2012 Isuzu D-Max: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Isuzu D-Max?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Isuzu D-Max than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Wheel bearings14.4× usual
  Isuzu D-Max

  20.2% All 2012 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 0.5% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Rigid brake pipes4.3× usual
  Isuzu D-Max

  21.4% All 2012 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 0.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At 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.

• Exhaust system2.8× usual
  Isuzu D-Max

  14.1% All 2012 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, 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.

• Ball joint2.6× usual
  Isuzu D-Max

  13.4% All 2012 cars

  5.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 2.9% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints16.2× usual
  Isuzu D-Max

  8.1% All 2012 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 0.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At 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.

Common 2012 Isuzu D-Max MOT failures and advisories

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 electrics
  42% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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.

• Brakes
  36% 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.

• Tyres
  21% 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 emissions
  15% 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 mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Isuzu D-Max

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

1. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 14.4× as often on the 2012 Isuzu D-Max as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 4.3× as often on the 2012 Isuzu D-Max as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2012 Isuzu D-Max as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?