Mitsubishi L200 reliability
The Mitsubishi L200 fails its MOT about as often as most cars 6 to 10 years old: 25.1% of 30,908 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.
15 DVSA recalls for the Mitsubishi L200
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Side step shade rivets may corrode and fracture
Corrosion of fixing rivets can lead to the side step shade becoming insecure
Fix: Change the 12 aluminium rivets to M8 bolts and nuts
Recalled models: L200 · 10,564 vehicles
Door latching mechanism may malfunction in hot temperatures
The locking mechanism in the door latch assembly may not operate properly in high temperatures. As a result the door may not latch correctly and may unintentionally open whilst driving. This may affect one or more doors depending on vehicle identification number.
Fix: Modified assemblies are available and the remedy is to replace door latch mechanisms as identified by the manufacturer.
Recalled models: L200 (DOUBLE CAB) · 4,676 vehicles
Airbag may release shrapnel if deployed
Certain driver side airbags the inflator might release shrapnel from the inflator container during deployment which could injure the driver.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace air bag inflator.
Recalled models: L200 · 43,699 vehicles
Indicators and/or other vehicle lights may switch off or blink without warning
Due to poor connectivity the indicators and/or vehicle lights may turn off or blink
Fix: On affected vehicles apply lubricant to switch connections
Recalled models: L200 · 1,801 vehicles
Possible risk of fire
It is possible that a poorly soldered joint could cause a high resistance on the Door Entry Guard circuit board. This can cause a risk of fire.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to check unit and replace if required.
Recalled models: L200 · 3,582 vehicles
In extreme cases fire may occur
Due to an incorrect shape of the power seat reclining lever the switch may get stuck. This causes current to flow through the reclining motor which heats up. In the worst case the cushion from the power seat and surrounding parts may be damaged due to heat generated from the reclining motor.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the powered seat recliner levers and where necessary the adjuster assemblies.
Recalled models: L200 · 3,133 vehicles
Vehicle may become unstable
Either side front lower suspension arm can be damaged or broken due to improper welding by the supplier. This could cause the vehicle to pull to either side or can be unstable during driving.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check and where necessary replace any defective lower suspension arms.
Recalled models: L200 · 5,461 vehicles
Fuel may leak
Poor welding may have occurred on the front prop shaft due to a manufacturing equipment failure on the supplier's production line. In the worst case the weld may break and the prop shaft may interfere with and damage the fuel line sufficiently for fuel to leak.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check and where necessary replace the propeller shaft.
Recalled models: L200 · 220 vehicles
Engine may stall
As a result of incorrect mapping of the ECU and/or inappropriate design of the air flow sensor connector low engine performance poor idling or in the worst case engine stalling might be experienced.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to re programme the ECU and where necessary replace the air flow sensor.
Recalled models: L200 · 8,263 vehicles
Top suspension ball joint may become detached
It has been established that is it possible due to misalignment of components that the ball joint mounting bolts may not have been torqued to the correct specification. If the vehicle is used in extreme circumstances this can cause the bolts to loosen and ultimately cause the ball joint to detach.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles to check the torque of the bolts and if required replace the top suspension arm.
Recalled models: L200 · 29,750 vehicles
Rear protection bar may detach
It is possible that cracking can occur in the area of the welds on the mounting bracket to the tube of the rear under protection bar. This in extreme cases if not rectified could result in the detachment of the bar from the vehicle.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicles and replace the bar with a modified type.
Recalled models: L200 · 590 vehicles
Rear axle may become insecure
It has been identified that due to an incorrect manufacturing process the U bolts used to secure the rear axle could break resulting initially in a rattling noise emanating from the rear axle. Should this be symptom be ignored insecurity of the rear axle could result.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the rear axle U bolts replaced with quality assured items.
Recalled models: L200 · 20,445 vehicles
Fuel may leak
A crack may occur in the fuel filter water sensor which can lead to a leakage of fuel.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the fuel filter water sensor replaced.
Recalled models: L200 · 7,917 vehicles
Possibility that the bonnet safety hook is defective
The possibility exists that the bonnet safety hook (secondary locking device) is defective. With the result that should the primary lock not be fully engaged the safety hook may also fail due to lift created by the airflow and in the worst case the bonnet may open whilst the vehicle is being driven.
Fix: Likely to be affected vehicles will be recalled at which time the safety hook bracket will be checked for profile and adjusted if necessary.
Recalled models: L200 · 13,628 vehicles
Possible loss of steering control
Under severe and extreme conditions where the vehicle is used mainly off-road in a wet muddy environment it is possible that the tapered section of the ball pin on the steering 'Pitman arm' may break. This in the worst case could result in a loss of steering control.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicles and replacing the Pitman arm with a quality assured component.
Recalled models: L200 · 6,218 vehicles
Checking a Mitsubishi L200 before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.