Mitsubushi Pajero Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults
Free Mitsubushi Pajero car check
Is the Mitsubushi Pajero reliable? We analysed 1,471 real MOT tests across 173 vehicles to find out.
Got a specific Mitsubushi Pajero? Enter the reg for a free check:
The Mitsubushi Pajero is about average for reliability based on real UK MOT data. Common problems include brake pipe excessively corroded, fog lamp not working and brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used Mitsubushi Pajero.
Mitsubushi Pajero Number Plates
Number plates registered to a Mitsubushi Pajero. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.
Mitsubushi Pajero MOT Pass Rate by Year
How likely is a Mitsubushi Pajero to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.
Mitsubushi Pajero Problems — What Goes Wrong?
The most common reasons a Mitsubushi Pajero fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.
Mitsubushi Pajero Mileage — What's Normal?
How many miles does a typical Mitsubushi Pajero owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.
Mitsubushi Pajero MOT Data by Registration Year
Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the Mitsubushi Pajero year you're looking at.
| Year | Tests | Pass Rate | Low Mi. | Typical Mi. | High Mi. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 89 | 77.5% | 112,300 | 140,410 | 168,825 |
| 2003 | 200 | 70.0% | 114,953 | 128,511 | 147,834 |
| 2002 | 190 | 71.1% | 120,621 | 156,744 | 192,094 |
| 2001 | 106 | 72.6% | 123,618 | 136,701 | 172,591 |
| 2000 | 67 | 67.2% | 95,356 | 132,725 | 164,740 |
| 1999 | 101 | 68.3% | 102,502 | 140,908 | 180,183 |
| 1998 | 66 | 71.2% | 108,236 | 118,584 | 163,945 |
| 1995 | 111 | 64.0% | 130,938 | 162,679 | 181,119 |
| 1994 | 74 | 64.9% | 98,066 | 142,928 | 184,958 |
| 1992 | 160 | 61.9% | 115,432 | 131,885 | 165,871 |
| 1991 | 72 | 70.8% | 144,214 | 177,057 | 200,212 |
| 1990 | 64 | 70.3% | 118,418 | 165,551 | 209,600 |
How Long Does a Mitsubushi Pajero Last?
Based on 173 Mitsubushi Pajero vehicles on UK roads.
Mitsubushi Pajero Mileage Distribution
Total mileage recorded across all Mitsubushi Pajero MOT tests. If the car you're looking at is above the 75th percentile, it's done more miles than most.
Best Year to Buy a Used Mitsubushi Pajero
Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.
77.5% MOT pass rate from 89 tests
61.9% MOT pass rate from 160 tests
The best year to buy a used Mitsubushi Pajero is 2004, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 77.5% across 89 tests. The 1992 model year has the lowest pass rate at 61.9% — if you're looking at one from that year, budget for potential repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How Does the Mitsubushi Pajero Compare?
MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.
| Model | Pass Rate | Tests | Typical Mileage | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubushi Pajero THIS CAR | 69.5% | 1,471 | 143,698 mi | 36 yrs |
| Kymco Super 8 50 | 79.8% | 1,837 | 10,796 mi | 19 yrs |
| Chevrolet Spark Ls | 82.4% | 2,616 | 46,793 mi | — yrs |
| Kawasaki Ex 250 Kaf | 81.2% | 2,097 | 10,200 mi | 16 yrs |
| Kia Sportage 1 Isg | 95.7% | 529 | 42,334 mi | — yrs |
Compared to the Kymco Super 8 50 (79.8% pass rate) and the Chevrolet Spark Ls (82.4% pass rate), the Mitsubushi Pajero trails behind on MOT reliability.
Found a Mitsubushi Pajero you like?
Run a full vehicle history check on the specific car. See finance, stolen, write-off, mileage and MOT data for that exact vehicle.
Check a specific Mitsubushi PajeroShould you buy a used Mitsubushi Pajero?
The Mitsubushi Pajero has an overall MOT pass rate of 69.5% across 1,471 real MOT tests — roughly in line with the UK average.
The most common problems on the Mitsubushi Pajero are brake pipe excessively corroded (145 recorded failures), fog lamp not working (74), and brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (65). These are the faults most likely to cause an MOT failure on this model, so check for them carefully on any test drive or pre-purchase inspection. Many are wear-and-tear items that can be budgeted for, but a car that's already failing on multiple fronts may signal neglected maintenance.
A typical Mitsubushi Pajero owner drives around 5,658 miles per year. If the car you're looking at is significantly above this, expect more wear on suspension, brakes and tyres. If it's well below, the vehicle may have been sitting unused — check for perished rubber, corroded discs and stale fluids.
In terms of longevity, most Mitsubushi Pajero models stay on UK roads for around 36 years — a strong showing that suggests solid build quality and readily available parts. If you're buying one that's already approaching that window, the data suggests it has plenty of life left provided it's been maintained.
Before committing to a purchase, we recommend running a full vehicle history check on the specific car. This will reveal any outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies that the seller may not disclose — and that the MOT data alone can't tell you.