2011 Ssangyong Korando: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Ssangyong Korando?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Ssangyong Korando than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Rigid brake pipes4.2× usual
  Ssangyong Korando

  23.7% All 2011 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, 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.

• Ball joint dust cover6× usual
  Ssangyong Korando

  16.1% All 2011 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 1.2% 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.

Common 2011 Ssangyong Korando MOT failures and advisories

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

• Brakes
  42% 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
  31% 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
  27% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Driveshafts and joints
  15% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

• 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 Ssangyong Korando

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 4.2× as often on the 2011 Ssangyong Korando as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 6× as often on the 2011 Ssangyong Korando as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?