2012 Suzuki SX4 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Rigid brake pipes3.9× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  19.4% All 2012 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, 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.

• Braking performance2.3× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  11.1% 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.

• Coil springs1.7× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  14.7% All 2012 cars

  8.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.5%, 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.

• Ball joint2.2× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  11.2% All 2012 cars

  5.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.5%, 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.

• Flexible brake hoses3.8× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  4.6% All 2012 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

Common 2012 Suzuki SX4 petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  47% 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
  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.

• Tyres
  32% 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
  21% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  5% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Suzuki SX4 petrol

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 2012 Suzuki SX4 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2012 Suzuki SX4 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2012 Suzuki SX4 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?