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Suzuki SX4 reliability

C · Average

MOT pass rates and common problems from 342,986 MOT tests of cars first registered 2006–2023.

Jump to: YearsEnginesCommon failures
71.5%pass first time
−1.2 ptsvs typical car
Beats 43%of cars
342,986MOT tests

Verdict

The Suzuki SX4 passes its MOT first time on 71.5% of tests, 1.2 points lower than a typical car of the same age and mileage (72.6%). That puts it ahead of 43% of cars on UK roads once age and mileage are taken into account.

By year of first registration, the 2015 SX4 does best (beats 73% of cars) and the 2007 worst (beats 30%).

Of its engines, the 1.0 Petrol does best (beats 63%) and the 1.6 Petrol worst (beats 40%).

Better than average on body & structure, steering.

Watch these weak spots

Suspension1.4×as often as a typical car
Brakes1.4×as often as a typical car
Coil springs2.0×as often as a typical car
Suspension ball joints2.3×as often as a typical car

MOT pass rate by age

First-time pass rate at each MOT by the car’s age in years.

40%60%80%100%34567891011121314151617181989%85%79%72%63%56%53%52%48%
Suzuki SX4Typical car, same age & mileage

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.

2006
Beats 23%
2007
Beats 30%
2008
Beats 34%
2009
Beats 26%
2010
Beats 28%
2011
Beats 19%
2012
Beats 10%
2013
Beats 34%
2014
Beats 67%
2015
Beats 73%
2016
Beats 71%
2017
Beats 65%
2018
Beats 67%
2019
Beats 72%
2020
Beats 81%
2021
Beats 73%
2022
Beats 86%
2023
Beats 41%

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.

EngineYearsTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.6 Petrol2006–2016232,85467.9%Beats 40%D
1.0 Petrol2016–201938,12785.9%Beats 63%B
1.6 Diesel2008–201734,00371.2%Beats 44%C
1.4 Petrol2016–202013,32189.2%Beats 89%A
1.4 Hybrid2020–202311,29390.1%Beats 73%B
1.9 Diesel2007–20128,91456.6%Beats 27%D
2.0 Diesel2012–20134,47464.8%Beats 23%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.

Exhaust: 2.6% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 2.6% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Suspension: 11.4% of tests fail on suspension, against 8.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Lights: 8.5% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 10.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Tyres: 6.0% of tests fail on tyres, against 6.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Brakes: 8.3% of tests fail on brakes, against 6.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Lights: 8.5% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 10.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights+2.0 ptsTyres: 6.0% of tests fail on tyres, against 6.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres+0.1 ptsBrakes: 8.3% of tests fail on brakes, against 6.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes−2.4 ptsSuspension: 11.4% of tests fail on suspension, against 8.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension−3.3 ptsExhaust: 2.6% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 2.6% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust0.0 ptsSuspension: 11.4% of tests fail on suspension, against 8.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Brakes: 8.3% of tests fail on brakes, against 6.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Tyres: 6.0% of tests fail on tyres, against 6.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Lights: 8.5% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 10.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Exhaust: 2.6% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 2.6% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Lights: 8.5% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 10.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights+2.0 ptsTyres: 6.0% of tests fail on tyres, against 6.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres+0.1 ptsBrakes: 8.3% of tests fail on brakes, against 6.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes−2.4 ptsSuspension: 11.4% of tests fail on suspension, against 8.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension−3.3 ptsExhaust: 2.6% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 2.6% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust0.0 pts
Better than typicalTypicalWorse than typical
Suspension: 11.4% of tests fail on suspension, against 8.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.

Every MOT area

Share of tests failing on each area, against a typical car of the same age and mileage (black line).

Suspension
11.4% vs 8.2%
Lights & electrics
8.5% vs 10.5%
Brakes
8.3% vs 6.0%
Tyres
6.0% vs 6.2%
Visibility
5.3% vs 4.6%
Emissions & leaks
2.6% vs 2.6%
Body & structure
2.0% vs 2.8%
Seat belts & airbags
0.6% vs 0.8%
Steering
0.4% vs 1.5%
Wheels
0.2% vs 0.3%

Buying one or MOT due? Check these

  • Coil springs 2.0× typical
    Look behind each wheel for a snapped coil (often the bottom one) and listen for clunks over bumps.
  • Suspension ball joints 2.3× typical
    Listen for knocks over speed bumps and feel for wandering or vague steering.
  • Windscreen wipers 1.6× typical
    Test the washers and wipers: a cheap fix, but a very common MOT fail.
  • Tyre tread depth 1.5× typical
    Check every tyre, including the inner edge, has at least 3 mm of tread. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems.
  • Brake performance 1.6× typical
    On the test drive, brake firmly: the car should stop straight with no pulsing through the pedal.
  • Handbrake performance 1.6× typical
    Check the handbrake holds the car firmly on a slope.

Pass rate by mileage

First-time pass rate by mileage at the test.

