At a Glance
Suzuki has 188 identified common problems across 28 models, with the Vitara being the most affected model and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 6.4M MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read how we identify common car problems →
Below: per-model breakdowns of Suzuki common problems, MOT failure rates by category, pass-rate data, and repair patterns drawn from 6.4M DVSA MOT tests across 20 years. Click any model to see generation-specific issues, mileage-banded fault patterns, and the most common MOT failures recorded by UK testers.
MOT Tests & Failures by Model
Top Suzuki models by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that model's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Suzuki Common Problems by Model
Select a model to see problems by generation
Showing top 9 by MOT test volume — search to find any of 28 Suzuki models.
Swift
Most common: Brakes
Alto
Most common: Brakes
Grand Vitara
Most common: Brakes
Vitara
Most common: Brakes
Jimny
Most common: Brakes
Wagon R+
Most common: Brakes
Sx4
Most common: Brakes
Ignis
Most common: Brakes
Splash
Most common: Brakes
Most Common Suzuki MOT Failures
Every reason Suzuki vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 8.22% |
| 2 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 8.16% |
| 3 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 6.57% |
| 4 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 6.20% |
| 5 | Brake performance below minimum | 5.15% |
| 6 | Number plate lamp not working | 4.96% |
| 7 | Stop lamp not working | 4.84% |
| 8 | Tyre condition | 4.75% |
| 9 | Exhaust system fault | 3.39% |
| 10 | Front lamp not working | 3.23% |
| 11 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 3.17% |
| 12 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.15% |
| 13 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.89% |
| 14 | Driveshaft fault | 2.49% |
| 15 | Position lamp not working | 2.46% |
| 16 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 2.10% |
| 17 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.90% |
| 18 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.49% |
| 19 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.46% |
| 20 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.39% |
| 21 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.37% |
| 22 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.26% |
| 23 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.22% |
| 24 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.22% |
| 25 | Headlamp fault | 0.97% |
| 26 | Track rod end worn | 0.91% |
| 27 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.89% |
| 28 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.86% |
| 29 | Parking brake condition | 0.75% |
| 30 | Indicator fault | 0.73% |
| 31 | Chassis condition | 0.72% |
| 32 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.63% |
| 33 | Rear suspension fault | 0.61% |
| 34 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.58% |
| 35 | Seat belt condition | 0.58% |
| 36 | Front suspension fault | 0.57% |
| 37 | Rear lamp not working | 0.46% |
| 38 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.44% |
| 39 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.40% |
| 40 | Fog lamp not working | 0.38% |
| 41 | ABS fault | 0.37% |
| 42 | Horn not working | 0.32% |
| 43 | Airbag warning light on | 0.30% |
| 44 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.30% |
| 45 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.25% |
| 46 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.25% |
| 47 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.23% |
| 48 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.23% |
| 49 | Steering rack fault | 0.21% |
| 50 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.21% |
| 51 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.19% |
| 52 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.17% |
| 53 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.16% |
| 54 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.15% |
| 55 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.12% |
| 56 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.11% |
| 57 | Brake fluid leak | 0.11% |
| 58 | Brake pedal fault | 0.11% |
| 59 | Brake lever fault | 0.11% |
| 60 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.10% |
| 61 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.09% |
| 62 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.09% |
| 63 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.09% |
| 64 | Engine oil leak | 0.09% |
| 65 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.08% |
| 66 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.08% |
| 67 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.08% |
| 68 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.07% |
| 69 | Brake caliper fault | 0.07% |
| 70 | Drag link end worn | 0.07% |
| 71 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.07% |
| 72 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.07% |
| 73 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.05% |
| 74 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.05% |
| 75 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.05% |
| 76 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 77 | Steering free play excessive | 0.05% |
| 78 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 79 | Propshaft fault | 0.04% |
| 80 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.04% |
| 81 | Electrical switch fault | 0.04% |
| 82 | Steering arm worn | 0.04% |
| 83 | Steering lock fault | 0.04% |
| 84 | Body security fault | 0.04% |
| 85 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.04% |
| 86 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 87 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 88 | Steering operation fault | 0.03% |
| 89 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.03% |
| 90 | Towbar fault | 0.03% |
| 91 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.03% |
| 92 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 93 | CV joint worn | 0.03% |
| 94 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.03% |
| 95 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.03% |
| 96 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.03% |
| 97 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.03% |
| 98 | Transmission oil leak | 0.02% |
| 99 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 102 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 103 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 104 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 105 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 106 | Steering column fault | 0.02% |
| 107 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 108 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 109 | Exhaust leak | 0.01% |
| 110 | Load sensing valve fault | 0.01% |
| 111 | Steering coupling worn | 0.01% |
| 112 | Speedometer fault | 0.01% |
| 113 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 114 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.01% |
| 115 | Suspension unit fault | 0.01% |
| 116 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 117 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 120 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 121 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 124 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 126 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 127 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 128 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 130 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 135 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 138 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 139 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 140 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 141 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 142 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 143 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 145 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 146 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 148 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 149 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 150 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 153 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 157 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 159 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 160 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 161 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | <0.01% |
| 162 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 163 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Anchor bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 165 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 168 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 169 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 172 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 174 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 175 | Spring saddle corroded | <0.01% |
| 176 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 177 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 178 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 179 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 180 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 181 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 182 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 183 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 184 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 185 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 186 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 187 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 188 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 189 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 190 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 191 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 192 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 193 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 194 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 195 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 196 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 197 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 198 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 199 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 200 | Steering head bearings worn | <0.01% |
| 201 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 202 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 203 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 204 | Chain drive fault | <0.01% |
| 205 | Handlebars damaged | <0.01% |
| 206 | Leaf spring slipper worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 206 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Suzuki MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for Suzuki, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Suzuki problems?
Based on analysis of 6.4M Suzuki MOT tests from DVSA data, Suzuki has 188 identified common problems across 28 models. The Suzuki Vitara has the most recorded problems. Suspension issues are the most common category.
Which Suzuki model has the most problems?
By total identified common problems, the Suzuki Vitara has the highest count with 54 problems. This is partly because it is one of the more popular Suzuki models on UK roads. See the models grid for a full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Suzuki?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Suzuki owners spot problems early. We review all submissions before they are published.
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