Mitsubishi Lancer reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Mitsubishi Lancer is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 116 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 168 of 442, and 34.7% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is track rod end (5.8% of tests).
Ranked 168 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 9,225 Mitsubishi Lancers aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 34.7% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Mitsubishi Lancer is 14% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
34.7%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
6,500
Typical age at test: 15 years
Mitsubishi Lancer MOT failure rate by age
Most common Mitsubishi Lancer MOT faults
- Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play5.8% of tests
- Position lamp: not working5.7% of tests
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.6% of tests
- Stop lamp: not working3.5% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.5% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.2% of tests
What the Mitsubishi Lancer fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 16.1% | ▼ 13% less often |
| Suspension | 14.0% | About average |
| Brakes | 10.1% | About average |
| Steering | 7.0% | ▲ 2.2× as often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 6.2% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Visibility | 5.1% | ▼ 21% less often |
| Tyres | 5.0% | ▼ 30% less often |
| Body and structure | 4.4% | ▼ 34% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.8% | ▼ 54% less often |
| Wheels | 0.4% | ▼ 27% less often |
What MPG does the Mitsubishi Lancer do?
Official economy for the Mitsubishi Lancer ranges from 18.3 to 44.8mpg across the 36 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2006–2010). A typical petrol version manages 35.8mpg and a typical diesel 44.1mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Mitsubishi Lancer?
Any Mitsubishi Lancer first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Mitsubishi Lancer registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £275 to £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carMitsubishi Lancer specs and running costs
Official figures for 36 versions sold in the UK between 2006 and 2010.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol
Official economy
18.3–44.8 mpg
CO2
153–258 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancer Saloon on GS36MT · listed 2010 | Diesel | 44.8 mpg | 165g | £275 |
| Lancer Saloon on GS3 with DPF6MT · listed 2010 | Diesel | 44.1 mpg | 169g | £325 |
| Lancer Saloon on GS46MT · listed 2010 | Diesel | 44.8 mpg | 165g | £275 |
| Lancer Saloon on GS4 with DPF6MT · listed 2010 | Diesel | 44.1 mpg | 169g | £325 |
| Lancer Sportback on GS36MT · listed 2010 | Diesel | 43.5 mpg | 170g | £325 |
| Lancer Sportback on GS46MT · listed 2010 | Diesel | 43.5 mpg | 170g | £325 |
| Lancer Sportback on GS3 with DPF6MT · listed 2010 | Diesel | 44.1 mpg | 173g | £325 |
| Lancer Sportback on GS4 with DPF6MT · listed 2010 | Diesel | 44.1 mpg | 173g | £325 |
| Lancer Sportback on GS2 2.06MT · listed 2010 | Diesel | 44.8 mpg | 165g | £275 |
| Lancer Saloon 1.65MT · listed 2010 | Petrol | 41.5 mpg | 163g | £275 |
| Lancer Saloon 1.6A4 · listed 2010 | Petrol | 35.3 mpg | 191g | £410 |
| Lancer Estate 1.65MT · listed 2010 | Petrol | 40.4 mpg | 166g | £325 |
| Lancer Estate 1.6A5 · listed 2010 | Petrol | 34.4 mpg | 195g | £410 |
| Lancer Estate 2.05MT · listed 2010 | Petrol | 32.5 mpg | 207g | £445 |
| Lancer Saloon on SE 1.55MT · listed 2010 | Petrol | 44.1 mpg | 153g | £275 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Showing the 15 most recent of 36 versions.
What a Mitsubishi Lancer costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 35.8mpg…
- diesel, typical official 44.1mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Mitsubishi LancerBuying a used Mitsubishi Lancer?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Mitsubishi models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Mitsubishi Lancer is 14% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 116 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Mitsubishi Lancer?
The most common MOT fault is “Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play”, found in 5.8% of tests. It fails on steering more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Mitsubishi Lancer do?
Official economy for the Mitsubishi Lancer ranges from 18.3 to 44.8mpg across the 36 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2006–2010). A typical petrol version manages 35.8mpg and a typical diesel 44.1mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Mitsubishi Lancer?
Any Mitsubishi Lancer first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Mitsubishi Lancer registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £275 to £790 a year.
›How many Mitsubishi Lancers fail their MOT?
34.7% of Mitsubishi Lancers aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Mitsubishi Lancer combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.