2011 Mitsubishi ASX 1.8L Diesel · SB11 KJK

A pattern of recurring brake, exhaust, and suspension concerns defines the mechanical history of this 2011 Mitsubishi ASX. Across six recorded MOT tests between 2021 and 2025, the vehicle has experienced two failures, including a particularly serious dangerous defect in November 2021 for a weakened front brake disc, alongside major defects for exhaust leaks at the diesel particulate filter, corroded rear brake pipes, and an excessively worn offside front track rod end. The most recent attempt on 29 November 2025 resulted in a pass, but this came only two days after a failure on 27 November 2025 flagged a fault with the electronic stability control warning lamp and deteriorated front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust covers allowing dirt ingress both sides. The intervening period shows a continued stream of advisories covering front arm rear bushes, pitted rear brake discs, brake pipe corrosion on both front and nearside rear lines, and rear shock absorber wear, indicating that chassis and braking components have been on a gradual downward trajectory rather than a clean, stable roadworthiness record. With approximately 80,922 miles accumulated over fifteen years, the annual mileage averages around 5,395 miles per year, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age. There are no extended gaps in the testing record, with annual tests conducted consistently from 2021 through 2025, suggesting the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than laid up. However, this level of mileage is more consistent with short urban journeys than sustained motorway driving, which can be relevant given the diesel particulate filter concerns recorded in both 2021 and 2022. DPF components rely on regular high-temperature running to regenerate effectively, so predominantly low-speed or short-trip usage can accelerate carbon accumulation and contribute to the kind of exhaust blowing and DPF-related defects that have appeared in the history. For a prospective buyer, the brake and underbody corrosion issues warrant close physical inspection. Both front brake pipes and the nearside rear brake pipe were flagged as corroded in November 2024, and with rear brake pipes having already failed outright on a previous test, the underbody should be examined on a ramp for any surface scaling, pitting, or weeping along the full length of the brake lines, particularly at unions and mounting clips. The front discs and pads should be measured for remaining thickness, and on a test drive any pulsation through the brake pedal under firm application would suggest disc run-out or uneven wear. Steering and suspension components are another priority, given the worn front arm rear bushes, the failed front anti-roll bar linkage dust covers, the track rod end play flagged in 2021, and the ball joint failure in 2023; listen for clonks or knocks from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and check for vague steering response, uneven tyre wear on the outside edges, or any pulling to one side under braking. The diesel particulate filter and exhaust system also deserve specific attention, given the blowing joint recorded at the DPF in both 2022 and 2021. On a cold start, listen for any ticking, hissing, or escaping exhaust gases from the DPF housing area, and check for soot staining around joints or mounting points. The rear brake discs were noted as slightly pitted in both 2023 and 2024, so a slight vibration through the pedal on the first few stops from cold can be expected but should not progress into severe judder under sustained braking. Given the electronic stability control warning lamp fault that caused the most recent failure, it would be prudent to confirm the system operates correctly during a test drive, observing whether the warning lamp extinguishes after start-up and whether the system intervenes appropriately during low-speed cornering or simulated slippery conditions. Finally, the front tyres recorded at 3 mm tread depth in the most recent test should be inspected for any uneven shoulder wear, as the outside edge wear pattern noted in 2023 may point toward lingering alignment or suspension geometry issues that warrant a four-wheel alignment check before any new tyres are fitted.