2008 Mitsubishi Delica — MOT failures & pass rate
408 MOT tests on the 2008 Mitsubishi Delica are in this dataset, and 74.3% of them passed. All cars of a similar age fail at 26.4%, so the 2008 Delica sits squarely on the average. Failures cluster in suspension, lighting & signalling and body, structure & corrosion.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — suspension (11.5%) and lighting & signalling (10.1%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are rear fog lamp, track rod end and headlamp aim — rear fog lamp alone was recorded 21 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 22.4% in the 30-60k band and 32.5% in the 150k+ band, a 10.1-point spread.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: brakes was flagged on 24.3% of tests without failing them.
The trend is worsening — 27.5% of tests failed in 2021 against 30.1% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 11.5% | 47 |
| 2 | Lighting & signalling | 10.1% | 41 |
| 3 | Body, structure & corrosion | 9.3% | 38 |
| 4 | Brakes | 6.9% | 28 |
| 5 | Visibility | 5.6% | 23 |
| 6 | Steering | 4.9% | 20 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rear fog lamp | 21 |
| 2 | Track rod end | 21 |
| 3 | Headlamp aim | 20 |
| 4 | Wipers | 19 |
| 5 | Component mounting prescribed areas | 19 |
| 6 | Joints | 19 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 24.3% | 99 |
| 2 | Suspension | 21.1% | 86 |
| 3 | Tyres | 11.5% | 47 |
| 4 | Lighting & signalling | 11.3% | 46 |
| 5 | Body, structure & corrosion | 11.0% | 45 |
| 6 | Steering | 10.1% | 41 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 30-60k | 49 | 22.4% |
| 60-90k | 120 | 17.5% |
| 90-120k | 95 | 25.3% |
| 120-150k | 45 | 28.9% |
| 150k+ | 83 | 32.5% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 273 | 21.3% |
| Diesel | 135 | 34.8% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 69 | 27.5% |
| 2022 | 81 | 24.7% |
| 2023 | 84 | 22.6% |
| 2024 | 81 | 23.5% |
| 2025 | 93 | 30.1% |
What to check before buying a 2008 Delica
On a 2008 Delica, suspension is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 11.5% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Suspension (11.5% 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.
- Lighting & signalling (10.1% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Body, structure & corrosion (9.3% 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 2008 Mitsubishi Delicas pass their MOT?
74.3% of the 408 2008 Mitsubishi Delica MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 25.7% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2008 Mitsubishi Delica?
Suspension, recorded in 11.5% of tests, followed by lighting & signalling (10.1%).
Does the 2008 Delica get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 22.4% in the 30-60k band to 32.5% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 408 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.