40%60%80%100%0k10k20k30k40k50k60k70k80k90k100k110k120k130k140k150k93%86%78%68%59%53%50%46%
Suzuki SX4Typical car

Most common MOT failures

ItemThis carTypicalvs typical
Coil springs5.0%2.5%2.0×
Tyre tread depth3.6%2.4%1.5×
Windscreen wipers3.5%2.2%1.6×
Suspension ball joints3.0%1.3%2.3×
Sidelights2.6%2.4%1.1×
Tyre damage & cracking2.3%3.5%0.7×
Brake lights2.2%2.1%1.1×
Brake pipes2.2%0.6%3.7×
Headlight aim2.2%2.9%0.8×
Brake pads1.9%1.9%1.0×

Specific defects found

Tester wording for the most frequent failure items, per 1,000 tests.

Defectper 1,000
A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened50.2
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn47.3
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements35.8
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen34.6
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning22.8
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements21.9
Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning21.1
Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded21.1
Check another car

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.

2023 Suzuki SX41 engine87.6% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.4 Hybrid1,79087.6%Beats 41%C
2022 Suzuki SX41 engine91.7% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.4 Hybrid3,23191.7%Beats 86%A
2021 Suzuki SX41 engine89.9% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.4 Hybrid4,76589.9%Beats 73%B
2020 Suzuki SX42 engines90.6% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.4 Petrol1,71590.8%Beats 83%A
1.4 Hybrid1,50790.3%Beats 80%A
2019 Suzuki SX42 engines88.8% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.0 Petrol7,06688.0%Beats 65%B
1.4 Petrol2,81590.7%Beats 90%A
2018 Suzuki SX42 engines86.9% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.0 Petrol12,23186.4%Beats 63%B
1.4 Petrol3,01288.9%Beats 87%A
2017 Suzuki SX43 engines84.9% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.0 Petrol16,10484.6%Beats 61%B
1.4 Petrol4,32387.4%Beats 84%A
1.6 Diesel1,85581.8%Beats 57%C
2016 Suzuki SX44 engines83.6% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.6 Petrol17,55884.1%Beats 73%B
1.6 Diesel4,89278.5%Beats 50%C
1.0 Petrol2,72685.2%Beats 77%B
1.4 Petrol1,45690.8%Beats 99%A
2015 Suzuki SX42 engines82.0% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.6 Petrol26,96583.2%Beats 78%B
1.6 Diesel6,71177.2%Beats 54%C
2014 Suzuki SX42 engines78.3% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.6 Petrol46,33279.5%Beats 71%B
1.6 Diesel11,05373.5%Beats 53%C
2013 Suzuki SX43 engines70.8% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.6 Petrol24,17171.2%Beats 33%D
1.6 Diesel3,24471.1%Beats 57%C
2.0 Diesel2,25566.6%Beats 23%D
2012 Suzuki SX43 engines61.5% passE
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.6 Petrol14,18061.4%Beats 8%E
2.0 Diesel2,21963.0%Beats 22%D
1.9 Diesel1,31159.9%Beats 16%E
2011 Suzuki SX42 engines60.9% passE
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.6 Petrol16,83960.9%Beats 17%E
1.9 Diesel2,92060.8%Beats 29%D
2010 Suzuki SX42 engines59.2% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.6 Petrol17,12759.6%Beats 29%D
1.6 Diesel1,05752.4%Beats 14%E
2009 Suzuki SX43 engines55.8% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.6 Petrol14,07856.8%Beats 27%D
1.6 Diesel2,53051.5%Beats 19%E
1.9 Diesel1,96054.1%Beats 26%D
2008 Suzuki SX43 engines55.5% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.6 Petrol22,04456.1%Beats 35%D
1.6 Diesel2,66152.7%Beats 30%D
1.9 Diesel1,25751.9%Beats 30%D
2007 Suzuki SX42 engines52.8% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.6 Petrol23,21652.8%Beats 30%D
1.9 Diesel1,46652.7%Beats 35%D
2006 Suzuki SX41 engine49.2% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.6 Petrol10,34449.2%Beats 23%D

FAQ

What is the Suzuki SX4 MOT pass rate?

71.5% of MOT tests on the Suzuki SX4 were passed first time, based on 342,986 tests between 2018 and 2026 of cars first registered 2006–2023. A typical car of the same age and mileage passes 72.6% of the time.

Is the Suzuki SX4 reliable?

On MOT results it rates C (average): it passes first time less often than a typical car of the same age and mileage and does better than 43% of cars on UK roads. MOT results cover safety and emissions items, not every kind of breakdown.

Which Suzuki SX4 year is best?

Among years with enough data, the 2015 SX4 does best for its age and mileage: it beats 73% of cars on UK roads. The 2007 does worst: it beats 30%.

Which Suzuki SX4 engine is best?

Across all years, the 1.0 Petrol does best: it beats 63% of cars on UK roads. The 1.6 Petrol does worst: it beats 40%.

What are the most common MOT failures on the Suzuki SX4?

The most common failure items are coil springs, tyre tread depth, windscreen wipers. Compared with similar cars, coil springs comes up 2.0× as often.

How we calculate this. We use official MOT results for cars tested in Great Britain from 2018 to 2026. Each car is compared with typical cars of the same age and mileage, so old and new cars are judged fairly; “pts” are percentage points above or below them. Differences also reflect how cars are used and maintained, not only how they are built.