2012 Isuzu D-MAX: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Isuzu D-MAXs, from 1,143 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 2012 Isuzu D-MAXs than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Wheel bearings13.7× usualIsuzu D-MAX20.6% All 2012 cars1.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 0.6% of all 2012 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.
- Rigid brake pipes4.2× usualIsuzu D-MAX23% All 2012 cars5.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 0.8% of all 2012 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.
- Ball joint2.8× usualIsuzu D-MAX15.4% All 2012 cars5.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 3% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Exhaust system2.7× usualIsuzu D-MAX14.6% All 2012 cars5.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.5% of all 2012 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.
- Rear fog light10.2× usualIsuzu D-MAX8.2% All 2012 cars0.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 8%, against 0.7% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
Brake discs: 6.4% here, against 14.2% of all 2012 cars. Tyre condition: 6.8% here, against 14.5% of all 2012 cars.
By area
The share of 2012 Isuzu D-MAX MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Lights and electrics45% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension44% 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.
- Brakes37% 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.
- Tyres21% 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 emissions17% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors13% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3,503 | Tyres 23% |
| 2021 | 3,138 | Tyres 22% |
| 2020 | 2,541 | Lights and electrics 24% |
| 2019 | 3,799 | Lights and electrics 27% |
| 2018 | 3,817 | Lights and electrics 30% |
| 2017 | 4,249 | Lights and electrics 31% |
| 2016 | 4,181 | Lights and electrics 38% |
| 2015 | 4,432 | Lights and electrics 38% |
| 2014 | 3,740 | Lights and electrics 41% |
| 2013 | 2,578 | Lights and electrics 45% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2012 Isuzu D-MAXs registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score