Suzuki Vitara MOT pass rate and common problems
90.1% of 98,253 Suzuki Vitara MOT tests pass.
The Vitara passes its MOT 90.1% of the time — well above the average across all Suzuki models, which sits at 79.9%.
The Suzuki Vitara passes its MOT 90.1% of the time — well above the national average for cars, which sits at 79.2%.
Own this Suzuki Vitara?
This is the average across every Suzuki 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 Vitara tested at 0–3 years pass 96.3% of the time, compared with just 65.7% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 96.3% | 8,310 | 21,498 miles |
| 3–6 years | 93.3% | 41,230 | 34,426 miles |
| 6–10 years | 87.9% | 45,269 | 55,958 miles |
| 10–15 years | 69.5% | 177 | 83,030 miles |
| 15+ years | 65.7% | 3,267 | 85,641 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Suzuki Vitara
The most common reason the Suzuki Vitara fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 41.1% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 41.1% | Not working |
| Tyres | 32.0% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Brakes | 27.4% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Visibility | 21.9% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Suspension | 7.9% | Ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Body, chassis, structure | 7.0% | Or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.4% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 2.9% | Prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced |
| Steering | 2.0% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.5% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
Buying a used Suzuki Vitara: what to check
These checks follow the Suzuki 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 Vitara comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 87.9% to 69.5%. 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: 76.6% down to 66.6%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 41.1% of failed Suzuki Vitara MOTs. 24.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 2.0% at 0–3 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. Tyres
Recorded in 32.0% of failed Suzuki Vitara MOTs. 6.3% of tests at 6–10 years failed on tyres, against 2.3% at 0–3 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.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 27.4% of failed Suzuki Vitara MOTs. 23.8% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 0.6% at 0–3 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. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 21.9% of failed Suzuki Vitara MOTs. 8.5% of tests at 15+ years failed on windscreen and wipers, against 3.4% at 0–3 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.
5. Suspension
Recorded in 7.9% of failed Suzuki Vitara MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 14.2% 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.
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 Alto — 74.2% 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 Vitara?
- 90.1% of Suzuki Vitara MOT tests pass, based on 98,253 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Suzuki Vitara?
- The most common reason the Suzuki Vitara fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 41.1% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Suzuki Vitara?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Suzuki Vitara are lights and electrics; tyres; brakes. 24.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 2.0% at 0–3 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Suzuki Vitara?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; tyres; brakes; windscreen and wipers; suspension. 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 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.