2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Rigid brake pipes3.9× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  22.1% All 2011 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 1% of all 2011 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.

• Sub-frame2.2× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  9.6% All 2011 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.3% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Transmission oil leaks6.4× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  5.8% All 2011 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings5.3× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  5.8% All 2011 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.4% of all 2011 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.

• Corroded fuel pipes13.7× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  4.1% All 2011 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2011 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 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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.

• Suspension
  36% 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
  30% 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
  22% 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
  13% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  12% 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 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel

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 3.9× as often on the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the transmission oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 6.4× as often on the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?