2009 Suzuki SX4: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Suzuki SX4?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Suzuki SX4 than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Rigid brake pipes3.1× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  22.9% All 2009 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, 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.

• Ball joint2.2× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  14.2% All 2009 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.3%, 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.

• Flexible brake hoses2.9× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  8.6% All 2009 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Front struts5× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  4% All 2009 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.2% 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.

• Engine warning light2× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  4.5% All 2009 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 2.3% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2009 Suzuki SX4 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Suzuki SX4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  57% 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
  47% 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
  36% 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
  31% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  12% 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.

• 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Suzuki SX4

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 3.1× as often on the 2009 Suzuki SX4 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2009 Suzuki SX4 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2009 Suzuki SX4 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?