2009 Chevrolet Matiz: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2009 Chevrolet Matizs, from 2,870 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 2009 Chevrolet Matizs than on all cars registered in 2009.
- Rigid brake pipes3.3× usualChevrolet Matiz24.7% All 2009 cars7.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 1.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.
- Wheel bearings6.2× usualChevrolet Matiz13.7% All 2009 cars2.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 0.8% of all 2009 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.
- Front strut mounts and bushes8.7× usualChevrolet Matiz7.8% All 2009 cars0.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.1% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Shock absorbers1.8× usualChevrolet Matiz13.4% All 2009 cars7.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
- Brakes pulling to one side4.1× usualChevrolet Matiz5.8% All 2009 cars1.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 0.9% of all 2009 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.
Coil springs: 2% here, against 12.4% of all 2009 cars. Suspension arm bushes and joints: 3% here, against 11.1% of all 2009 cars.
By area
The share of 2009 Chevrolet Matiz MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension47% 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.
- Brakes43% 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.
- Lights and electrics38% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres35% 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.
- 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.
- Exhaust and emissions15% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 697 | Suspension 43% |
| 2008 | 1,716 | Suspension 50% |
| 2007 | 1,564 | Suspension 49% |
| 2006 | 917 | Suspension 53% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2009 Chevrolet Matizs registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score