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Suzuki Grand Vitara Mk1
Common Car Problems, MOT Failures & Pass Rate Data

2 identified problems193 MOT failure types417K MOT tests analysed1998–2005

Sources: DVSA MOT Test Data + owner-submitted problems

At a Glance

The Suzuki Grand Vitara Mk1 has 2 identified problems that occur more often than the UK average, with Brake performance below minimum being the most reported. Brakes is the most common MOT failure category. Based on 417K 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 Grand Vitara Mk1 — 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 Grand Vitara Mk1 MOT Pass Rate

Across 417K MOT tests from DVSA data, the Suzuki Grand Vitara Mk1 (1998–2005) has a fail rate of 33.2%.

All-time UK average fail rate: 34.9%

279K passed139K failed

Common Suzuki Grand Vitara Mk1 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.

Tier:
Sort by:
Tier:MOT ProblemMOT ProblemUnexpected failure — a pattern we've highlighted as occurring significantly more often on this make/model than the UK average.Wear & TearWear & TearDegrades naturally over time with use. Expected to need replacement during the life of the vehicle.ConsumableConsumableRoutine replacement item — brake pads, tyres, bulbs, wiper blades. Expected as part of normal servicing.
Severity:DangerousDangerousMOT failure with an immediate safety risk. The vehicle cannot be driven until the problem is repaired.MajorMajorMOT failure. Must be repaired for the vehicle to pass its MOT.MinorMinorMOT failure on a smaller issue. The car passes its MOT but the problem should be repaired soon.

Brake performance below minimum

MOT ProblemMajorBrakes

7,122

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 1.3× the UK averageAvg mileage: 73,306 mi

Towbar fault

MOT ProblemMajorBodywork

510

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 29.4× the UK averageAvg mileage: 106,979 mi

Tell Us About Your Problem

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Your report helps other car owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being published.

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Problems by mileage

Common problems, MOT failures and advisories on the Suzuki Grand Vitara Mk1, grouped by the mileage they typically appear at.

786 distinct problems · 880,570 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 Grand Vitara Generations

Mk1

1998–2005

4 problems

Current page

Mk2

2005–2015

1 problem

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Suzuki Grand Vitara Mk1 problems?

Based on DVSA MOT data for the Suzuki Grand Vitara Mk1 (1998–2005), we have identified 2 common problems. The most frequently reported is "Brake performance below minimum". Brakes is the most common MOT failure category.

How reliable is the Suzuki Grand Vitara Mk1?

This generation has 417K MOT tests on record with a 33.2% 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 Grand Vitara Mk1?

There are 193 distinct MOT failure types recorded for the Mk1 (1998–2005), 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 Grand Vitara Mk1?

Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Suzuki Grand Vitara owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.

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