2016 Suzuki SX4 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Suzuki SX4 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Suzuki SX4 diesel than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Rigid brake pipes4.3× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  6.4% All 2016 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.2% of all 2016 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

  5.4% All 2016 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.8% of all 2016 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.

• Corroded fuel pipesnull× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  2.1% All 2016 cars

  0%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2016 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.

• Brake lights2.2× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  3.5% All 2016 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.3% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Wheels2.7× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  2.7% All 2016 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.3% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

Common 2016 Suzuki SX4 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Suzuki SX4 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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.

• Brakes
  28% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  15% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  9% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  6% 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
  4% 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.

Known faults on the 2016 Suzuki SX4 diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Diesel in the oil (particulate filter)

  Diesel

  Diesels mostly used in town can clog the particulate filter, and an interrupted clean can let fuel into the oil, raising the level and risking engine damage.

  At the viewing: Check the oil isn't above the max mark and ask what journeys it does.

  Source: What Car?: used Suzuki SX4 S-Cross (2013-2021) reliability

• Squeaks and rattles

  All engines

  Some owners complain about interior squeaks and rattles, and the plastics scratch easily.

  At the viewing: Listen on a rough road.

  Source: What Car?: used Suzuki SX4 S-Cross (2013-2021) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 Suzuki SX4 diesel

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

1. Does it get regular motorway runs?
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 4.3× as often on the 2016 Suzuki SX4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2016 Suzuki SX4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the corroded fuel pipes? (Flagged at MOT null× as often on the 2016 Suzuki SX4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?