2020 Isuzu D-MAX: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2020 Isuzu D-MAXs, from 2,541 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 2020 Isuzu D-MAXs than on all cars registered in 2020.
- Wheel bearings60.5× usualIsuzu D-MAX12.1% All 2020 cars0.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.1% of all 2020 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.
- Shock absorbers5.8× usualIsuzu D-MAX11.6% All 2020 cars2%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 0.3% of all 2020 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.
- Anti-roll bar bushes and joints76× usualIsuzu D-MAX7.6% All 2020 cars0.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 0% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) CheckatradeAt the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.
- Number plate lights6.2× usualIsuzu D-MAX5.6% All 2020 cars0.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.3% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £5–£40 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
- Rigid brake pipes31× usualIsuzu D-MAX3.1% All 2020 cars0.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0% of all 2020 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.
Tyre condition: 4.8% here, against 13.5% of all 2020 cars.
By area
The share of 2020 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 electrics24% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension20% 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.
- Tyres18% 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.
- Brakes18% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors8% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Oil and fluid leaks3% 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.
Looking at a Isuzu D-MAX?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3,503 | Tyres 23% |
| 2021 | 3,138 | Tyres 22% |
| 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% |
| 2012 | 1,143 | 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 2020 Isuzu D-MAXs registered in 2020. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score