2011 Suzuki SX4: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Suzuki SX4?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Suzuki SX4 than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Rigid brake pipes4.3× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  24.3% All 2011 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, 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 joints1.7× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  16.4% All 2011 cars

  9.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 2.2% 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.

• Coil springs1.7× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  15.6% All 2011 cars

  9.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.6%, against 4% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Ball joint2.1× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  11.9% All 2011 cars

  5.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.9%, against 3.1% of all 2011 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 hoses4.3× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  6.5% All 2011 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.2% of all 2011 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.

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 2011 Suzuki SX4 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Suzuki SX4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  50% 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
  32% 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
  22% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  6% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 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 4.3× as often on the 2011 Suzuki SX4 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2011 Suzuki SX4 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2011 Suzuki SX4 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?