2018 Suzuki SX4 diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Suzuki SX4 first registered in 2018 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 361 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 361 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2018 Suzuki SX4 diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2018 Suzuki SX4 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres30% 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.
- Brakes23% 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 electrics7% 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 mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Suspension3% 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.
- Seats and seatbelts3% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Known faults on the 2018 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
Diesel in the oil (particulate filter)
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
- All engines
Squeaks and rattles
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 2018 Suzuki SX4 diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Does it get regular motorway runs?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Suzuki SX4?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Suzuki SX4 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 273 | Tyres 18% |
| 2022 | 2,763 | Tyres 15% |
| 2021 | 3,424 | Tyres 18% |
| 2020 | 2,696 | Tyres 20% |
| 2019 | 6,041 | Tyres 23% |
| 2017 | 9,612 | Tyres 27% |
| 2016 | 10,093 | Tyres 29% |
| 2015 | 11,194 | Tyres 30% |
| 2014 | 19,136 | Brakes 32% |
| 2013 | 9,933 | Brakes 36% |
| 2012 | 5,827 | Suspension 48% |
| 2011 | 6,671 | Suspension 50% |
| 2010 | 6,077 | Suspension 52% |
| 2009 | 5,778 | Suspension 55% |
| 2008 | 7,373 | Suspension 56% |
| 2007 | 6,942 | Suspension 54% |
| 2006 | 2,776 | Suspension 53% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Suzuki SX4 cars first registered in 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score