Does the Mitsubishi Pajero fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Mitsubishi Pajero records 29.69 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 26.41 expected for a car of the same age mix: more than expected for its class and age (+3.28, 95% interval +2.45 to +4.11). It ranks 157 of 701 models on suspension (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on suspension · check a Mitsubishi Pajero by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Mitsubishi Pajero is “A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn”, recorded 1,350 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 1,350 | 8.15 |
| The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired | 1,155 | 6.97 |
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 789 | 4.76 |
| A shock absorber bush excessively worn | 333 | 2.01 |
| A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage | 240 | 1.45 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 16,563 (initial tests) · Method: failure items (major and minor) grouped by DVSA's defect tree; wordings with 30+ items · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
If a Mitsubishi Pajero gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?
19.2% of Mitsubishi Pajero MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12.1 months and 3,541 miles later (3,676 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 3,676 (advisories followed) · Method: the same vehicles followed to their next ordinary MOT · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Other pages for this model
Mitsubishi Pajero 2003 · Mitsubishi Pajero 2004 · Mitsubishi Pajero 2005 · Mitsubishi Pajero 2006 · Mitsubishi Pajero in Norway · Mitsubishi Pajero in Finland · Mitsubishi Pajero in the Netherlands · Mitsubishi Pajero by postcode area · Mitsubishi Pajero body, chassis and structure failures · Mitsubishi Pajero brakes failures · Mitsubishi Pajero vehicle identification failures · Mitsubishi Pajero lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Mitsubishi Pajero noise, emissions and leaks failures · Mitsubishi Pajero road wheels failures · Mitsubishi Pajero seat belts and airbags failures · Mitsubishi Pajero steering failures · Mitsubishi Pajero tyres failures · Mitsubishi Pajero visibility failures