Suzuki Grand Vitara MOT pass rate and common problems
69.3% of 30,650 Suzuki Grand Vitara MOT tests pass.
The Grand Vitara passes 69.3% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the average across all Suzuki models (79.9%).
The Suzuki Grand Vitara passes 69.3% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Suzuki Grand Vitara?
This is the average across every Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 Grand Vitara tested at 6–10 years pass 90.3% of the time, compared with just 65.4% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | too few tests (3) | 3 | no reading |
| 6–10 years | 90.3% | 487 | 56,653 miles |
| 10–15 years | 76.7% | 9,558 | 79,849 miles |
| 15+ years | 65.4% | 20,602 | 98,642 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Suzuki Grand Vitara
The most common reason the Suzuki Grand Vitara fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 55.0% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 55.0% | Not working |
| Suspension | 49.8% | Prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength |
| Brakes | 40.7% | Excessively corroded |
| Body, chassis, structure | 36.4% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 19.3% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Visibility | 16.7% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Tyres | 10.8% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 8.8% | Prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced |
| Steering | 2.2% | Leaking |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.2% | Inscription illegible |
Buying a used Suzuki Grand Vitara: what to check
These checks follow the Suzuki Grand Vitara’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 Grand Vitara comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 90.3% to 76.7%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 30,000–60,000 mi to 60,000–90,000 mi: 80.9% down to 72.2%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 55.0% of failed Suzuki Grand Vitara MOTs. 22.1% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 3.5% at 6–10 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.
2. Suspension
Recorded in 49.8% of failed Suzuki Grand Vitara MOTs. 23.1% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension, against 1.0% 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.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 40.7% of failed Suzuki Grand Vitara MOTs. 15.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 7.6% 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.
4. Bodywork and corrosion
Recorded in 36.4% of failed Suzuki Grand Vitara MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 18.8% of tests at 15+ years failed on bodywork and corrosion.
Look underneath and along the sills for corrosion, especially near suspension and seat-belt mountings. Uneven panel gaps or mismatched paint can indicate accident repair.
5. Exhaust, emissions and leaks
Recorded in 19.3% of failed Suzuki Grand Vitara MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 9.8% of tests at 15+ years failed on exhaust, emissions and leaks.
Look under the car for fresh oil or coolant, and listen for blows or rattles from the exhaust. Watch for smoke from the tailpipe when the engine starts and when you accelerate.
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 Ignis — 84.3% pass rate
- Suzuki Celerio — 90.2% pass rate
- Suzuki Jimny — 74.8% pass rate
- Suzuki Splash — 68.8% pass rate
- Suzuki Wagon-R+ — 61.3% pass rate
- Suzuki Baleno — 78.6% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Suzuki Grand Vitara?
- 69.3% of Suzuki Grand Vitara MOT tests pass, based on 30,650 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Suzuki Grand Vitara?
- The most common reason the Suzuki Grand Vitara fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 55.0% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Suzuki Grand Vitara?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Suzuki Grand Vitara are lights and electrics; suspension; brakes. 22.1% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 3.5% at 6–10 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Suzuki Grand Vitara?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; suspension; brakes; bodywork and corrosion; exhaust, emissions and leaks. 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 Grand Vitara'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.