2013 Ssangyong Rodius: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Ssangyong Rodius?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Ssangyong Rodius than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Rigid brake pipes6.1× usual
  Ssangyong Rodius

  25.1% All 2013 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 0.6% of all 2013 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.

• Ball joint dust cover5× usual
  Ssangyong Rodius

  10.5% All 2013 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 0.9% of all 2013 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.

• Ball joint2.8× usual
  Ssangyong Rodius

  12.7% All 2013 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.3%, against 2.6% of all 2013 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.

• Sidelights2.9× usual
  Ssangyong Rodius

  10.8% All 2013 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.2%, against 3.2% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Track rod ends2.5× usual
  Ssangyong Rodius

  10.8% All 2013 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 2.2% of all 2013 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 2013 Ssangyong Rodius MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Ssangyong Rodius MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  46% 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
  39% 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
  30% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  12% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% 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 2013 Ssangyong Rodius

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

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 6.1× as often on the 2013 Ssangyong Rodius as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 5× as often on the 2013 Ssangyong Rodius as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2013 Ssangyong Rodius as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?