2016 Suzuki Baleno petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Suzuki Baleno petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Suzuki Baleno petrol than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Ball joint dust cover14.8× usual
  Suzuki Baleno

  17.7% All 2016 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.9%, against 0.5% of all 2016 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.

• Rigid brake pipes12× usual
  Suzuki Baleno

  18% All 2016 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.2% of all 2016 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.

• Coil springs4.3× usual
  Suzuki Baleno

  13.6% All 2016 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 2.1% of all 2016 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.

• Horn29× usual
  Suzuki Baleno

  2.9% All 2016 cars

  0.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 0.1% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

• Braking performance2× usual
  Suzuki Baleno

  4.5% All 2016 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.8% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 2016 Suzuki Baleno petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Suzuki Baleno petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  33% 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
  32% 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.

• Tyres
  27% 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
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Lights and electrics
  7% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  3% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 Suzuki Baleno petrol

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 14.8× as often on the 2016 Suzuki Baleno petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 12× as often on the 2016 Suzuki Baleno petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 4.3× as often on the 2016 Suzuki Baleno petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?