2018 Ssangyong Rexton: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Brake pads2.2× usual
  Ssangyong Rexton

  24.5% All 2018 cars

  10.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 2% of all 2018 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 joint7.9× usual
  Ssangyong Rexton

  7.9% All 2018 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.4% of all 2018 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 Rexton

  8% All 2018 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, 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.

• Steering rack inner joints14.7× usual
  Ssangyong Rexton

  4.4% All 2018 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  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 pipes8× usual
  Ssangyong Rexton

  4% All 2018 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.1% of all 2018 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 2018 Ssangyong Rexton MOT failures and advisories

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

• Brakes
  32% 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
  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.

• Suspension
  21% 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
  8% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Steering
  5% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  4% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 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 brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2018 Ssangyong Rexton as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 7.9× as often on the 2018 Ssangyong Rexton 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 2018 Ssangyong Rexton as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?