2013 Suzuki SX4 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Suzuki SX4 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Suzuki SX4 petrol than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Rigid brake pipes3× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  12.4% All 2013 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, 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.

• Braking performance2× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  8.5% All 2013 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.6% of all 2013 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.

• Ball joint1.7× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  7.9% All 2013 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 2.6% 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.

• Flexible brake hoses3.6× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  3.2% All 2013 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.1% of all 2013 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.

• Link ball joint covers1.8× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  2.7% All 2013 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.9% 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 SX4 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Suzuki SX4 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  35% 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
  35% 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
  31% 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
  14% 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
  8% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Seats and seatbelts
  2% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 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× as often on the 2013 Suzuki SX4 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2013 Suzuki SX4 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2013 Suzuki SX4 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?