Used car guide

2008 Suzuki Splash: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 Suzuki Splashs, from 1,662 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,662MOT tests in 2025
53%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)
4,400typical miles a year
3×the usual rate for rigid brake pipes

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2008 Suzuki Splashs than on all cars registered in 2008.

  • Rigid brake pipes3× usual
    Suzuki Splash
    28.4% All 2008 cars
    9.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 1.5% of all 2008 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.

  • Front strut mounts and bushes8.7× usual
    Suzuki Splash
    7.8% All 2008 cars
    0.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Ball joint2× usual
    Suzuki Splash
    13% All 2008 cars
    6.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 8.4%, against 3.2% of all 2008 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.

  • Braking performance1.7× usual
    Suzuki Splash
    11% All 2008 cars
    6.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 2.5% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

  • Front struts5× usual
    Suzuki Splash
    4.5% All 2008 cars
    0.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 0.3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

Better than most

Headlights: 3.1% here, against 10.7% of all 2008 cars. Engine oil leaks: 5.6% here, against 12.5% of all 2008 cars.

By area

The share of 2008 Suzuki Splash MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    58% 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
    48% 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
    32% 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
    26% 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
    12% 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
    9% 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.

Looking at a Suzuki Splash?

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

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20143,061Suspension 31%
20133,363Suspension 37%
20123,584Suspension 43%
20111,469Suspension 49%
20101,396Suspension 52%
20092,442Suspension 56%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 Suzuki Splashs registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score