2021 Isuzu D-Max: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 Isuzu D-Max?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2021 Isuzu D-Max than on all cars registered in 2021.

• Shock absorbers3.8× usual
  Isuzu D-Max

  5.3% All 2021 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.3% of all 2021 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.

• Engine warning light6× usual
  Isuzu D-Max

  2.4% All 2021 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.4% of all 2021 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.

• Headlight aim1.9× usual
  Isuzu D-Max

  2.9% All 2021 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.5% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £20–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.

Common 2021 Isuzu D-Max MOT failures and advisories

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Lights and electrics
  10% 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
  8% 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 mirrors
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Steering
  2% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 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 3.8× as often on the 2021 Isuzu D-Max as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 6× as often on the 2021 Isuzu D-Max as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlight aim? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2021 Isuzu D-Max as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?