2009 Suzuki Swift: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Suzuki Swift?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Suzuki Swift than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Rigid brake pipes3.7× usual
  Suzuki Swift

  26.3% All 2009 cars

  7.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.2% of all 2009 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 joints1.8× usual
  Suzuki Swift

  18.6% All 2009 cars

  10.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 2.2% of all 2009 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.

• Ball joint2.2× usual
  Suzuki Swift

  13.8% All 2009 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.7%, against 3.4% of all 2009 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 performance2.1× usual
  Suzuki Swift

  13.9% All 2009 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 2.6% of all 2009 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.

• Front strut mounts and bushes8.1× usual
  Suzuki Swift

  6.5% All 2009 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.1% of all 2009 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.

Petrol or diesel: does it make a difference?

The same figures for each fuel on its own. Check which one the car you're looking at is: it's on the logbook and in its MOT history.

Common 2009 Suzuki Swift MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Suzuki Swift MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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.

• Brakes
  49% 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.

• Tyres
  33% 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
  29% 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
  12% 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
  9% 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.

Known faults on the 2009 Suzuki Swift

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.

• Gearbox problems

  Manual gearbox

  Gearbox problems are a known issue, and a stiff gearchange can be an early sign.

  At the viewing: Change through every gear and be wary of a stiff or notchy change.

  Source: What Car?: Suzuki Swift (2005-2012) reliability

• Grinding brakes and fast-wearing front tyres

  All engines

  Some owners report grinding or squealing brakes, and front tyres can wear out in under 12,000 miles.

  At the viewing: Listen when braking and check the front tyre tread.

  Source: What Car?: Suzuki Swift (2005-2012) reliability

• Soft paint and dashboard rattle

  All engines

  The paint chips and scrapes easily, and many owners complain of a dashboard rattle. Bumpers are costly to repair, so check for poor crash repairs.

  At the viewing: Look along the bumpers and panels for chips, mismatched paint and uneven gaps.

  Source: What Car?: Suzuki Swift (2005-2012) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Suzuki Swift

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 3.7× as often on the 2009 Suzuki Swift as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2009 Suzuki Swift as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2009 Suzuki Swift as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?