2018 Ssangyong Musso: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Ssangyong Musso?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Ssangyong Musso than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Coil springs11.1× usual
  Ssangyong Musso

  12.2% All 2018 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.3%, against 0.9% of all 2018 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.

• Track rod ends10.3× usual
  Ssangyong Musso

  12.3% All 2018 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.9%, against 0.6% of all 2018 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.

• Number plate lights7.1× usual
  Ssangyong Musso

  10% All 2018 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 0.5% of all 2018 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.

• Handbrake performance72× usual
  Ssangyong Musso

  7.2% All 2018 cars

  0.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 0.1% of all 2018 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 2018 Ssangyong Musso MOT failures and advisories

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

• Brakes
  38% 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
  34% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  25% 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
  21% 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.

• Steering
  7% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 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 coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 11.1× as often on the 2018 Ssangyong Musso as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 10.3× as often on the 2018 Ssangyong Musso as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 7.1× as often on the 2018 Ssangyong Musso as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?