2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Rigid brake pipes3.6× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  14.9% All 2013 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.8× usual
  Suzuki Grand Vitara

  5.4% All 2013 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 0.7% 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.

Common 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 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
  43% 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
  24% 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
  23% 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
  23% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  7% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 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 3.6× as often on the 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?