Suzuki Splash MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 18,128 MOT tests on the Suzuki Splash carried out in 2023. 36% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 6 in 10 Splashes passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2008 to 2015. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2014 models did best (75% passed, +3.3 points against the average for 9-year-old cars), while 2008 models fared worst (52%, −4.9 points). Tested cars had covered 57,392 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 18.7% of tests (well above the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "ball joint excessively worn", on 7.1% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 18,128
- First-time pass rate
- 64%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −7.0 points
- Average mileage at test
- 57,392
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Splash?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Splash 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 | 58 | 76% | 75% | +0.4 points | 33,936 |
| 2014 | 3,103 | 75% | 72% | +3.3 points | 44,574 |
| 2013 | 3,467 | 71% | 68% | +2.5 points | 50,678 |
| 2012 | 3,783 | 68% | 66% | +2.0 points | 55,614 |
| 2011 | 1,562 | 61% | 63% | −2.0 points | 59,907 |
| 2010 | 1,487 | 56% | 60% | −4.6 points | 62,641 |
| 2009 | 2,717 | 55% | 59% | −3.9 points | 67,389 |
| 2008 | 1,951 | 52% | 57% | −4.9 points | 73,921 |
Why the Suzuki Splash fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Splash | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 18.7% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 12.9% | 6.8% |
| Lights and electrics | 10.2% | 11.3% |
| Visibility | 5.9% | 4.8% |
| Tyres | 4.5% | 6.3% |
| Body and structure | 2.5% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.1% | 3.1% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.6% | 1.0% |
| Steering | 0.5% | 1.8% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.3% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1ball joint excessively worn7.1%
- 2fractured or broken6.0%
- 3not working5.8%
- 4does not clear the windscreen effectively3.9%
- 5excessively binding3.7%
- 6efficiency below requirements3.3%
- 7excessively corroded3.2%
- 8pin or bush excessively worn2.7%
- 9ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.6%
- 10tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.2%
Common Splash MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Splash, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 18.1% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 13.7% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 12.8% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 12.5% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 6.0% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 4.9% |
| excessively binding | Brakes | 4.4% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 4.0% |
| ferrule excessively corroded | Brakes | 3.0% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 2.8% |
Tips to help your Splash pass
Based on where Splashes most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Brakes · 12.9% of Splash 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.
Lights and electrics · 10.2% of Splash 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.
Visibility · 5.9% of Splash 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.
Compare with other models
Is the Splash ULEZ compliant? See the Suzuki Splash ULEZ check, or view all Suzuki models.
Other Suzuki models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 18,128 first MOT tests of the Suzuki Splash 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 18,128 first MOT tests of the Suzuki Splash.
What is the Suzuki Splash MOT failure rate?
In our data, 36% of 18,128 first MOT attempts on the Suzuki Splash ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Suzuki Splash fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (18.7% of tests), brakes (12.9% of tests), lights and electrics (10.2% of tests).
Which Splash year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2014 cars performed best: 75% passed first time, +3.3 points against the average for 9-year-old cars. The weakest was 2008, at 52% (−4.9 points).
How many miles had a typical Suzuki Splash covered at its MOT?
The average was 57,392 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2015 cars averaged 33,936 miles and 2008 cars 73,921.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Suzuki Splash?
"excessively corroded" was recorded on 18.1% of tests, in the brakes area. 12.9% of Splashes failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Splash's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 18,128 Splashes in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 52% to 76% 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 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
- 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
Check any Splash's MOT history
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