2018 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0L Hybrid electric (clean) · WN18 XDL

A pattern of tyre and front steering component wear dominates the MOT history of this 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander, suggesting that consumable attention has been inconsistent over the vehicle's life. The most recent outcome on 16 February 2026 was a clean pass with no defects, but this followed directly from a Dangerous failure just three days earlier on 13 February 2026 for both front tyres, where the nearside had cords exposed and the offside was below the legal 1.6mm tread depth. Earlier evidence supports this as a chronic issue: the 18 February 2025 test flagged both rear tyres as being close to the legal limit, with a nail also recorded in the offside rear, and the 2024 test carried an advisory for rear brake pads wearing thin. Combined with a damaged nearside front track rod end dust cover first recorded as a minor in April 2023 and escalating to a Major when the cover became fully insecure in July 2024, the record indicates progressive deterioration in the steering and rubber components that warrants close physical examination before purchase. Mileage accumulation is notably high for the vehicle's age, with 115,383 miles recorded over eight years at an average of roughly 14,423 miles per year, well above the typical annual figure for a family SUV of this era. This sustained level of use places greater mechanical demand on the braking system, suspension bushes, drivetrain mounts and CV joints than a lower-mileage example would have endured. The testing pattern shows a three-year gap between the May 2021 pass and the April 2023 test, which may simply reflect the exemption period, but the intervening mileage between tests combined with the annual rate suggests the vehicle has been in regular service throughout its life, consistent with the wear pattern visible in the advisories. For a prospective buyer, the front steering and tyre condition must form the centrepiece of any physical inspection. The track rod end dust cover has been flagged twice, escalating from a minor deterioration to a Major where it no longer prevented ingress of dirt, meaning a seized or worn ball joint is a realistic possibility and should be checked by rocking the front wheels with the car jacked and listening for clunks over uneven surfaces. The rear differential bush play advisory from July 2024 is particularly relevant to the test drive, as this can manifest as a clonking or knocking noise from underneath the vehicle under load changes or over speed humps, and is common on Outlanders of this mileage. Brake feel should also be assessed carefully given the thin rear pads advisory and the rear brake pipework should be inspected for corrosion, which is a frequent MOT failure point on high-mileage SUVs of this age. A firm pedal with no judder and even stopping power without pulling to one side would be expected; any sponginess or pulsation would warrant further investigation. The remaining recorded items are relatively minor but worth noting. The windscreen damage recorded as a minor in April 2023 should be checked to ensure it has not propagated further, as any crack now within the driver's direct line of sight could result in a future failure. The washer system deficiency and rear registration plate lamp issue from the July 2024 failure are both straightforward fixes but indicate a period where minor electrical and fluid items were neglected. On a test drive, listen for any drivetrain vibration or rear axle whine consistent with high mileage and worn differential components, and confirm that all exterior lamps operate correctly. Given the heavy annual mileage and the documented wear on tyres, steering joints and rear brake components, this Outlander should be approached as a high-use vehicle requiring immediate replacement of consumables and a thorough inspection of suspension and drivetrain condition rather than one whose roadworthiness is assured by its MOT record alone.