2010 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.3L Diesel · S321 AFW

The Mitsubishi Outlander’s MOT history reveals a vehicle in active decline, with a clear trend of worsening mechanical and structural issues over the past two years. The most recent tests—both conducted in May 2026 at 188,967–188,968 miles—highlight multiple critical failures, including binding rear brakes, severely worn suspension ball joints (both track rod ends and lower arm joints), and a compromised anti-roll bar linkage dust cover, which risks accelerated corrosion and joint failure. The power steering fluid level has been persistently low, while the headlamp aim and position lamps were only flagged in the latest failure, suggesting recent neglect of alignment and electrical checks. The windscreen damage, though not obstructing vision, indicates potential stone-chip vulnerability, and the repeated advisories on suspension dust covers—first noted in April 2024—have gone unaddressed, raising concerns about broader suspension integrity. Mileage accumulation aligns with typical usage for a 16-year-old vehicle, averaging around 11,810 miles annually, though the clustering of tests in May each year suggests the car may have been driven to a test centre rather than undergoing regular servicing. The gap between the 2024 test (151,417 miles) and the 2025 tests (170,284 miles) covers roughly 18,867 miles in just over a year, a pace that accelerates wear on consumables like tyres, brake discs, and shock absorbers. The absence of defects in the 2025 passed test is misleading; the immediate follow-up failure on the washer system suggests basic fluid checks were overlooked, a pattern that repeats with power steering and suspension issues. For a prospective buyer, the suspension system demands urgent scrutiny. The near- and offside front lower arm ball joints, along with the track rod ends, exhibit play—a condition that compromises steering accuracy and tyre wear. The anti-roll bar linkage dust cover failure risks contamination of the ball joint, potentially leading to premature failure. Brake discs across all four corners show pitting and scoring, indicating aggressive or uneven braking habits, while the shock absorbers’ light oil misting signals internal wear. A thorough inspection should include a dynamic test drive to check for clunks, vibration, or pulling, and a close examination of the rear brakes, which were flagged for binding in the latest failure. The windscreen’s damage, though non-critical, may mask deeper stone-chip resistance issues in the glass or surrounding adhesive. Given the recurring advisories on suspension components, this Outlander’s structural longevity hinges on whether these issues have been professionally addressed—or if they’re part of a broader pattern of deferred maintenance.