At a Glance
The Suzuki Baleno has 25 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the Mk1 (1995-2002) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 105K 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 our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Suzuki Baleno common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Suzuki Baleno generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Suzuki Baleno Generations
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Most Common Suzuki Baleno MOT Failures
Every reason Suzuki Baleno 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 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 16.02% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 13.26% |
| 3 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.88% |
| 4 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 5.84% |
| 5 | Tyre condition | 5.49% |
| 6 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.29% |
| 7 | Exhaust system fault | 3.77% |
| 8 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.49% |
| 9 | Driveshaft fault | 3.43% |
| 10 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.42% |
| 11 | Brake disc or drum worn | 3.32% |
| 12 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.14% |
| 13 | Suspension mounting corroded | 2.77% |
| 14 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.52% |
| 15 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.65% |
| 16 | Parking brake condition | 1.52% |
| 17 | Front lamp not working | 1.43% |
| 18 | Stop lamp not working | 1.14% |
| 19 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 1.13% |
| 20 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.06% |
| 21 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.92% |
| 22 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.86% |
| 23 | Indicator fault | 0.74% |
| 24 | Fog lamp not working | 0.69% |
| 25 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.69% |
| 26 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.68% |
| 27 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.64% |
| 28 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.59% |
| 29 | Track rod end worn | 0.57% |
| 30 | Chassis condition | 0.56% |
| 31 | Position lamp not working | 0.55% |
| 32 | Front suspension fault | 0.54% |
| 33 | Headlamp fault | 0.51% |
| 34 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.49% |
| 35 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.47% |
| 36 | Rear suspension fault | 0.46% |
| 37 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.34% |
| 38 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.33% |
| 39 | Brake fluid leak | 0.31% |
| 40 | Horn not working | 0.30% |
| 41 | Rear lamp not working | 0.20% |
| 42 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.20% |
| 43 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.19% |
| 44 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.18% |
| 45 | Steering free play excessive | 0.18% |
| 46 | Seat belt condition | 0.16% |
| 47 | Steering arm worn | 0.16% |
| 48 | Brake pedal fault | 0.14% |
| 49 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.13% |
| 50 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.13% |
| 51 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.12% |
| 52 | Electrical switch fault | 0.11% |
| 53 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.11% |
| 54 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.10% |
| 55 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.09% |
| 56 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.09% |
| 57 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.09% |
| 58 | Brake caliper fault | 0.08% |
| 59 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.07% |
| 60 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 61 | Airbag warning light on | 0.07% |
| 62 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.06% |
| 63 | Steering lock fault | 0.06% |
| 64 | Steering rack fault | 0.06% |
| 65 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.06% |
| 66 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.06% |
| 67 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.06% |
| 68 | Brake lever fault | 0.05% |
| 69 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.05% |
| 70 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.05% |
| 71 | Drag link end worn | 0.05% |
| 72 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 73 | ABS fault | 0.04% |
| 74 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.04% |
| 75 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.04% |
| 76 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.04% |
| 77 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.03% |
| 78 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.03% |
| 79 | Steering operation fault | 0.03% |
| 80 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 81 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.03% |
| 82 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 83 | CV joint worn | 0.02% |
| 84 | Engine oil leak | 0.02% |
| 85 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.02% |
| 86 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.02% |
| 87 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.02% |
| 88 | Steering shaft fault | 0.02% |
| 89 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Suspension coupling worn | 0.02% |
| 92 | Body security fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Power steering pump fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Propshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Steering column fault | 0.02% |
| 98 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.02% |
| 99 | Daytime running lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 100 | Driver airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 101 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 102 | Power steering ram fault | 0.01% |
| 103 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.01% |
| 104 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 105 | Towbar fault | 0.01% |
| 106 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 107 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.01% |
| 108 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 109 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | <0.01% |
| 111 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 112 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 113 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 115 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 117 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 118 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 120 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 121 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 126 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 128 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 129 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 130 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 139 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 142 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 143 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 144 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 144 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Suzuki Baleno MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Suzuki Baleno, 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 Baleno problems?
Based on analysis of 105K Suzuki Baleno MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 25 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Driveshaft fault". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Suzuki Baleno generation has the most problems?
The Suzuki Baleno Mk1 (1995-2002) (1995–2002) has the highest number of identified common problems (29). Click the generation card above for the 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 Baleno?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Suzuki Baleno owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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