Suzuki Alto MOT pass rate and common problems
74.2% of 63,960 Suzuki Alto MOT tests pass.
The Alto passes 74.2% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the average across all Suzuki models (79.9%).
The Suzuki Alto passes 74.2% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Suzuki Alto?
This is the average across every Suzuki Alto in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Suzuki’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate drops sharply with age: the Suzuki Alto tested at 6–10 years pass 80.4% of the time, compared with just 60.0% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | too few tests (1) | 1 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | too few tests (20) | 20 | no reading |
| 6–10 years | 80.4% | 12,212 | 48,947 miles |
| 10–15 years | 74.9% | 44,429 | 62,165 miles |
| 15+ years | 60.0% | 7,298 | 64,230 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Suzuki Alto
The most common reason the Suzuki Alto fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 58.3% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 58.3% | Not working |
| Brakes | 39.7% | Excessively corroded |
| Suspension | 32.0% | Pin or bush excessively worn |
| Visibility | 22.3% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Tyres | 20.4% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Body, chassis, structure | 12.5% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 7.8% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 3.1% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Steering | 2.2% | Locking device missing |
| Identification of the vehicle | 0.6% | Inscription illegible |
Buying a used Suzuki Alto: what to check
These checks follow the Suzuki Alto’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Suzuki Alto comes between 10–15 years and 15+ years old, from 74.9% to 60.0%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 0–30,000 mi to 30,000–60,000 mi: 86.5% down to 77.5%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 58.3% of failed Suzuki Alto MOTs.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
2. Brakes
Recorded in 39.7% of failed Suzuki Alto MOTs. 29.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 6.9% at 6–10 years.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
3. Suspension
Recorded in 32.0% of failed Suzuki Alto MOTs. 22.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension, against 6.1% at 6–10 years.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
4. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 22.3% of failed Suzuki Alto MOTs.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
5. Tyres
Recorded in 20.4% of failed Suzuki Alto MOTs.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Suzuki service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Suzuki models
- Suzuki Swift — 79.7% pass rate
- Suzuki Vitara — 90.1% pass rate
- Suzuki SX4 — 75.8% pass rate
- Suzuki Ignis — 84.3% pass rate
- Suzuki Celerio — 90.2% pass rate
- Suzuki Jimny — 74.8% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Suzuki Alto?
- 74.2% of Suzuki Alto MOT tests pass, based on 63,960 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Suzuki Alto?
- The most common reason the Suzuki Alto fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 58.3% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Suzuki Alto?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Suzuki Alto are lights and electrics; brakes; suspension.
- What should I check when buying a used Suzuki Alto?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; brakes; suspension; windscreen and wipers; tyres. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Suzuki Alto's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Suzuki service history guide for how to check and keep one.