Suzuki SX4 MOT pass rate and common problems
75.8% of 54,022 Suzuki SX4 MOT tests pass.
At 75.8%, the SX4 passes slightly less often than the average across all Suzuki models (79.9%).
At 75.8%, the Suzuki SX4 passes slightly less often than the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Suzuki SX4?
This is the average across every Suzuki SX4 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 SX4 tested at 3–6 years pass 92.6% of the time, compared with just 60.5% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | too few tests (1) | 1 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | 92.6% | 6,233 | 33,571 miles |
| 6–10 years | 84.8% | 20,367 | 58,903 miles |
| 10–15 years | 67.9% | 18,226 | 78,628 miles |
| 15+ years | 60.5% | 9,195 | 95,985 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Suzuki SX4
The most common reason the Suzuki SX4 fails its MOT is brakes — present in 51.5% of failed tests, most often logged as "Excessively corroded".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 51.5% | Excessively corroded |
| Suspension | 46.1% | Ball joint excessively worn |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 37.9% | Not working |
| Tyres | 25.0% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Visibility | 16.1% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 9.9% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Body, chassis, structure | 8.1% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Steering | 1.9% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 1.7% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Road Wheels | 0.9% | Fixing missing |
Buying a used Suzuki SX4: what to check
These checks follow the Suzuki SX4’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 SX4 comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 84.8% to 67.9%. 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: 84.0% down to 72.4%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Brakes
Recorded in 51.5% of failed Suzuki SX4 MOTs. 27.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 2.0% 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.
2. Suspension
Recorded in 46.1% of failed Suzuki SX4 MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 29.7% 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.
3. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 37.9% of failed Suzuki SX4 MOTs. 23.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 3.6% 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 25.0% of failed Suzuki SX4 MOTs. 9.0% of tests at 15+ years failed on tyres, against 4.0% 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 16.1% of failed Suzuki SX4 MOTs. 7.1% of tests at 15+ years failed on windscreen and wipers, against 3.4% at 3–6 years.
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 Swift — 79.7% pass rate
- Suzuki Vitara — 90.1% pass rate
- Suzuki Alto — 74.2% 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 SX4?
- 75.8% of Suzuki SX4 MOT tests pass, based on 54,022 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Suzuki SX4?
- The most common reason the Suzuki SX4 fails its MOT is brakes — present in 51.5% of failed tests, most often logged as "Excessively corroded".
- What are the common problems with the Suzuki SX4?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Suzuki SX4 are brakes; suspension; lights and electrics. 27.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 2.0% at 3–6 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Suzuki SX4?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: brakes; suspension; 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 SX4'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.