2018 Isuzu D-Max: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Isuzu D-Max?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Isuzu D-Max than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Wheel bearings49.3× usual
  Isuzu D-Max

  14.8% All 2018 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.1% of all 2018 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.

• Shock absorbers4.8× usual
  Isuzu D-Max

  11.1% All 2018 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 0.4% of all 2018 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.

• Rigid brake pipes15× usual
  Isuzu D-Max

  7.5% All 2018 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.1% of all 2018 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints34.5× usual
  Isuzu D-Max

  6.9% All 2018 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0% of all 2018 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.

• Number plate lights4.1× usual
  Isuzu D-Max

  5.8% All 2018 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.5% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

Common 2018 Isuzu D-Max MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 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
  27% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  22% 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.

• Suspension
  22% 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
  20% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  3% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 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 49.3× as often on the 2018 Isuzu D-Max as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the 2018 Isuzu D-Max as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 15× as often on the 2018 Isuzu D-Max as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?