2015 Ssangyong Rexton: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2015 Ssangyong Rexton?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2015 Ssangyong Rexton than on all cars registered in 2015.

• Ball joint dust cover13× usual
  Ssangyong Rexton

  16.9% All 2015 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 0.5% of all 2015 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.

• Number plate lights4.4× usual
  Ssangyong Rexton

  15.5% All 2015 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 1.1% of all 2015 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.

• Track rod ends4.3× usual
  Ssangyong Rexton

  12.6% All 2015 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 1.4% of all 2015 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.

• Rigid brake pipes5.6× usual
  Ssangyong Rexton

  11.2% All 2015 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.3% of all 2015 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.

Common 2015 Ssangyong Rexton MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2015 Ssangyong Rexton MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  42% 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
  37% 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
  32% 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
  24% 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
  3% 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 2015 Ssangyong Rexton

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

1. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 13× as often on the 2015 Ssangyong Rexton as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 4.4× as often on the 2015 Ssangyong Rexton as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 4.3× as often on the 2015 Ssangyong Rexton as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?