Suzuki Baleno MOT pass rate and common problems
78.6% of 9,075 Suzuki Baleno MOT tests pass.
At 78.6%, the Baleno passes slightly less often than the average across all Suzuki models (79.9%).
The Suzuki Baleno's pass rate of 78.6% is in line with the national average for cars, at 79.2%.
Own this Suzuki Baleno?
This is the average across every Suzuki Baleno 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 declines noticeably with age, from 84.3% at 3–6 years to 66.0% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | too few tests (1) | 1 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | 84.3% | 2,728 | 33,990 miles |
| 6–10 years | 76.6% | 6,104 | 49,030 miles |
| 10–15 years | too few tests (1) | 1 | no reading |
| 15+ years | 66.0% | 241 | 78,260 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Suzuki Baleno
The most common reason the Suzuki Baleno fails its MOT is suspension — present in 49.6% of failed tests, most often logged as "Ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 49.6% | Ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Brakes | 35.7% | Excessively corroded |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 25.0% | Not working |
| Tyres | 24.5% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Visibility | 21.1% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Body, chassis, structure | 2.7% | Has a major leak of exhaust gases |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.0% | Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits |
| Road Wheels | 1.6% | Fixing missing |
| Steering | 1.5% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 1.0% | Buckle not functioning as intended |
Buying a used Suzuki Baleno: what to check
These checks follow the Suzuki Baleno’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 Baleno comes between 6–10 years and 15+ years old, from 76.6% to 66.0%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 90,000–120,000 mi to 120,000+ mi: 69.2% down to 53.2%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Suspension
Recorded in 49.6% of failed Suzuki Baleno MOTs. 24.5% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension, against 6.8% at 3–6 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.
2. Brakes
Recorded in 35.7% of failed Suzuki Baleno MOTs. 24.1% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 6.3% at 3–6 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. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 25.0% of failed Suzuki Baleno MOTs. 22.8% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 5.2% at 3–6 years.
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.
4. Tyres
Recorded in 24.5% of failed Suzuki Baleno MOTs. 7.7% of tests at 6–10 years failed on tyres, against 3.7% at 3–6 years.
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.
5. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 21.1% of failed Suzuki Baleno 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.
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 Grand Vitara — 69.3% pass rate
- Suzuki Splash — 68.8% pass rate
- Suzuki Wagon-R+ — 61.3% pass rate
- Suzuki Carry — 66.2% pass rate
- Suzuki SX4 S-Cross — 95.5% pass rate
- Suzuki Swace — 92.7% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Suzuki Baleno?
- 78.6% of Suzuki Baleno MOT tests pass, based on 9,075 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Suzuki Baleno?
- The most common reason the Suzuki Baleno fails its MOT is suspension — present in 49.6% of failed tests, most often logged as "Ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt".
- What are the common problems with the Suzuki Baleno?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Suzuki Baleno are suspension; brakes; lights and electrics. 24.5% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension, against 6.8% at 3–6 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Suzuki Baleno?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: suspension; brakes; lights and electrics; tyres; windscreen and wipers. 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 Baleno'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.