2008 Mitsubishi L200 Double Cab — MOT failures & pass rate
2,239 MOT tests on the 2008 Mitsubishi L200 Double Cab are in this dataset, and 70.6% of them passed. That is effectively the same as pick-up trucks of a similar age (28.5% fail rate), so the MOT record here is unremarkable in either direction. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, suspension and brakes.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — lighting & signalling (19.3%) and suspension (18.1%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are rigid brake pipes, position lamp and ball joint — rigid brake pipes alone was recorded 291 times.
Mileage is the strongest signal on the record: 14.7% of 30-60k cars fail, rising to 29.9% once past 150k — 2.0× the risk.
Brakes is the most common advisory, noted on 43.8% of tests — work that passed today but is likely due soon.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 19.3% | 431 |
| 2 | Suspension | 18.1% | 405 |
| 3 | Brakes | 12.6% | 283 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 10.8% | 241 |
| 5 | Visibility | 5.6% | 126 |
| 6 | Emissions & environmental | 3.5% | 79 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rigid brake pipes | 291 |
| 2 | Position lamp | 213 |
| 3 | Ball joint | 210 |
| 4 | Joints | 180 |
| 5 | Rear fog lamp | 147 |
| 6 | Headlamp aim | 119 |
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 | 43.8% | 981 |
| 2 | Suspension | 34.4% | 771 |
| 3 | Tyres | 20.8% | 466 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 20.5% | 458 |
| 5 | Lighting & signalling | 17.2% | 385 |
| 6 | Emissions & environmental | 12.2% | 272 |
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 | 34 | 14.7% |
| 60-90k | 237 | 27.0% |
| 90-120k | 644 | 30.4% |
| 120-150k | 689 | 29.5% |
| 150k+ | 631 | 29.9% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 555 | 29.4% |
| 2022 | 524 | 29.8% |
| 2023 | 442 | 28.5% |
| 2024 | 391 | 30.2% |
| 2025 | 327 | 29.4% |
What to check before buying a 2008 L200 Double Cab
The failure pattern for this year is specific enough to inspect against: lighting & signalling accounted for 19.3% of tests. Start there.
- Lighting & signalling (19.3% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (18.1% 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.
- Brakes (12.6% 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 2008 Mitsubishi L200 Double Cabs pass their MOT?
70.6% of the 2,239 2008 Mitsubishi L200 Double Cab MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 29.4% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2008 Mitsubishi L200 Double Cab?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 19.3% of tests, followed by suspension (18.1%).
Does the 2008 L200 Double Cab get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 14.7% in the 30-60k band to 29.9% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 2,239 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.