2012 Suzuki SX4 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Suzuki SX4 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Suzuki SX4 diesel than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Rigid brake pipes5.5× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  27.3% All 2012 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 0.8% of all 2012 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 springs2.2× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  18.4% All 2012 cars

  8.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 14.3%, against 3.8% of all 2012 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  17.8% All 2012 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.9% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Ball joint2.6× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  13.7% All 2012 cars

  5.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.7%, against 2.9% of all 2012 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.

• Braking performance2.3× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  11.2% All 2012 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.9% of all 2012 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 2012 Suzuki SX4 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Suzuki SX4 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  53% 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.

• Brakes
  50% 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.

• Tyres
  33% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  20% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  11% 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
  8% 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 2012 Suzuki SX4 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 5.5× as often on the 2012 Suzuki SX4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2012 Suzuki SX4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2012 Suzuki SX4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?