2020 Ssangyong Tivoli: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2020 Ssangyong Tivolis, from 512 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 2020 Ssangyong Tivolis than on all cars registered in 2020.
- Number plate lights19.6× usualSsangyong Tivoli17.6% All 2020 cars0.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 7.4%, against 0.3% of all 2020 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.
- Brake pads1.9× usualSsangyong Tivoli17.4% All 2020 cars9.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.6% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.
By area
The share of 2020 Ssangyong Tivoli MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres28% 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.
- Brakes26% 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 electrics25% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- 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.
- Seats and seatbelts3% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Suspension3% 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.
Looking at a Ssangyong Tivoli?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 539 | Tyres 24% |
| 2021 | 568 | Tyres 29% |
| 2019 | 758 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | 1,085 | Brakes 33% |
| 2017 | 1,296 | Tyres 33% |
| 2016 | 1,989 | Brakes 36% |
| 2015 | 983 | Tyres 33% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2020 Ssangyong Tivolis registered in 2020. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score