Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Outlander (2009)

1,974 real MOT outcomes analysed • 76.5% first-time pass rate

2009 Mitsubishi Outlander

CarHunch analysed 1,974 real MOT records for the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander falls slightly short of the UK average with a 76.5% first-time pass rate, and this is compounded by a concerning 46.0% of vehicles having recorded a dangerous defect at some point—well above what you'd typically see. Diesel models, which make up 93% of the cohort, fare marginally worse at 76.3% versus petrol's 80.1%, though the difference is modest.

At nearly 95,400 miles median, these Outlanders show typical wear for their age, yet they're accumulating substantial defect issues: an average of 3.95 failures and 31.9 advisories per vehicle suggest recurring mechanical problems rather than isolated gremlins. Before purchasing, get a pre-buy inspection that specifically flags the cooling system, suspension, and brake components—the vehicles in this cohort are developing faults consistently enough that skipping this step would be a real gamble.

The 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander has a decent first-time pass rate (76.5%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
76.5%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
46%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
3.95
Over 15.8 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
95k
Middle half: 79k–114k
For context
🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 31.9 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 1,974 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 1,974 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Brake wear 79.1%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material · Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Tyre wear 56.6%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Other issues 52.9%
Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened · Oil leak, but not excessive · Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2009.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 1,974 Mitsubishi Outlander cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander

Based on MOT data from 1,974 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 46% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (93%) 1,829 76.3% 4
Petrol (7%) 145 80.1% 3.4

Colour Breakdown

Based on 77,404 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Black 27.4%
21,243
White 20.8%
16,104
Grey 19.8%
15,298
Silver 10.5%
8,121
Red 9.2%
7,116
Blue 7.9%
6,145
Brown 4.1%
3,145
Orange 0.2%
168
Bronze 0%
35
Gold 0%
13
Green 0%
9
Beige 0%
7

Mileage Distribution

Most 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

95,364
typical
78,595
low mileage
113,537
high mileage

Half of all 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles fall between 78,595 and 113,537 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 78,595 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
78,595–113,537 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2009 Mitsubishi Outlanders sit.
Over 153,274 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2009 Mitsubishi Outlander — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 53% of 2009 Mitsubishi Outlanders are still active.

999 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 53% of the peak remain.

1,874 999 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

15.8
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
3.95
Avg failures per vehicle
31.9
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Mitsubishi Outlander: All Outlander years → Which year to buy? →
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Or browse all models: Mitsubishi →

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Compare with another model

See how the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing