Suzuki Vitara: what fails at MOT
93,000 MOT tests on the Suzuki Vitara in 2024, counted. 13.9% failed at the first attempt.
The short answer
13.7% of Suzuki Vitara tests failed at the first attempt. Cars of the same ages averaged 16.4%, so the Vitara is about average for its age.
It fails most often on lights and electrics (3.8% of tests), tyres (3.1% of tests) and brakes (2.1% of tests).
By year of registration
Older cars fail more, whatever the model. So each year is shown beside the figure for all cars first used that year.
| First used | Tests | Failed first time | All cars that year | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 10,085 | 7.2% | 10.9% | 20,500 13,800 to 28,400 |
| 2020 | 7,836 | 7.8% | 11.5% | 25,900 18,300 to 35,100 |
| 2019 | 18,072 | 9.9% | 13.4% | 32,200 23,300 to 42,800 |
| 2018 | 17,193 | 14.6% | 15.6% | 41,200 30,200 to 53,500 |
| 2017 | 16,182 | 16.9% | 18.2% | 48,600 36,500 to 63,300 |
| 2016 | 15,246 | 18.3% | 21.3% | 56,500 42,200 to 73,000 |
| 2015 | 7,681 | 19.2% | 24.4% | 63,600 47,400 to 80,700 |
Green is at least three points better than other cars that year, red at least three points worse. Typical mileage is the middle reading at the test, with the range the middle half of cars fell in.
Where it fails
The share of Suzuki Vitara tests with at least one failure in each part of the MOT, beside what cars of the same ages average.
| Part of the test | Vitara | Cars its age |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 3.8% | 3.1% |
| Tyres | 3.1% | 3.6% |
| Brakes | 2.1% | 2.2% |
| Wipers, washers and windscreen | 2.1% | 2.1% |
| Suspension Less than most | 0.6% | 2.0% |
The parts that fail most
- Tyre tread2.1%
- Wipers1.5%
- Side light1.4%
- Brake light1.3%
- Brake pads1.1%
- Tyre1.0%
- Headlamp aim0.8%
- Washers0.6%
- Footbrake0.5%
- Tyre pressure warning system0.3%
Share of tests with a failure on that part.
The most common failures
- Tyre tread: below requirements of 1.6mm2.1%
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.5%
- Side light: not working1.4%
- Brake light: not working1.3%
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.0%
- Tyre: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords0.5%
- Headlamp aim: too high0.5%
- Footbrake: excessively binding0.4%
- Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.4%
- Tyre pressure warning system: malfunctioning or obviously inoperative0.3%
What testers warn about
Advisories are things that passed this time but are wearing. They are the best guide to next year's bills.
- Tyre tread: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge12.0%
- Brake pads: wearing thin5.6%
- Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened3.6%
- Tyre: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing3.1%
- Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt2.0%
- Footbrake: binding but not excessively1.7%
- Brake discs: worn, but not excessively1.5%
- Nail in tyre1.3%
What these figures can't tell you
An MOT is a safety and emissions test. These figures show how often the model fails that test. They say nothing about engines, gearboxes or electronics that break between tests, and how a car has been looked after matters more than its badge. The car you are looking at has its own MOT record, and that is the one to read.
Ask before you travel
- “Do all the lights work, including the number plate lights and brake lights?”
- “How much tread is left on each tyre, and how old are they?”
- “When were the brake pads and discs last changed?”
- “Do the wipers and washers work properly, and is the windscreen chipped or cracked?”
Check a Suzuki Vitara's own MOT record
Looking at a Vitara? Type its registration to see every test that car has had, what it failed on and what it was warned about, free.
Where this comes from
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2024, published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. The counting is Hindsight's own.
First-attempt MOT tests of cars first used 2004 to 2021. A test counts as failed if it failed or only passed after a repair during the test. Retests are left out. Built on 13 November 2026.