Suzuki Baleno MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 6,845 MOT tests on the Suzuki Baleno carried out in 2023. 23% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 Balenos passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2016 to 2019. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2019 models did best (87% passed, +0.8 points against the average for 4-year-old cars), while 2018 models fared worst (78%, −6.6 points). Tested cars had covered 38,851 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 9.3% of tests (roughly in line with the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt", on 8.0% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 6,845
- First-time pass rate
- 77%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +5.9 points
- Average mileage at test
- 38,851
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Baleno?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Baleno MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1,081 | 87% | 86% | +0.8 points | 24,687 |
| 2018 | 1,460 | 78% | 84% | −6.6 points | 32,974 |
| 2017 | 2,249 | 75% | 82% | −6.5 points | 41,213 |
| 2016 | 1,924 | 76% | 79% | −3.1 points | 45,803 |
Why the Suzuki Baleno fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Baleno | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 9.3% | 8.9% |
| Visibility | 5.5% | 4.8% |
| Tyres | 5.0% | 6.3% |
| Lights and electrics | 4.7% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 4.5% | 6.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.5% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 0.5% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.3% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.2% | 0.4% |
| Steering | 0.2% | 1.8% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt8.0%
- 2does not clear the windscreen effectively3.3%
- 3tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.7%
- 4not working2.2%
- 5provides insufficient washer liquid1.5%
- 6malfunctioning or obviously inoperative1.3%
- 7excessively corroded1.2%
- 8less than 1.5 mm thick1.0%
- 9not working0.8%
- 10efficiency below requirements0.8%
Common Baleno MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Baleno, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 14.3% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 8.3% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 7.3% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 6.6% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 6.3% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 5.7% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 2.7% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 2.2% |
| excessively binding | Brakes | 1.9% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 1.8% |
Tips to help your Baleno pass
Based on where Balenos most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Visibility · 5.5% of Baleno tests
Clear the view
Replace wiper blades that smear, fill the washer bottle and get chips in the windscreen repaired early, especially in the area directly in front of the driver.
Lights and electrics · 4.7% of Baleno tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Compare with other models
Is the Baleno ULEZ compliant? See the Suzuki Baleno ULEZ check, or view all Suzuki models.
Other Suzuki models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 6,845 first MOT tests of the Suzuki Baleno carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 6,845 first MOT tests of the Suzuki Baleno.
What is the Suzuki Baleno MOT failure rate?
In our data, 23% of 6,845 first MOT attempts on the Suzuki Baleno ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Suzuki Baleno fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (9.3% of tests), visibility (5.5% of tests), tyres (5.0% of tests).
Which Baleno year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2019 cars performed best: 87% passed first time, +0.8 points against the average for 4-year-old cars. The weakest was 2018, at 78% (−6.6 points).
How many miles had a typical Suzuki Baleno covered at its MOT?
The average was 38,851 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2019 cars averaged 24,687 miles and 2016 cars 45,803.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Suzuki Baleno?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 14.3% of tests, in the tyres area. 5.0% of Balenos failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Baleno's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 6,845 Balenos in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 75% to 87% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
Check any Baleno's MOT history
Every test, failure, advisory and recorded mileage for a specific car. Free, from official DVSA data.