1998 Suzuki Grand Vitara petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Suzuki Grand Vitara first registered in 1998 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 138 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 138 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 1998 Suzuki Grand Vitara petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1998 Suzuki Grand Vitara petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Lights and electrics40% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes38% 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.
- Suspension35% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks30% 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.
- Tyres24% 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.
- Rust and bodywork20% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 Suzuki Grand Vitara petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Suzuki Grand Vitara?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Suzuki Grand Vitara compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 127 | Brakes 33% |
| 2014 | 1,510 | Brakes 30% |
| 2013 | 3,372 | Brakes 34% |
| 2012 | 3,225 | Brakes 38% |
| 2011 | 4,256 | Brakes 39% |
| 2010 | 5,174 | Brakes 40% |
| 2009 | 5,316 | Brakes 39% |
| 2008 | 6,109 | Suspension 43% |
| 2007 | 6,866 | Suspension 46% |
| 2006 | 5,601 | Suspension 48% |
| 2005 | 6,505 | Suspension 42% |
| 2004 | 5,950 | Brakes 40% |
| 2003 | 4,049 | Brakes 42% |
| 2002 | 2,746 | Brakes 42% |
| 2001 | 1,523 | Brakes 43% |
| 2000 | 652 | Brakes 40% |
| 1999 | 385 | Brakes 41% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Suzuki Grand Vitara cars first registered in 1998. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score