2012 Chrysler Ypsilon petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Chrysler Ypsilon petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Chrysler Ypsilon petrol than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Shock absorbers2.9× usual
  Chrysler Ypsilon

  16.9% All 2012 cars

  5.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 1.5% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Exhaust system3.1× usual
  Chrysler Ypsilon

  15.3% All 2012 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.4% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Engine oil leaks2.1× usual
  Chrysler Ypsilon

  12.4% All 2012 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Coil springs1.7× usual
  Chrysler Ypsilon

  14.1% All 2012 cars

  8.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.5%, against 3.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Front struts5.2× usual
  Chrysler Ypsilon

  2.6% All 2012 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

Common 2012 Chrysler Ypsilon petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Chrysler Ypsilon petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  44% 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.

• Tyres
  36% 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.

• Brakes
  30% 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 electrics
  18% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% 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 an engine warning light.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  14% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Chrysler Ypsilon petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2012 Chrysler Ypsilon petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2012 Chrysler Ypsilon petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2012 Chrysler Ypsilon petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?