2003 Mitsubishi Carisma 1.9L Diesel · SP53 YHD
2003 Mitsubishi Carisma (1.9L, diesel). First registered 30 Sept 2003. Recorded mileage 70,956 miles. MOT expired on 29 Sept 2026.
- Make & Model
- MITSUBISHI CARISMA
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Dundee
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 29 Sept 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 70,956 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 1.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
SP53 YHD Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 26/09/2025
- 70,956 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (9 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SP53 YHD MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Mitsubishi Carisma (SP53 YHD) between September 2023 and September 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 26 September 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (9 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Steering (2 issues), Windscreen (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 18 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Rear Inner Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly re”; “Offside Rear Inner Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly red”; “Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))”.
SP53 YHD Mileage History
- 19/09/202370,790 mi
- 17/09/202475,154 mi+4,364 mi
- 18/09/202475,156 mi+2 mi
- 24/09/202570,955 mi-4,201 mi
- 26/09/202570,956 mi+1 mi
Average of roughly 82 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Recorded mileage decreased between one or more tests — a potential clocking indicator worth verifying before purchase.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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Known faults for Mitsubishi Mitsubishi Carisma
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Common Problems: MITSUBISHI CARISMA
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- Corroded brake pipes(Moderate)
Corroded brake pipes are the most common MOT advisory on the UK Carisma fleet, recorded on 35.3% of all tests in one DVSA-data analysis, with a further 7.0% of tests carrying structural-corrosion notes. Salt and water corrode the thin-walled pipes, especially at the rear axle, and a badly corroded or burst pipe means loss of a brake circuit - an MOT failure and a serious safety issue. Sticking rear brake callipers, which squeal even with the pedal released, are another known Carisma brake complaint. These are now 20-year-old cars: assume nothing about the brake system until you have seen it.
- Structural corrosion of sills and subframes(Serious)
DVSA-based analysis records corrosion and structure as the clearest problem area for the Carisma, with 86.5 structural notes per 100 MOT tests and wording such as 'prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength'. Sills, subframes and mounting points rot from the inside out, and corrosion near seat-belt anchorages is an immediate MOT failure. Surface rust is cosmetic; perforated sills or a soft subframe are expensive to weld and can make the car uneconomic. Any Carisma bought without a recent underside inspection is a gamble.
- Carbon build-up on the 1.8 GDI engine(Moderate)
The 1.8-litre GDI direct-injection petrol was designed for superunleaded; on ordinary fuel it builds carbon in the throttle body and combustion chambers, causing erratic idle, misfiring and lack of power, and What Car? warns of engine-failure risk around 60,000 miles if ignored. BreakerYard lists blocked GDI throttle bodies as a known Carisma fault, curable by cleaning the throttle body, while neglected examples can need far more extensive work. Ask which fuel the seller used and listen for a lumpy idle when cold.
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MITSUBISHI CARISMA Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2003 model year cars.
- Corroded brake pipesModerate
Corroded brake pipes are the most common MOT advisory on the UK Carisma fleet, recorded on 35.3% of all tests in one DVSA-data analysis, with a further 7.0% of tests carrying structural-corrosion notes. Salt and water corrode the thin-walled pipes, especially at the rear axle, and a badly corroded or burst pipe means loss of a brake circuit - an MOT failure and a serious safety issue. Sticking rear brake callipers, which squeal even with the pedal released, are another known Carisma brake complaint. These are now 20-year-old cars: assume nothing about the brake system until you have seen it.
- Structural corrosion of sills and subframesSerious
DVSA-based analysis records corrosion and structure as the clearest problem area for the Carisma, with 86.5 structural notes per 100 MOT tests and wording such as 'prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength'. Sills, subframes and mounting points rot from the inside out, and corrosion near seat-belt anchorages is an immediate MOT failure. Surface rust is cosmetic; perforated sills or a soft subframe are expensive to weld and can make the car uneconomic. Any Carisma bought without a recent underside inspection is a gamble.
- Carbon build-up on the 1.8 GDI engineModerate
The 1.8-litre GDI direct-injection petrol was designed for superunleaded; on ordinary fuel it builds carbon in the throttle body and combustion chambers, causing erratic idle, misfiring and lack of power, and What Car? warns of engine-failure risk around 60,000 miles if ignored. BreakerYard lists blocked GDI throttle bodies as a known Carisma fault, curable by cleaning the throttle body, while neglected examples can need far more extensive work. Ask which fuel the seller used and listen for a lumpy idle when cold.
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