2017 Ssangyong Korando: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Ssangyong Korando?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2017 Ssangyong Korando than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Number plate lights9.1× usual
  Ssangyong Korando

  18.1% All 2017 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 0.6% of all 2017 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.

• Rigid brake pipes9.4× usual
  Ssangyong Korando

  9.4% All 2017 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.1% of all 2017 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.

• Brake lights4.5× usual
  Ssangyong Korando

  4.9% All 2017 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 0.9% of all 2017 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints4.6× usual
  Ssangyong Korando

  3.2% All 2017 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.2% of all 2017 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.

Common 2017 Ssangyong Korando MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Ssangyong Korando MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  33% 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
  32% 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
  29% 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
  10% 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
  8% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Steering
  3% 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 2017 Ssangyong Korando

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

1. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 9.1× as often on the 2017 Ssangyong Korando as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 9.4× as often on the 2017 Ssangyong Korando as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake lights? (Flagged at MOT 4.5× as often on the 2017 Ssangyong Korando as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?