Verdict
The Suzuki Carry passes its MOT first time on 54.3% of tests, 2.7 points lower than a typical car of the same age and mileage (57.0%). That puts it ahead of 39% of cars on UK roads once age and mileage are taken into account.
By year of first registration, the 2004 Carry does best (beats 44% of cars) and the 2003 worst (beats 33%).
Better than average on steering.
Watch these weak spots
MOT pass rate by age
First-time pass rate at each MOT by the car’s age in years.
Best and worst years
By year of first registration, ranked against all cars on UK roads after adjusting for age and mileage. Green = better than half of cars.
Engines
All years, most common first. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.
| Engine | Pass rate | Rank | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3 Petrol | 54.3% | Beats 39% | D |
Where it fails
Each area compared with a typical car of the same age and mileage, in points of pass rate. Tap or hover an area to see what to check.
Every MOT area
Share of tests failing on each area, against a typical car of the same age and mileage (black line).
Buying one or MOT due? Check these
- Suspension ball joints 3.2× typical
Listen for knocks over speed bumps and feel for wandering or vague steering. - Engine warning light 2.3× typical
The engine warning light should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts. If it stays on, get the fault codes read before you buy. - Tyre tread depth 2.0× typical
Check every tyre, including the inner edge, has at least 3 mm of tread. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. - Exhaust emissions (catalyst) 2.0× typical
Check past MOT emissions readings in the car's history: rising readings can mean catalyst or sensor problems. - Brake lights 1.4× typical
Walk around with the lights on: bulb failures are the easiest MOT fails to avoid. - Exhaust system 1.7× typical
Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look for heavy corrosion underneath.
Pass rate by mileage
First-time pass rate by mileage at the test.
Most common MOT failures
| Item | This car | Typical | vs typical |
|---|---|---|---|
| Component mounting prescribed areas | 9.5% | 2.4% | 4.0× |
| Suspension ball joints | 6.6% | 2.0% | 3.2× |
| Brake lights | 6.2% | 4.3% | 1.4× |
| Tyre tread depth | 5.6% | 2.8% | 2.0× |
| Engine warning light | 5.4% | 2.3% | 2.3× |
| Exhaust emissions (catalyst) | 5.0% | 2.5% | 2.0× |
| Windscreen wipers | 4.5% | 3.8% | 1.2× |
| Exhaust system | 4.4% | 2.7% | 1.7× |
| Brake pipes | 4.3% | 2.8% | 1.5× |
| Headlight bulbs & units | 4.2% | 4.1% | 1.0× |
Specific defects found
Tester wording for the most frequent failure items, per 1,000 tests.
| Defect | per 1,000 |
|---|---|
| The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired | 95.2 |
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 78.9 |
| Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements | 56.4 |
| Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction | 54.9 |
| Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 52.8 |
| Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen | 43.9 |
| Exhaust system leaking or insecure | 41.9 |
| Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded | 39.0 |
Pick a make and model to see its MOT pass rate, best and worst years and weak spots.
Every year and engine
Tap a year to see its engines. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.
2005 Suzuki Carry1 engine55.7% passC
| Engine | Pass rate | Rank | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3 Petrol | 55.7% | Beats 42% | C |
2004 Suzuki Carry1 engine55.3% passC
| Engine | Pass rate | Rank | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3 Petrol | 55.3% | Beats 44% | C |
2003 Suzuki Carry1 engine52.0% passD
| Engine | Pass rate | Rank | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3 Petrol | 52.0% | Beats 33% | D |
2002 Suzuki Carry1 engine52.6% passD
| Engine | Pass rate | Rank | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3 Petrol | 52.6% | Beats 34% | D |
2001 Suzuki Carry1 engine55.1% passC
| Engine | Pass rate | Rank | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3 Petrol | 55.1% | Beats 44% | C |
2000 Suzuki Carry1 engine54.3% passD
| Engine | Pass rate | Rank | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3 Petrol | 54.3% | Beats 35% | D |
FAQ
What is the Suzuki Carry MOT pass rate?
54.3% of MOT tests on the Suzuki Carry were passed first time, based on 39,812 tests between 2018 and 2026 of cars first registered 2000–2005. A typical car of the same age and mileage passes 57.0% of the time.
Is the Suzuki Carry reliable?
On MOT results it rates D (below average): it passes first time less often than a typical car of the same age and mileage and does better than 39% of cars on UK roads. MOT results cover safety and emissions items, not every kind of breakdown.
Which Suzuki Carry year is best?
Among years with enough data, the 2004 Carry does best for its age and mileage: it beats 44% of cars on UK roads. The 2003 does worst: it beats 33%.
What are the most common MOT failures on the Suzuki Carry?
The most common failure items are component mounting prescribed areas, suspension ball joints, brake lights. Compared with similar cars, component mounting prescribed areas comes up 4.0× as often.