Mitsubishi Carisma

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 9 model years from 1,512 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

68%

Total Tests

1,512

Highest Pass Rate

1997 (75%)

Years Covered

About the Mitsubishi Carisma

The Mitsubishi Carisma was MOT tested 1,512 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 9 model years (1996 to 2004), with an average pass rate of 68%. That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1997 model has the highest pass rate at 75% from 107 tests. The 2004 model has the lowest at 64%. The 11 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Older Mitsubishi Carismas tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 7 percentage points across model years.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1996) averages 98,435 miles, while the newest (2004) averages 106,533 miles.

Compared to the Mitsubishi brand average of 80%, the Carisma is 12 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Mitsubishi models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1870cc)

£1,397

Road Tax

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,427

Per month£202/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2004 details

How reliable is the Mitsubishi Carisma?

vs average of all models-14% (82% avg)

vs Mitsubishi brand average-12% (80% avg)

Best to worst year spread11 percentage points

Reliability trendDeclining over years

Mitsubishi Carisma by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2004	64%	352	106,533 mi
2003	64%	543	107,548 mi
2002	66%	158	108,780 mi
2001	59%	54	112,157 mi
2000	65%	62	96,336 mi
1999	77%	94	101,458 mi
1998	72%	87	106,485 mi
1997	75%	107	113,735 mi
1996	69%	55	98,435 mi

Questions about the Mitsubishi Carisma

Is the Mitsubishi Carisma reliable?

Across its 9 model years in our data (1996 to 2004), the Mitsubishi Carisma averages a 68% MOT pass rate, from 1,512 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 1997 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 75%.

Which year Mitsubishi Carisma has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1997 Mitsubishi Carisma has the highest MOT pass rate at 75%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 64%, a 11 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.