2017 Ssangyong Rodius: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Track rod ends10.9× usual
  Ssangyong Rodius

  15.2% All 2017 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.8%, against 0.6% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Number plate lights5.2× usual
  Ssangyong Rodius

  10.4% All 2017 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, 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 pipes8.8× usual
  Ssangyong Rodius

  8.8% All 2017 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, 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.

• Sidelights9.1× usual
  Ssangyong Rodius

  7.3% All 2017 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 0.7% 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.

• Airbag warning light20× usual
  Ssangyong Rodius

  4% All 2017 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 0.2% 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.

Common 2017 Ssangyong Rodius MOT failures and advisories

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

• 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.

• Tyres
  28% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  28% 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
  24% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  6% 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 2017 Ssangyong Rodius

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

1. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 10.9× as often on the 2017 Ssangyong Rodius as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 5.2× as often on the 2017 Ssangyong Rodius as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 8.8× as often on the 2017 Ssangyong Rodius as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?