Used car guide

2018 Suzuki Jimny: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2018 Suzuki Jimnys, from 501 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

501MOT tests in 2025
81%pass first time (all 2018 cars: 81%)
4,400typical miles a year
6.4×the usual rate for coil springs

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2018 Suzuki Jimnys than on all cars registered in 2018.

  • Coil springs6.4× usual
    Suzuki Jimny
    10.8% All 2018 cars
    1.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 10.2%, against 1.3% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

Better than most

Tread depth: 7.2% here, against 17.5% of all 2018 cars.

By area

The share of 2018 Suzuki Jimny MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    15% 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.

  • Suspension
    15% 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.

  • Brakes
    13% 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
    8% 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 mirrors
    5% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Rust and bodywork
    2% 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.

Looking at a Suzuki Jimny?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2020908Brakes 12%
20191,211Brakes 12%
2017952Suspension 16%
20161,052Brakes 21%
2015986Brakes 20%
2014879Brakes 25%
2013932Brakes 25%
2012901Brakes 30%
2011750Brakes 34%
2010677Brakes 34%
2009841Brakes 36%
20081,142Brakes 38%
20071,537Brakes 38%
20061,459Brakes 37%
20051,545Brakes 38%
20041,864Brakes 41%
20031,575Brakes 41%
20021,198Brakes 45%
2001764Brakes 45%
2000610Brakes 44%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2018 Suzuki Jimnys registered in 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score