2015 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0L Hybrid electric (clean) · DN15 RFZ

The mechanical profile of this Mitsubishi Outlander is dominated by suspension and undercarriage wear rather than any clean overall roadworthiness pattern, with the 2026-04-18 test returning a pass but only after a particularly serious sequence of failures and advisories in the preceding years. The 2025-05-20 test produced multiple Major defects for both rear subframe trailing arm bushes, a Major for excessive play in the offside front track rod end ball joint, and advisories for a worn rear differential bush and a defective central exhaust mounting. Earlier, the 2024-06-11 test flagged both rear radius arm bushes as in poor condition, confirming a consistent rear suspension wear narrative rather than an isolated incident. The 2022-05-26 test also recorded a Dangerous failure for rear brake pads worn below 1.5 mm, which represents the most safety-critical item on the record and suggests that pad wear on this vehicle can progress rapidly between annual tests. A further fail in 2023-05-12 for a tyre fitted contrary to side wall instructions is more procedural than mechanical, though a nearside front tyre was noted as worn at the outer edge on the same day. Mileage accumulation of 86,334 miles over roughly eleven years equates to around 7,849 miles annually, which is broadly typical for the age bracket rather than unusually low or high. There are no significant multi-year gaps in the testing record that would indicate a long laid-up period, and the tests fall at reasonably regular intervals between 2022 and 2026. This consistent, moderate usage means the wear items flagged in the MOT record are unlikely to be the result of long standing periods causing seized components or fluid degradation, but rather normal in-service wear on consumable suspension and braking parts. For an SUV of this age and mileage, rear trailing arm and radius arm bush wear is a well-recognised maintenance item, and the presence of these advisories on consecutive tests suggests the rear suspension geometry may now be approaching a point where replacement of the trailing arm assemblies, radius arm bushes, and differential bush is due or overdue if not already addressed since the 2025 test. For a prospective buyer, the primary inspection priorities should be the rear suspension and steering components flagged in the MOT history. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear over speed humps, uneven roads, and during rear axle articulation, which would indicate worn trailing arm or radius arm bushes beyond what the previous advisories described. Check for wandering or loose steering, particularly over uneven surfaces or during lane changes, which could indicate the track rod end replacement has not fully resolved any underlying wear, and inspect the front tyres for inner or outer edge wear that would suggest camber or tracking disturbance. The brake pedal should feel firm and progressive; any judder, pulling to one side under heavy braking, or a grinding sensation would warrant disc and pad inspection given the Dangerous pad wear previously recorded at the rear. With the vehicle raised if possible, inspect the rear subframe mounting points and the differential bush for cracking, splitting, or oil contamination, as the 2025 advisories suggest these areas are deteriorating progressively. The exhaust system should also be examined given the advisory for the central mounting, which can allow the exhaust to sag and contact the underbody or heat shielding, and the underfloor should be checked for any contact marks. Given the age and mileage, a thorough inspection of the underbody for corrosion, particularly around suspension pick-up points and brake pipe routing, would be prudent, even though no corrosion advisories appear on the MOT record to date. Finally, confirm what rectification work has actually been carried out since the 2025-05-20 failures, as the subsequent pass on 2026-04-18 implies the Major defects were addressed, but the advisories for the differential bush and exhaust mounting were not failure items and may still require attention. Receipts or invoices for the rear trailing arm, track rod end, and any associated geometry work would provide confidence that the repair was completed thoroughly rather than as a minimal pass-oriented fix.