2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Rigid brake pipes2.8× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  15.6% All 2012 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.8% of all 2012 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.

• Corroded fuel pipes26× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  5.2% All 2012 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2012 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.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings5.3× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  5.3% All 2012 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.3% of all 2012 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.

• Transmission oil leaks5× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  4.5% All 2012 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Ball joint dust cover2.2× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  6.3% All 2012 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 1.2% of all 2012 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.

Common 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  39% 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
  31% 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
  25% 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
  22% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Rust and bodywork
  9% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara

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 2.8× as often on the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the corroded fuel pipes? (Flagged at MOT 26× as often on the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 5.3× as often on the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?