2009 Mitsubishi Colt — MOT failures & pass rate
26,154 MOT tests on the 2009 Mitsubishi Colt are in this dataset, and 74.4% of them passed. That is effectively the same as superminis of a similar age (26.1% fail rate), so the MOT record here is unremarkable in either direction. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, suspension and body, structure & corrosion.
What the MOT record shows
One area stands out: lighting & signalling, recorded in 17.1% of tests against 11.1% for the next-worst category.
At component level the recurring items are position lamp, wipers and track rod end — position lamp alone was recorded 1,895 times.
A 150k+ example is materially riskier than a 0-30k one: 36.6% versus 14.6%.
Suspension is the most common advisory, noted on 29.1% of tests — work that passed today but is likely due soon.
The trend is worsening — 23.2% of tests failed in 2021 against 27.7% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 17.1% | 4,475 |
| 2 | Suspension | 11.1% | 2,913 |
| 3 | Body, structure & corrosion | 6.6% | 1,733 |
| 4 | Visibility | 6.3% | 1,652 |
| 5 | Tyres | 5.7% | 1,484 |
| 6 | Brakes | 4.7% | 1,230 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Position lamp | 1,895 |
| 2 | Wipers | 1,476 |
| 3 | Track rod end | 1,453 |
| 4 | Joints | 1,368 |
| 5 | Headlamp aim | 1,140 |
| 6 | Registration plate lamp(s) | 1,110 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 29.1% | 7,611 |
| 2 | Tyres | 27.7% | 7,245 |
| 3 | Brakes | 19.8% | 5,167 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 9.1% | 2,388 |
| 5 | Steering | 9.0% | 2,360 |
| 6 | Lighting & signalling | 8.6% | 2,256 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 1,429 | 14.6% |
| 30-60k | 6,452 | 19.9% |
| 60-90k | 8,958 | 25.4% |
| 90-120k | 6,321 | 30.2% |
| 120-150k | 2,346 | 32.8% |
| 150k+ | 640 | 36.6% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 26,112 | 25.6% |
| Diesel | 42 | 26.2% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5,733 | 23.2% |
| 2022 | 5,593 | 24.2% |
| 2023 | 5,365 | 26.2% |
| 2024 | 4,964 | 27.2% |
| 2025 | 4,499 | 27.7% |
What to check before buying a 2009 Colt
The failure pattern for this year is specific enough to inspect against: lighting & signalling accounted for 17.1% of tests. Start there.
- Lighting & signalling (17.1% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (11.1% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
- Body, structure & corrosion (6.6% of tests): The one to take seriously on older cars — corrosion to structural areas can be costly and is an MOT failure. Typical repair: £200–£1,500+.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2009 Mitsubishi Colts pass their MOT?
74.4% of the 26,154 2009 Mitsubishi Colt MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 25.6% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2009 Mitsubishi Colt?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 17.1% of tests, followed by suspension (11.1%).
Does the 2009 Colt get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 14.6% in the 0-30k band to 36.6% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 26,154 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.