2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitaras, from 1,590 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 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitaras than on all cars registered in 2010.
- Rigid brake pipes2.6× usualSuzuki Grand Vitara17.5% All 2010 cars6.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1.1% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt 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.
- Transmission oil leaks8.7× usualSuzuki Grand Vitara10.4% All 2010 cars1.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£600 our estimateAt the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings3.8× usualSuzuki Grand Vitara7.9% All 2010 cars2.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 0.9% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Corroded fuel pipes7.8× usualSuzuki Grand Vitara3.9% All 2010 cars0.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt 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.
- Wipers2× usualSuzuki Grand Vitara6.7% All 2010 cars3.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 2.2% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £15–£60 our estimateAt the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.
Coil springs: 2.3% here, against 11.4% of all 2010 cars. Exhaust system: 3.3% here, against 7.6% of all 2010 cars.
By area
The share of 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes39% 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.
- Suspension35% 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.
- Lights and electrics30% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres23% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks18% 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.
- Rust and bodywork12% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 500 | Brakes 30% |
| 2013 | 1,111 | Brakes 34% |
| 2012 | 1,052 | Brakes 39% |
| 2011 | 1,343 | Brakes 39% |
| 2009 | 1,549 | Suspension 43% |
| 2008 | 1,767 | Suspension 47% |
| 2007 | 1,859 | Suspension 50% |
| 2006 | 1,490 | Suspension 52% |
| 2005 | 1,801 | Suspension 43% |
| 2004 | 1,638 | Suspension 42% |
| 2003 | 1,097 | Suspension 40% |
| 2002 | 735 | Brakes 42% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitaras registered in 2010. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score