Used car guide · 1987–2026

Suzuki Swift common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong on a used Suzuki Swift, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 400,215 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.

The 1989 Suzuki Swift

Our MOT figures start with cars first registered in 1990. There are no known faults on record for this year in the UK buying guides we use, so the rest of this page covers the Suzuki Swift as a whole.

17on the UK register at the end of 2025
Petrol hybridmost common fuel (also petrol)
What to check on a 1989 car
  • MOT history

    Check the reg below: its MOT history shows what has been failed or advised, and whether the mileage adds up.

  • Service history

    Look for regular servicing and receipts for big jobs like a cambelt or clutch.

  • Finance and write-offs

    MOT records don’t show outstanding finance or insurance write-offs. A history check does.

  • Test drive

    Listen for knocks over bumps, check every warning light goes out, and make sure the gears and brakes feel right.

Other years

Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).

202620252024202320222021202020192018201720162015201420132012201120102009200820072006200520032002200120001999199819971996199519941993199219911990198919881987

What usually goes wrong with a Suzuki Swift?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

  • Brake servo and airbag recalls (built to mid-2019)

    Cars registered 2018–2019 · Built to June 2019

    Cars built Oct 2017 to June 2019 may have a faulty brake servo that loses brake assistance, and cars built up to Feb 2019 were recalled because side airbags and pre-tensioners could go off when they shouldn’t.

    At the viewing: Ask a Suzuki dealer to confirm both recalls were done.

    Source: Auto Express: used Suzuki Swift (Mk7, 2017-2024) review

  • Clutch judder

    Cars registered 2010–2017 · Manual gearbox

    A worn clutch plate makes the car judder pulling away, more so in cold weather.

    At the viewing: Pull away from cold and feel for shuddering.

    Source: Auto Express: used Suzuki Swift (Mk6, 2010-2017) buyer’s guide

  • Gearbox problems

    Cars registered 2005–2009 · Manual gearbox

    Gearbox problems are a known issue, and a stiff gearchange can be an early sign.

    At the viewing: Change through every gear and be wary of a stiff or notchy change.

    Source: What Car?: Suzuki Swift (2005-2012) reliability

  • Water pump recall (built Sept to Nov 2013)

    Cars registered 2013–2014 · Built Sept to Nov 2013

    On cars built from September to November 2013 the water pump could work loose and the engine overheat. There was a recall.

    At the viewing: Ask for proof the recall was done, and watch the temperature gauge on the drive.

    Source: Auto Express: used Suzuki Swift (Mk6, 2010-2017) buyer’s guide

  • Brake fluid leak recall (built Feb to Mar 2013)

    Cars registered in 2013 · Built Feb to Mar 2013

    Cars built in February and March 2013 were recalled for brake fluid leaks.

    At the viewing: Ask for proof the recall was done.

    Source: Auto Express: used Suzuki Swift (Mk6, 2010-2017) buyer’s guide

  • Handbrake that needs adjusting

    Cars registered 2010–2017 · All engines

    The handbrake can lose its adjustment quickly.

    At the viewing: Make sure the handbrake holds the car on a steep slope.

    Source: Auto Express: used Suzuki Swift (Mk6, 2010-2017) buyer’s guide

  • Notchy gearchange (Swift Sport)

    Cars registered 2010–2017 · 1.6 Swift Sport

    The 1.6 Swift Sport’s gearbox can feel stiff or notchy. A gearbox oil change can help.

    At the viewing: Go through all the gears, including reverse, and feel for resistance.

    Source: Auto Express: used Suzuki Swift (Mk6, 2010-2017) buyer’s guide

  • Phone connection dropping out

    Cars registered 2018–2024 · All engines

    Android Auto and Apple CarPlay can disconnect at random.

    At the viewing: Connect your phone and drive for a while.

    Source: Auto Express: used Suzuki Swift (Mk7, 2017-2024) review

  • Corroded diamond-cut alloys

    Cars registered 2018–2024 · Cars with diamond-cut wheels

    Diamond-cut alloys can corrode once the lacquer is damaged.

    At the viewing: Look at the wheels for bubbling or white corrosion.

    Source: Auto Express: used Suzuki Swift (Mk7, 2017-2024) review

  • Grinding brakes and fast-wearing front tyres

    Cars registered 2005–2009 · All engines

    Some owners report grinding or squealing brakes, and front tyres can wear out in under 12,000 miles.

    At the viewing: Listen when braking and check the front tyre tread.

    Source: What Car?: Suzuki Swift (2005-2012) reliability

1 more known fault

  • Soft paint and dashboard rattle

    Cars registered 2005–2009 · All engines

    The paint chips and scrapes easily, and many owners complain of a dashboard rattle. Bumpers are costly to repair, so check for poor crash repairs.

    At the viewing: Look along the bumpers and panels for chips, mismatched paint and uneven gaps.

    Source: What Car?: Suzuki Swift (2005-2012) reliability

Common Suzuki Swift MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, for each fuel on its own. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

Petrol

  • Rigid brake pipes

    up to 8× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2017 and 2018.

    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.

  • Wipers

    up to 2× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

    Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

    At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

  • Ball joint

    up to 2.3× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

    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.

  • Suspension arm bushes and joints

    up to 1.8× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

    Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

  • Front strut mounts and bushes

    up to 10× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2008 and 2009.

    Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Steering rack inner joints

    up to 5.2× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

    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.

Diesel

  • Rigid brake pipes

    up to 5.8× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

    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.

  • Engine oil leaks

    up to 3.9× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

    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.

  • Front strut mounts and bushes

    up to 10.7× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

    Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Sidelights

    up to 3.6× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

    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.

  • Braking performance

    up to 3.1× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2009, 2010 and 2014.

    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.

  • Ball joint

    up to 3× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

    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.

Hybrid

  • Rigid brake pipes

    up to 11.5× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

    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.

  • Braking performance

    up to 5.7× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

    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.

  • Wipers

    up to 2× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

    Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

    At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Suzuki Swift MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2022 Suzuki Swift did best (93% passed first time, 4 points above all 2022 cars) and the 2005 did worst (50%, 7 points below all 2005 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

YearPass first timeAll cars that yearMOT tests
202397%92% +5290 (small sample)
202293%89% +44,826
202191%87% +414,926
202090%87% +323,909
201987%85% +232,597
201885%83% +230,001
201782%80% +223,987
201678%77% +131,055
201576%74% +236,867
201473%70% +329,975
201369%67% +226,030
201266%64% +226,921
201163%62% +118,714
201057%60% -318,099
200954%59% -520,802
200851%57% -622,126
200751%57% -621,373
200650%56% -612,278
200550%57% -74,051
200362%57% +5237 (small sample)
200259%58% +1604
200160%60% +0298 (small sample)
200059%61% -2138 (small sample)
199959%63% -4111 (small sample)

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Suzuki Swift

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

  1. Have the brake servo and airbag recalls been done?
  2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 8.2× as often on the Suzuki Swift as on other cars the same age.)
  3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the Suzuki Swift as on other cars the same age.)
  4. Any recent work on the wipers? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the Suzuki Swift as on other cars the same age.)
  5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Suzuki Swift?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score