Suzuki Jimny MOT pass rate and common problems
74.8% of 35,205 Suzuki Jimny MOT tests pass.
The Jimny passes 74.8% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the average across all Suzuki models (79.9%).
At 74.8%, the Suzuki Jimny passes slightly less often than the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Suzuki Jimny?
This is the average across every Suzuki Jimny 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 Jimny tested at 0–3 years pass 95.5% of the time, compared with just 68.0% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 95.5% | 88 | 7,532 miles |
| 3–6 years | 93.5% | 3,840 | 25,216 miles |
| 6–10 years | 83.2% | 5,102 | 38,203 miles |
| 10–15 years | 78.4% | 5,905 | 59,313 miles |
| 15+ years | 68.0% | 20,270 | 85,086 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Suzuki Jimny
The most common reason the Suzuki Jimny fails its MOT is body, chassis, structure — present in 54.1% of failed tests, most often logged as "Or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Body, chassis, structure | 54.1% | Or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting |
| Brakes | 50.1% | Excessively corroded |
| Suspension | 45.5% | Prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 40.2% | Not working |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 23.3% | Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits |
| Visibility | 16.8% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 12.8% | Prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced |
| Tyres | 7.2% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Steering | 4.2% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.5% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
Buying a used Suzuki Jimny: what to check
These checks follow the Suzuki Jimny’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 Jimny comes between 10–15 years and 15+ years old, from 78.4% to 68.0%. 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: 90.7% down to 79.7%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Bodywork and corrosion
Recorded in 54.1% of failed Suzuki Jimny MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 25.7% 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.
2. Brakes
Recorded in 50.1% of failed Suzuki Jimny MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 20.0% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes.
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 45.5% of failed Suzuki Jimny MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 17.1% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension.
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. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 40.2% of failed Suzuki Jimny 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.
5. Exhaust, emissions and leaks
Recorded in 23.3% of failed Suzuki Jimny MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 11.1% 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 SX4 — 75.8% pass rate
- Suzuki Ignis — 84.3% pass rate
- Suzuki Celerio — 90.2% pass rate
- Suzuki Grand Vitara — 69.3% pass rate
- Suzuki Splash — 68.8% pass rate
- Suzuki Wagon-R+ — 61.3% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Suzuki Jimny?
- 74.8% of Suzuki Jimny MOT tests pass, based on 35,205 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Suzuki Jimny?
- The most common reason the Suzuki Jimny fails its MOT is body, chassis, structure — present in 54.1% of failed tests, most often logged as "Or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting".
- What are the common problems with the Suzuki Jimny?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Suzuki Jimny are bodywork and corrosion; brakes; suspension. Rare on young cars, but 25.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on bodywork and corrosion.
- What should I check when buying a used Suzuki Jimny?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: bodywork and corrosion; brakes; suspension; lights and electrics; 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 Jimny'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.