Used car guide

2001 Suzuki Wagon-R+: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2001 Suzuki Wagon-R+s, from 608 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

608MOT tests in 2025
54%pass first time (all 2001 cars: 61%)
3,100typical miles a year
5.8×the usual rate for steering rack inner joints

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2001 Suzuki Wagon-R+s than on all cars registered in 2001.

  • Steering rack inner joints5.8× usual
    Suzuki Wagon-R+
    21.9% All 2001 cars
    3.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Rigid brake pipes1.9× usual
    Suzuki Wagon-R+
    32.2% All 2001 cars
    17%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 2.4% of all 2001 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.

  • Shock absorbers2.2× usual
    Suzuki Wagon-R+
    13.8% All 2001 cars
    6.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.4% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

  • Ball joint2× usual
    Suzuki Wagon-R+
    11.7% All 2001 cars
    5.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 2.2% of all 2001 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.

  • Brakes pulling to one side3.3× usual
    Suzuki Wagon-R+
    7.7% All 2001 cars
    2.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 1.7% of all 2001 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.

By area

The share of 2001 Suzuki Wagon-R+ MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    54% 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.

  • Suspension
    53% 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 electrics
    39% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    37% 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.

  • Steering
    24% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    20% 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 Wagon-R+?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20051,043Suspension 47%
20041,312Suspension 47%
20031,216Suspension 48%
2002918Brakes 51%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2001 Suzuki Wagon-R+s registered in 2001. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score