2016 Ssangyong Musso: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Ssangyong Musso?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Ssangyong Musso than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Number plate lights6.4× usual
  Ssangyong Musso

  17.3% All 2016 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.9%, against 0.8% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Ball joint dust cover11.8× usual
  Ssangyong Musso

  14.2% All 2016 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.5%, against 0.5% of all 2016 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.

• Track rod ends6.7× usual
  Ssangyong Musso

  15.4% All 2016 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.5%, against 1.1% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Handbrake performance57.5× usual
  Ssangyong Musso

  11.5% All 2016 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.5%, against 0.2% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull the handbrake on a slope. It should hold the car within a few clicks.

Common 2016 Ssangyong Musso MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Ssangyong Musso MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  45% 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
  44% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  37% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  22% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  8% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  7% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 Ssangyong Musso

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

1. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 6.4× as often on the 2016 Ssangyong Musso as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 11.8× as often on the 2016 Ssangyong Musso as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 6.7× as often on the 2016 Ssangyong Musso as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?