2020 Isuzu D-Max: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2020 Isuzu D-Max?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2020 Isuzu D-Max than on all cars registered in 2020.

• Shock absorbers7.4× usual
  Isuzu D-Max

  11.9% All 2020 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 0.3% of all 2020 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.

• Wheel bearings94× usual
  Isuzu D-Max

  9.4% All 2020 cars

  0.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0% of all 2020 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints56× usual
  Isuzu D-Max

  5.6% All 2020 cars

  0.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0% of all 2020 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 lights6.7× usual
  Isuzu D-Max

  4.7% All 2020 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.2% of all 2020 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.

• Rear fog light10.5× usual
  Isuzu D-Max

  2.1% All 2020 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.1% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2020 Isuzu D-Max MOT failures and advisories

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 electrics
  21% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  18% 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.

• Suspension
  17% 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
  15% 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 mirrors
  7% 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 leaks
  2% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2020 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 shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 7.4× as often on the 2020 Isuzu D-Max as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 94× as often on the 2020 Isuzu D-Max as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 56× as often on the 2020 Isuzu D-Max as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?