2013 Chrysler Ypsilon: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Chrysler Ypsilon?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Chrysler Ypsilon than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Shock absorbers3.5× usual
  Chrysler Ypsilon

  18.3% All 2013 cars

  5.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.5%, against 1.2% of all 2013 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 system3.8× usual
  Chrysler Ypsilon

  15% All 2013 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.2% of all 2013 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.

• Coil springs1.9× usual
  Chrysler Ypsilon

  14.1% All 2013 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.8%, against 3.7% of all 2013 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.

• Engine oil leaks2.3× usual
  Chrysler Ypsilon

  10.5% All 2013 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.1% of all 2013 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.

• Front struts7.8× usual
  Chrysler Ypsilon

  3.1% All 2013 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.1% of all 2013 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 2013 Chrysler Ypsilon MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Chrysler Ypsilon MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  41% 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
  35% 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
  28% 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.

• 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 engine or DPF warning lights.

• Lights and electrics
  16% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  12% 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 2013 Chrysler Ypsilon

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 3.5× as often on the 2013 Chrysler Ypsilon as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 2013 Chrysler Ypsilon as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2013 Chrysler Ypsilon as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?