2012 Suzuki Splash: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Suzuki Splash?

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

• Rigid brake pipes4.6× usual
  Suzuki Splash

  22.8% All 2012 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, 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.

• Ball joint2× usual
  Suzuki Splash

  10.4% All 2012 cars

  5.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.9%, against 2.9% 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.

• Braking performance1.8× usual
  Suzuki Splash

  8.8% All 2012 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 1.9% of all 2012 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.

• Wipers2× usual
  Suzuki Splash

  5.9% All 2012 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 2% of all 2012 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.

• Front strut mounts and bushes5.8× usual
  Suzuki Splash

  2.9% All 2012 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

Common 2012 Suzuki Splash MOT failures and advisories

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.

• 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
  38% 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
  30% 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
  20% 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
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  4% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Suzuki Splash

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 4.6× as often on the 2012 Suzuki Splash as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2012 Suzuki Splash as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2012 Suzuki Splash as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?