2017 Mitsubishi Delica — MOT failures & pass rate
355 MOT tests on the 2017 Mitsubishi Delica are in this dataset, and 71.5% of them passed. That is 16.1 percentage points worse than all cars of a similar age, which fail at 12.3%. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, suspension and brakes.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — lighting & signalling (13.8%) and suspension (13.0%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are service brake performance, wipers and joints — service brake performance alone was recorded 33 times.
A 150k+ example is materially riskier than a 60-90k one: 38.7% versus 24.8%.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: suspension was flagged on 33.0% of tests without failing them.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 13.8% | 49 |
| 2 | Suspension | 13.0% | 46 |
| 3 | Brakes | 11.6% | 41 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 9.9% | 35 |
| 5 | Visibility | 9.0% | 32 |
| 6 | Steering | 6.8% | 24 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Service brake performance | 33 |
| 2 | Wipers | 23 |
| 3 | Joints | 22 |
| 4 | Catalyst emissions | 20 |
| 5 | Steering rack | 20 |
| 6 | Headlamp aim | 18 |
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 | 33.0% | 117 |
| 2 | Brakes | 25.4% | 90 |
| 3 | Emissions & environmental | 21.4% | 76 |
| 4 | Other defects | 21.1% | 75 |
| 5 | Tyres | 16.6% | 59 |
| 6 | Body, structure & corrosion | 15.8% | 56 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 60-90k | 101 | 24.8% |
| 90-120k | 79 | 25.3% |
| 120-150k | 79 | 29.1% |
| 150k+ | 75 | 38.7% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 79 | 25.3% |
| 2022 | 82 | 31.7% |
| 2023 | 78 | 30.8% |
| 2024 | 56 | 26.8% |
| 2025 | 60 | 26.7% |
What to check before buying a 2017 Delica
On a 2017 Delica, lighting & signalling is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 13.8% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Lighting & signalling (13.8% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (13.0% 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.
- Brakes (11.6% of tests): Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair: £100–£350 per axle.
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 2017 Mitsubishi Delicas pass their MOT?
71.5% of the 355 2017 Mitsubishi Delica MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 28.4% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2017 Mitsubishi Delica?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 13.8% of tests, followed by suspension (13.0%).
Does the 2017 Delica get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 24.8% in the 60-90k band to 38.7% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 355 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.