2011 Suzuki Alto: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Suzuki Alto?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Suzuki Alto than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Rigid brake pipes4.7× usual
  Suzuki Alto

  26.7% All 2011 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 1% of all 2011 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.9× usual
  Suzuki Alto

  19.1% All 2011 cars

  9.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 2.1% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Headlights1.9× usual
  Suzuki Alto

  9.2% All 2011 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 3.1% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Wipers2.3× usual
  Suzuki Alto

  7.2% All 2011 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 2.1% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints1.8× usual
  Suzuki Alto

  7.4% All 2011 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Common 2011 Suzuki Alto MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Suzuki Alto MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  41% 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
  39% 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.

• Tyres
  34% 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
  30% 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
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Driveshafts and joints
  7% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Known faults on the 2011 Suzuki Alto

Carbuyer says the Alto is simple with little to go wrong, and reports no common faults.

Source: Carbuyer: Suzuki Alto (2009-2014) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 Suzuki Alto

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 4.7× as often on the 2011 Suzuki Alto as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2011 Suzuki Alto as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2011 Suzuki Alto as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?