2012 Suzuki Splash: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Suzuki Splashs, from 3,584 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 Splashs than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Rigid brake pipes4.4× usualSuzuki Splash24.3% All 2012 cars5.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, 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.
- Ball joint1.9× usualSuzuki Splash10.4% All 2012 cars5.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 3% 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.
- Braking performance1.9× usualSuzuki Splash9.4% All 2012 cars4.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 1.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
- Front strut mounts and bushes6.3× usualSuzuki Splash3.8% All 2012 cars0.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Flexible brake hoses3.1× usualSuzuki Splash4.7% All 2012 cars1.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £50–£200 our estimateAt the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.
Engine oil leaks: 2.6% here, against 7.3% of all 2012 cars. Track rod ends: 0.8% here, against 4.9% of all 2012 cars.
By area
The share of 2012 Suzuki Splash MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension43% 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.
- Brakes42% 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.
- Tyres31% 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 electrics22% 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 mirrors10% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Exhaust and emissions4% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 3,061 | Suspension 31% |
| 2013 | 3,363 | Suspension 37% |
| 2011 | 1,469 | Suspension 49% |
| 2010 | 1,396 | Suspension 52% |
| 2009 | 2,442 | Suspension 56% |
| 2008 | 1,662 | Suspension 58% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2012 Suzuki Splashs registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score