2018 Suzuki SX4: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Suzuki SX4?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Suzuki SX4 than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Exhaust system2.2× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  2.4% All 2018 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.2% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Braking performance1.9× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  2.6% All 2018 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.5% of all 2018 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.

Common 2018 Suzuki SX4 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Suzuki SX4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  29% 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.

• Brakes
  20% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Lights and electrics
  6% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  3% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Suspension
  3% 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.

Known faults on the 2018 Suzuki SX4

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.

• Diesel in the oil (particulate filter)

  Diesel

  Diesels mostly used in town can clog the particulate filter, and an interrupted clean can let fuel into the oil, raising the level and risking engine damage.

  At the viewing: Check the oil isn't above the max mark and ask what journeys it does.

  Source: What Car?: used Suzuki SX4 S-Cross (2013-2021) reliability

• Squeaks and rattles

  All engines

  Some owners complain about interior squeaks and rattles, and the plastics scratch easily.

  At the viewing: Listen on a rough road.

  Source: What Car?: used Suzuki SX4 S-Cross (2013-2021) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Suzuki SX4

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Does it get regular motorway runs?
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2018 Suzuki SX4 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2018 Suzuki SX4 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?