2006 Mitsubishi Outlander — MOT failures & pass rate
Across 660 MOT tests, the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander recorded a 72.1% pass rate. Mid-size SUVs of a similar age fail at 27.7%, so the 2006 Outlander sits squarely on the average. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, suspension and brakes.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — lighting & signalling (16.2%) and suspension (15.0%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are track rod end, pins and bushes and headlamp aim — track rod end alone was recorded 72 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 19.7% in the 30-60k band and 32.4% in the 150k+ band, a 12.7-point spread.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: suspension was flagged on 52.3% of tests without failing them.
The trend is improving — the fail rate fell from 28.8% in 2021 to 27.3% in 2025, as the worst-kept examples leave the fleet.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 16.2% | 107 |
| 2 | Suspension | 15.0% | 99 |
| 3 | Brakes | 9.8% | 65 |
| 4 | Steering | 8.8% | 58 |
| 5 | Emissions & environmental | 7.6% | 50 |
| 6 | Tyres | 5.8% | 38 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Track rod end | 72 |
| 2 | Pins and bushes | 57 |
| 3 | Headlamp aim | 48 |
| 4 | Headlamp | 39 |
| 5 | Position lamp | 36 |
| 6 | Exhaust system | 34 |
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 | 52.3% | 345 |
| 2 | Brakes | 30.9% | 204 |
| 3 | Tyres | 30.1% | 199 |
| 4 | Lighting & signalling | 22.0% | 145 |
| 5 | Body, structure & corrosion | 21.5% | 142 |
| 6 | Steering | 18.8% | 124 |
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 | 76 | 19.7% |
| 60-90k | 228 | 26.8% |
| 90-120k | 230 | 28.7% |
| 120-150k | 82 | 32.9% |
| 150k+ | 37 | 32.4% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 198 | 28.8% |
| 2022 | 145 | 29.7% |
| 2023 | 123 | 26.0% |
| 2024 | 106 | 26.4% |
| 2025 | 88 | 27.3% |
What to check before buying a 2006 Outlander
On a 2006 Outlander, lighting & signalling is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 16.2% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Lighting & signalling (16.2% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (15.0% 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 (9.8% 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 2006 Mitsubishi Outlanders pass their MOT?
72.1% of the 660 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 27.9% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 16.2% of tests, followed by suspension (15.0%).
Does the 2006 Outlander get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 19.7% in the 30-60k band to 32.4% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 660 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.