2006 Chevrolet Matiz: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2006 Chevrolet Matizs, from 917 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2006 Chevrolet Matizs than on all cars registered in 2006.
- Wheel bearings4.5× usualChevrolet Matiz14.5% All 2006 cars3.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 1.2% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.4× usualChevrolet Matiz13.2% All 2006 cars5.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 9.8%, against 2.6% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Braking performance2.1× usualChevrolet Matiz13.8% All 2006 cars6.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 2.6% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
- Exhaust system1.8× usualChevrolet Matiz16.8% All 2006 cars9.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 2.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
- Brakes pulling to one side5.5× usualChevrolet Matiz8.2% All 2006 cars1.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 1% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 4% here, against 11.1% of all 2006 cars. Ball joint dust cover: 2.2% here, against 4.9% of all 2006 cars.
By area
The share of 2006 Chevrolet Matiz MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension53% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics49% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes40% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Tyres36% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Exhaust and emissions18% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Oil and fluid leaks17% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 697 | Suspension 43% |
| 2009 | 2,870 | Suspension 47% |
| 2008 | 1,716 | Suspension 50% |
| 2007 | 1,564 | Suspension 49% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2006 Chevrolet Matizs registered in 2006. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score