2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitaras, from 1,052 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 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitaras than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Rigid brake pipes2.8× usualSuzuki Grand Vitara15.6% All 2012 cars5.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.8% of all 2012 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.
- Corroded fuel pipes26× usualSuzuki Grand Vitara5.2% All 2012 cars0.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2012 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.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings5.3× usualSuzuki Grand Vitara5.3% All 2012 cars1%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.3% of all 2012 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.
- Transmission oil leaks5× usualSuzuki Grand Vitara4.5% All 2012 cars0.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2012 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.
- Ball joint dust cover2.2× usualSuzuki Grand Vitara6.3% All 2012 cars2.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 1.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
By area
The share of 2012 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.
- Suspension31% 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 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.
- Tyres22% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors9% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Rust and bodywork9% 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% |
| 2011 | 1,343 | Brakes 39% |
| 2010 | 1,590 | 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 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitaras registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score