At a Glance
The Suzuki Swift has 18 identified common problems across 5 generations, with the Mk2 (2005-2010) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 1.6M 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 Swift 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 Swift 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.
Tell Us About Your Problem
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Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Suzuki Swift owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Suzuki Swift Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Mk1
Mk2
Top issue: Brake lever fault
Mk3
Top issue: Tyre pressure monitoring system fault
Mk4
Most common MOT failure: Wiper blades deteriorated
Mk5
Most Common Suzuki Swift MOT Failures
Every reason Suzuki Swift 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 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 9.07% |
| 2 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 8.91% |
| 3 | Brake performance below minimum | 7.37% |
| 4 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 6.95% |
| 5 | Stop lamp not working | 5.09% |
| 6 | Number plate lamp not working | 4.74% |
| 7 | Tyre condition | 4.21% |
| 8 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 4.13% |
| 9 | Position lamp not working | 3.89% |
| 10 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 3.30% |
| 11 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.17% |
| 12 | Front lamp not working | 2.94% |
| 13 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 2.77% |
| 14 | Exhaust system fault | 2.70% |
| 15 | Driveshaft fault | 2.28% |
| 16 | Suspension mounting corroded | 2.09% |
| 17 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 2.04% |
| 18 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.96% |
| 19 | Brake pads or linings worn | 1.95% |
| 20 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.39% |
| 21 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.36% |
| 22 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.33% |
| 23 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.30% |
| 24 | Headlamp fault | 0.89% |
| 25 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.82% |
| 26 | Parking brake condition | 0.82% |
| 27 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.70% |
| 28 | Rear suspension fault | 0.67% |
| 29 | Indicator fault | 0.66% |
| 30 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.61% |
| 31 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.60% |
| 32 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.59% |
| 33 | Seat belt condition | 0.50% |
| 34 | Chassis condition | 0.48% |
| 35 | ABS fault | 0.45% |
| 36 | Fog lamp not working | 0.43% |
| 37 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.42% |
| 38 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.40% |
| 39 | Rear lamp not working | 0.40% |
| 40 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.38% |
| 41 | Track rod end worn | 0.34% |
| 42 | Airbag warning light on | 0.31% |
| 43 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.26% |
| 44 | Horn not working | 0.24% |
| 45 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.22% |
| 46 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.22% |
| 47 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.21% |
| 48 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.17% |
| 49 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.16% |
| 50 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.15% |
| 51 | Front suspension fault | 0.15% |
| 52 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.14% |
| 53 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.14% |
| 54 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.13% |
| 55 | Steering rack fault | 0.13% |
| 56 | Brake pedal fault | 0.12% |
| 57 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.12% |
| 58 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.11% |
| 59 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.11% |
| 60 | Brake lever fault | 0.10% |
| 61 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.10% |
| 62 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.08% |
| 63 | Engine oil leak | 0.07% |
| 64 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.07% |
| 65 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.06% |
| 66 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.06% |
| 67 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.06% |
| 68 | CV joint worn | 0.06% |
| 69 | Brake fluid leak | 0.06% |
| 70 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.05% |
| 71 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.05% |
| 72 | Steering lock fault | 0.05% |
| 73 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.04% |
| 74 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.04% |
| 75 | Brake caliper fault | 0.04% |
| 76 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.04% |
| 77 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.04% |
| 78 | Driver seat fault | 0.04% |
| 79 | Body security fault | 0.03% |
| 80 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 81 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.03% |
| 82 | Electrical switch fault | 0.03% |
| 83 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.03% |
| 84 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.03% |
| 85 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 86 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.03% |
| 87 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.02% |
| 88 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 89 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.02% |
| 92 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 93 | Steering operation fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Electric power steering fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Steering arm worn | 0.01% |
| 96 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.01% |
| 97 | Drag link end worn | 0.01% |
| 98 | Propshaft fault | 0.01% |
| 99 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 100 | Steering free play excessive | 0.01% |
| 101 | Steering column fault | 0.01% |
| 102 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 104 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 105 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 106 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 107 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | <0.01% |
| 109 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 112 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 113 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 114 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 115 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 116 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 119 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 120 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 121 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Handbrake cable fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 128 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 129 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 132 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 133 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 135 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 136 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 138 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 139 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 143 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 144 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 146 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 147 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 148 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 155 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 158 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 160 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 161 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 162 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 166 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 167 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 168 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 172 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 174 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 177 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 178 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 179 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 180 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 181 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 182 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 183 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 184 | Steering head bearings worn | <0.01% |
| 185 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 186 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 187 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 188 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 189 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 189 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Suzuki Swift MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Suzuki Swift, 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 Swift problems?
Based on analysis of 1.6M Suzuki Swift MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 18 identified common problems across 5 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake lever fault". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Suzuki Swift generation has the most problems?
The Suzuki Swift Mk2 (2005-2010) (2005–2010) has the highest number of identified common problems (15). 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 Swift?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Suzuki Swift owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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