At a Glance
The Suzuki Alto Mk5 has 24 identified problems that occur more often than the UK average, with Brake performance below minimum being the most reported. Electrical is the most common MOT failure category. The most serious issue flagged is Brake performance below minimum, rated as dangerous. Based on 284K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on this model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read how we calculate MOT pass rates and problems →
Below: the full MOT-data picture for the Suzuki Alto Mk5 — MOT pass rate vs the UK average, common problems vs UK fleet patterns, the most likely MOT failures by frequency, fault occurrence by mileage band, and pass/fail trends. All numbers drawn from DVSA records.
Suzuki Alto Mk5 MOT Pass Rate
Across 284K MOT tests from DVSA data, the Suzuki Alto Mk5 (2002–2009) has a fail rate of 44.1%.
UK average fail rate (2006–2009): 38.3%
Common Suzuki Alto Mk5 Problems
Owner-submitted reports plus patterns we've identified across 559 million UK MOT tests. Each MOT-derived item below — whether tagged as a Problem, Wear & Tear or Consumable — shows up noticeably more often on this generation than across the UK fleet, which is why it's here. Owner reports are pinned to the top by default; use the sort and filter pills below to view a specific tier or change the order.
Brake performance below minimum
39,596
occurrences
Driveshaft fault
30,798
occurrences
Spark ignition emissions above threshold
3,265
occurrences
Suspension arm worn or corroded
2,728
occurrences
Brake pedal movement restricted
1,625
occurrences
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Suzuki Alto Mk5 owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Suzuki Alto Mk5 owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Problems by mileage
Common problems, MOT failures and advisories on the Suzuki Alto Mk5, grouped by the mileage they typically appear at.
467 distinct problems · 798,570 total occurrences in current filter
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Advisory items are MOT tester observations. Frequency can be influenced by driving style and usage patterns.
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Other Suzuki Alto Generations
Alto Mk2 (CA/CB)
1983–1993
0 problems
Alto (Maruti-built 1.0L)
1993–2002
0 problems
Mk5
2002–2009
33 problems
Current page
Mk6
2009–2014
22 problems
Mk7
2014–2023
0 problems
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Suzuki Alto Mk5 problems?
Based on DVSA MOT data for the Suzuki Alto Mk5 (2002–2009), we have identified 24 common problems. The most frequently reported is "Brake performance below minimum". Electrical is the most common MOT failure category.
How reliable is the Suzuki Alto Mk5?
This generation has 284K MOT tests on record with a 44.1% fail rate. A fault is flagged as a "Common Problem" only when it occurs significantly more often on this model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence.
What commonly fails the MOT on a Suzuki Alto Mk5?
There are 188 distinct MOT failure types recorded for the Mk5 (2002–2009), grouped by the mileage these failures typically occur. See the Common MOT Failures section on this page.
Can I report a problem with my Suzuki Alto Mk5?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Suzuki Alto owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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