Diesel Mitsubishi Pajero: MOT pass rate

71% of diesel Mitsubishi Pajeros pass the MOT first time, measured across 1,385 DVSA tests on that fuel type alone. Average mileage at test was 156,433.

Diesel against the other Mitsubishi Pajero versions

Why the fuel type changes the number

Diesels carry DPFs, EGR valves and stricter smoke limits, so emissions and exhaust faults account for failures petrol cars never see.

On the Mitsubishi Pajero specifically, petrol is the strongest at 74.5%, and this diesel version sits 0.8 points below the 71.8% model average.

What it means if you are buying one

There is little to choose between fuel types on this model, so decide on running costs and mileage rather than MOT record. Buying a damaged one? run it through the analyzer, check the exact car, decode the VIN and check the mileage before you bid.

Mileage is part of the answer

The average diesel Mitsubishi Pajero had covered 156,433 miles at test, against 96,624 for the petrol. That is very high mileage. Clutches, dual-mass flywheels and head gaskets have usually been through at least one repair by this point, so ask for evidence rather than assume the car is original everywhere.

Fuel type and mileage are tangled together: diesels are usually bought by higher-mileage drivers, so some of any gap between fuels is the miles rather than the engine. The per-year figures on the Mitsubishi Pajero page separate age from fuel if you want to isolate one.

Most common MOT failures on a diesel Mitsubishi Pajero

1. Body, cab or chassis excessively corroded at a mounting point, 9.4% of tests (40.9x the national rate for this defect)
2. The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any seat belt anchorage (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, 5.6% of tests (20.99x the national rate for this defect)
3. Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced, 7.2% of tests (17.51x the national rate for this defect)
4. An obligatory rear fog lamp missing, or a front or rear fog lamp inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, 6% of tests (13.72x the national rate for this defect)
5. The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, 5.7% of tests (6.09x the national rate for this defect)
6. Exhaust system leaking or insecure, 5.5% of tests (5.4x the national rate for this defect)
7. Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded, 5.7% of tests (5.31x the national rate for this defect)
8. Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake, 3.5% of tests (3.42x the national rate for this defect)
9. A steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play, 3.6% of tests (2.78x the national rate for this defect)
10. A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc, 3.6% of tests (2.36x the national rate for this defect)

From 1,409 DVSA-tracked diesel Mitsubishi Pajero tests, 2024, split out from the Mitsubishi Pajero's other fuel types. DVSA testers marked 2.38% of these flagged defects as "dangerous", against 5.11% nationally. See which fuel type fails on the most dangerous defects nationally for how that compares across the whole fleet.

Most common MOT advisories on a diesel Mitsubishi Pajero

Flagged but doesn't fail the car, a different list from the failures above.

1. Body, cab or chassis excessively corroded at a mounting point, 10.2% of tests (35.18x the national rate for this defect), also fails
2. A wheel bearing with excessive play, 12.1% of tests (18.59x the national rate for this defect)
3. Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced, 18.5% of tests (14.89x the national rate for this defect), also fails
4. Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded, 39.5% of tests (6.37x the national rate for this defect), also fails
5. Fluid leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road users, 30.4% of tests (5.48x the national rate for this defect)
6. A steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play, 6.2% of tests (4.63x the national rate for this defect), also fails
7. The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, 6.5% of tests (4.25x the national rate for this defect), also fails
8. Exhaust system leaking or insecure, 10.7% of tests (3.77x the national rate for this defect), also fails
9. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn, 32.6% of tests (2.44x the national rate for this defect)
10. A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened, 9.7% of tests (2.04x the national rate for this defect)

From 1,409 DVSA-tracked diesel Mitsubishi Pajero tests, 2024.

Other Mitsubishi Pajero fuel types

• Petrol Mitsubishi Pajero - 74.5%

All Mitsubishi Pajero MOT data · Every model