2008 Mitsubishi Grandis — MOT failures & pass rate
737 MOT tests on the 2008 Mitsubishi Grandis are in this dataset, and 71.2% of them passed. MPVs of a similar age fail at 28.1%, so the 2008 Grandis sits squarely on the average. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, suspension and brakes.
What the MOT record shows
Lighting & signalling dominates the failure mix at 20.6% of all tests — 3.7 points clear of suspension, so it is the first thing to check.
At component level the recurring items are headlamp aim, position lamp and ball joint — headlamp aim alone was recorded 74 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 13.3% in the 30-60k band and 32.6% in the 150k+ band, a 19.3-point spread — more than double.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: brakes was flagged on 34.3% of tests without failing them.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 20.6% | 152 |
| 2 | Suspension | 17.0% | 125 |
| 3 | Brakes | 9.1% | 67 |
| 4 | Emissions & environmental | 7.9% | 58 |
| 5 | Tyres | 6.5% | 48 |
| 6 | Body, structure & corrosion | 5.3% | 39 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Headlamp aim | 74 |
| 2 | Position lamp | 70 |
| 3 | Ball joint | 60 |
| 4 | Headlamp | 59 |
| 5 | Component mounting prescribed areas | 36 |
| 6 | Track rod end | 35 |
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 | 34.3% | 253 |
| 2 | Suspension | 33.7% | 248 |
| 3 | Tyres | 32.4% | 239 |
| 4 | Other defects | 29.7% | 219 |
| 5 | Lighting & signalling | 27.3% | 201 |
| 6 | Body, structure & corrosion | 14.0% | 103 |
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 | 45 | 13.3% |
| 60-90k | 145 | 24.1% |
| 90-120k | 210 | 28.6% |
| 120-150k | 199 | 33.2% |
| 150k+ | 138 | 32.6% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel | 404 | 31.7% |
| Petrol | 333 | 25.2% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 213 | 26.8% |
| 2022 | 169 | 30.2% |
| 2023 | 139 | 28.1% |
| 2024 | 119 | 31.9% |
| 2025 | 97 | 27.8% |
What to check before buying a 2008 Grandis
On a 2008 Grandis, lighting & signalling is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 20.6% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Lighting & signalling (20.6% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (17.0% 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 (9.1% 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 2008 Mitsubishi Grandiss pass their MOT?
71.2% of the 737 2008 Mitsubishi Grandis MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 28.8% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2008 Mitsubishi Grandis?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 20.6% of tests, followed by suspension (17.0%).
Does the 2008 Grandis get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 13.3% in the 30-60k band to 32.6% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 737 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.