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Suzuki Jimny Mk3
Common Car Problems, MOT Failures & Pass Rate Data

36 identified problems206 MOT failure types500K MOT tests analysed1998–2018

Sources: DVSA MOT Test Data + owner-submitted problems

At a Glance

The Suzuki Jimny Mk3 has 36 identified problems that occur more often than the UK average, with Brake performance below minimum being the most reported. Bodywork is the most common MOT failure category. The most serious issue flagged is Brake performance below minimum, rated as dangerous. Based on 500K 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 Jimny Mk3 — 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 Jimny Mk3 MOT Pass Rate

Across 500K MOT tests from DVSA data, the Suzuki Jimny Mk3 (1998–2018) has a fail rate of 30.4%.

UK average fail rate (2006–2018): 37.8%

348K passed152K failed

Common Suzuki Jimny Mk3 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 ProblemDangerousBrakes

18,751

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 2.1× the UK averageAvg mileage: 74,506 mi

Swivel joint or housing worn

MOT ProblemDangerousSuspension

13,043

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 60.7× the UK averageAvg mileage: 59,459 mi

Spark ignition emissions above threshold

MOT ProblemMajorExhaust

11,513

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 1.7× the UK averageAvg mileage: 86,720 mi

Vehicle structure corrosion

MOT ProblemDangerousBodywork

11,157

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 6.2× the UK averageAvg mileage: 87,320 mi

Chassis condition

MOT ProblemDangerousBodywork

8,150

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 5.5× the UK averageAvg mileage: 87,849 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 Jimny Mk3, grouped by the mileage they typically appear at.

611 distinct problems · 788,338 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 Jimny Generations

Mk3

1998–2018

49 problems

Current page

Mk4

2019–2025

0 problems

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Suzuki Jimny Mk3 problems?

Based on DVSA MOT data for the Suzuki Jimny Mk3 (1998–2018), we have identified 36 common problems. The most frequently reported is "Brake performance below minimum". Bodywork is the most common MOT failure category.

How reliable is the Suzuki Jimny Mk3?

This generation has 500K MOT tests on record with a 30.4% 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 Jimny Mk3?

There are 206 distinct MOT failure types recorded for the Mk3 (1998–2018), 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 Jimny Mk3?

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

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