Mitsubishi Pajero
Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 23 model years from 3,834 MOT tests in 2024.
Avg Pass Rate
75%
Total Tests
3,834
Highest Pass Rate
1994 (79%)
Years Covered
23
About the Mitsubishi Pajero
The Mitsubishi Pajero was MOT tested 3,834 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 23 model years (1991 to 2018), with an average pass rate of 75%. That's 7 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 diesel and petrol versions.
Best and Worst Years
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1994 model has the highest pass rate at 79% from 106 tests. The 2001 model has the lowest at 67%. The 12 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
The Mitsubishi Pajero has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (1991) averages 162,983 miles, while the newest (2018) averages 75,994 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.
Compared to the Mitsubishi brand average of 80%, the Pajero is 5 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Mitsubishi models.
Estimated Running Costs
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 2018 detailsHow reliable is the Mitsubishi Pajero?
Mitsubishi Pajero by Year
Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 83% | 42 | 75,994 mi | |
| 2017 | 82% | 45 | 75,569 mi | |
| 2016 | 88% | 51 | 83,996 mi | |
| 2015 | 64% | 36 | 111,798 mi | |
| 2010 | 77% | 30 | 95,272 mi | |
| 2008 | 75% | 69 | 127,382 mi | |
| 2007 | 73% | 128 | 124,605 mi | |
| 2006 | 78% | 260 | 136,303 mi | |
| 2005 | 77% | 486 | 152,412 mi | |
| 2004 | 70% | 616 | 157,611 mi | |
| 2003 | 78% | 582 | 150,765 mi | |
| 2002 | 68% | 270 | 153,687 mi | |
| 2001 | 67% | 203 | 152,872 mi | |
| 2000 | 73% | 129 | 138,864 mi | |
| 1999 | 76% | 127 | 132,497 mi | |
| 1998 | 77% | 105 | 114,961 mi | |
| 1997 | 86% | 91 | 116,257 mi | |
| 1996 | 72% | 155 | 135,309 mi | |
| 1995 | 78% | 166 | 172,553 mi | |
| 1994 | 79% | 106 | 184,471 mi | |
| 1993 | 76% | 59 | 160,898 mi | |
| 1992 | 63% | 30 | 174,063 mi | |
| 1991 | 60% | 48 | 162,983 mi |
Questions about the Mitsubishi Pajero
Is the Mitsubishi Pajero reliable?
Across its 23 model years in our data (1991 to 2018), the Mitsubishi Pajero averages a 75% MOT pass rate, from 3,834 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 1994 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 79%.
Which year Mitsubishi Pajero has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1994 Mitsubishi Pajero has the highest MOT pass rate at 79%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 67%, a 12 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Are newer Mitsubishi Pajeros more reliable?
The Mitsubishi Pajero has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
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