2023 Suzuki Vitara: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2023 Suzuki Vitaras, from 292 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 292 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 2023 Suzuki Vitara MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres9% 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.
- Suspension3% 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.
- Brakes3% 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 electrics3% 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 mirrors2% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Paint and trim faultsAll engines
Paint and exterior trim make up a share of the faults owners report.
At the viewing: Look over the paint and trim.
Source: Auto Express: used Suzuki Vitara (Mk4, 2015 on) review
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 6,197 | Tyres 15% |
| 2021 | 6,328 | Tyres 18% |
| 2020 | 5,171 | Tyres 23% |
| 2019 | 12,737 | Tyres 25% |
| 2018 | 12,019 | Tyres 27% |
| 2017 | 11,416 | Tyres 27% |
| 2016 | 10,919 | Tyres 28% |
| 2015 | 5,571 | Brakes 28% |
| 1999 | 170 | Brakes 49% |
| 1998 | 140 | Brakes 41% |
| 1995 | 100 | Rust and bodywork 39% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2023 Suzuki Vitaras registered in 2023. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score