Suzuki Grand Vitara MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 24,259 MOT tests on the Suzuki Grand Vitara carried out in 2023. 37% failed at the first attempt, which is well above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 6 in 10 Grand Vitaras passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1998 to 2015. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2013 models did best (80% passed, +12.1 points against the average for 10-year-old cars), while 1998 models fared worst (63%, −1.4 points). Tested cars had covered 89,909 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 16.3% of tests (noticeably above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 10.1% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 24,259
- First-time pass rate
- 63%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −8.8 points
- Average mileage at test
- 89,909
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Grand Vitara?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Grand Vitara 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 50 | 86% | 75% | +10.5 points | 55,270 |
| 2014 | 517 | 84% | 72% | +12.1 points | 52,473 |
| 2013 | 1,142 | 80% | 68% | +12.1 points | 61,162 |
| 2012 | 1,121 | 73% | 66% | +7.2 points | 69,781 |
| 2011 | 1,498 | 72% | 63% | +9.3 points | 77,627 |
| 2010 | 1,861 | 69% | 60% | +8.3 points | 81,044 |
| 2009 | 1,993 | 67% | 59% | +7.9 points | 87,458 |
| 2008 | 2,320 | 62% | 57% | +4.3 points | 91,909 |
| 2007 | 2,764 | 58% | 57% | +0.9 points | 94,224 |
| 2006 | 2,231 | 56% | 56% | +0.0 points | 97,415 |
| 2005 | 2,534 | 56% | 56% | −0.7 points | 95,958 |
| 2004 | 2,353 | 55% | 56% | −0.5 points | 100,333 |
| 2003 | 1,632 | 58% | 57% | +1.7 points | 101,105 |
| 2002 | 1,104 | 58% | 58% | +0.2 points | 100,708 |
| 2001 | 622 | 63% | 59% | +4.7 points | 99,746 |
| 2000 | 280 | 61% | 61% | +0.1 points | 101,884 |
| 1999 | 156 | 62% | 62% | −1.0 points | 105,409 |
| 1998 | 72 | 63% | 64% | −1.4 points | 115,724 |
Why the Suzuki Grand Vitara fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Grand Vitara | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 16.3% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 12.3% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 10.3% | 6.8% |
| Body and structure | 10.1% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 6.3% | 3.1% |
| Visibility | 5.9% | 4.8% |
| Tyres | 3.9% | 6.3% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 2.9% | 1.0% |
| Steering | 0.8% | 1.8% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.5% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working10.1%
- 2constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.9%
- 3does not clear the windscreen effectively3.6%
- 4prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.5%
- 5ball joint excessively worn3.1%
- 6excessively corroded2.9%
- 7inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.7%
- 8tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.4%
- 9has a major leak of exhaust gases2.2%
- 10excessively binding2.2%
Common Grand Vitara MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Grand Vitara, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 17.6% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 13.0% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 11.5% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 10.9% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 9.4% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 8.1% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 7.5% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 7.0% |
| corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced | Body and structure | 6.0% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 5.0% |
Tips to help your Grand Vitara pass
Based on where Grand Vitaras most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 16.3% of Grand Vitara 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.
Brakes · 10.3% of Grand Vitara tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Body and structure · 10.1% of Grand Vitara tests
Look underneath for corrosion
On older cars, check sills, subframe mounts and brake pipes for rust. Surface rust is common, but corrosion on structural or brake parts is a fail.
Compare with other models
Is the Grand Vitara ULEZ compliant? See the Suzuki Grand Vitara ULEZ check, or view all Suzuki models.
Other Suzuki models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 24,259 first MOT tests of the Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 24,259 first MOT tests of the Suzuki Grand Vitara.
What is the Suzuki Grand Vitara MOT failure rate?
In our data, 37% of 24,259 first MOT attempts on the Suzuki Grand Vitara ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Suzuki Grand Vitara fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (16.3% of tests), suspension (12.3% of tests), brakes (10.3% of tests).
Which Grand Vitara year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2013 cars performed best: 80% passed first time, +12.1 points against the average for 10-year-old cars. The weakest was 1998, at 63% (−1.4 points).
How many miles had a typical Suzuki Grand Vitara covered at its MOT?
The average was 89,909 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2015 cars averaged 55,270 miles and 1998 cars 115,724.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Suzuki Grand Vitara?
"excessively corroded" was recorded on 17.6% of tests, in the brakes area. 10.3% of Grand Vitaras failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Grand Vitara's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 24,259 Grand Vitaras in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 55% to 86% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- 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 · 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 readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
Check any Grand Vitara's MOT history
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