2020 Ssangyong Musso: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2020 Ssangyong Musso?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2020 Ssangyong Musso than on all cars registered in 2020.

• Brake pads2.5× usual
  Ssangyong Musso

  19.6% All 2020 cars

  7.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 1.4% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Ball joint19.5× usual
  Ssangyong Musso

  7.8% All 2020 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 0.1% of all 2020 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.

• Handbrake performancenull× usual
  Ssangyong Musso

  6.8% All 2020 cars

  0%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 0% of all 2020 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.

• Track rod ends16.3× usual
  Ssangyong Musso

  6.5% All 2020 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 0.1% of all 2020 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.

Common 2020 Ssangyong Musso MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2020 Ssangyong Musso MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  34% 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
  19% 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.

• Suspension
  17% 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
  16% 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
  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
  3% 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 2020 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 brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2020 Ssangyong Musso as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 19.5× as often on the 2020 Ssangyong Musso as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the handbrake performance? (Flagged at MOT null× as often on the 2020 Ssangyong Musso as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?