2021 Isuzu D-MAX: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2021 Isuzu D-MAXs, from 3,138 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 2021 Isuzu D-MAXs than on all cars registered in 2021.
- Shock absorbers3.1× usualIsuzu D-MAX5.2% All 2021 cars1.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 0.3% of all 2021 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.
- Engine warning light6.3× usualIsuzu D-MAX2.5% All 2021 cars0.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 0.4% of all 2021 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.
- Number plate lights3.5× usualIsuzu D-MAX2.1% All 2021 cars0.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.2% of all 2021 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.
Tyre condition: 4.8% here, against 11.5% of all 2021 cars.
By area
The share of 2021 Isuzu D-MAX MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres22% 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.
- Brakes16% 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 electrics10% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension8% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Steering2% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3,503 | Tyres 23% |
| 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% |
| 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 2021 Isuzu D-MAXs registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score