,673 miles |
| 150-200k | 8,636 | 6,210 | 29.1%+1.8 percentage points vs all models | 165,844 miles |
| 200k+ | 1,646 | 1,182 | 29.2%+2.6 percentage points vs all models | 218,292 miles |
Problem areas by mileage
Past 100k miles on the Mitsubishi L200, 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 9.2% at 0-3 years to 29.1% 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 29.1% for 15+ years cars, based on 18,116 tests.
| Age range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-3 years 2023–2026 reg. |
2,339 | 2,122 | 9.2%+0.8 percentage points vs all models | 3.0 years |
| 3-6 years 2020–2023 reg. |
23,573 | 20,483 | 10.8%+0.2 percentage points vs all models | 4.9 years |
| 6-10 years 2016–2020 reg. |
28,754 | 23,615 | 16.2%-0.4 percentage points vs all models | 7.9 years |
| 10-15 years 2011–2016 reg. |
21,783 | 15,969 | 26.5%+2.9 percentage points vs all models | 12.3 years |
| 15+ years pre-2011 reg. |
18,116 | 12,962 | 29.1%+3.2 percentage points vs all models | 16.7 years |
Recall records and data freshness
Recall context: are there safety notices to know about?
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
| 2019-07-10 | SIDE STEP SHADE RIVETS MAY CORRODE AND FRACTURE Corrosion of fixing rivets can lead to the side step shade becoming insecure Change the 12 aluminium rivets to M8 bolts and nuts |
|---|---|
| 2016-11-30 | AIRBAG MAY RELEASE SHRAPNEL IF DEPLOYED Certain driver side airbags the inflator might release shrapnel from the inflator container during deployment which could injure the driver. On affected vehicles replace air bag inflator. |
| 2016-07-28 | INDICATORS AND/OR OTHER VEHICLE LIGHTS MAY SWITCH OFF OR BLINK WITHOUT WARNING Due to poor connectivity the indicators and/or vehicle lights may turn off or blink On affected vehicles apply lubricant to switch connections |
| 2013-12-03 | FUEL MAY LEAK Poor welding may have occurred on the front prop shaft due to a manufacturing equipment failure on the supplier's production line. In the worst case the weld may break and the prop shaft may interfere with and damage the fuel line sufficiently for fuel to leak. Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check and where necessary replace the propeller shaft. |
| 2013-12-03 | IN EXTREME CASES FIRE MAY OCCUR Due to an incorrect shape of the power seat reclining lever the switch may get stuck. This causes current to flow through the reclining motor which heats up. In the worst case the cushion from the power seat and surrounding parts may be damaged due to heat generated from the reclining motor. Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the powered seat recliner levers and where necessary the adjuster assemblies. |
| 2013-12-03 | VEHICLE MAY BECOME UNSTABLE Either side front lower suspension arm can be damaged or broken due to improper welding by the supplier. This could cause the vehicle to pull to either side or can be unstable during driving. Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check and where necessary replace any defective lower suspension arms. |
Related searches
Common ways people look up the Mitsubishi L200. 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.