Suzuki Swift MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 133,153 MOT tests on the Suzuki Swift carried out in 2023. 28% failed at the first attempt, which is roughly in line with the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Swifts passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1999 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2003 models did best (63% passed, +6.1 points against the average for 20-year-old cars), while 2000 models fared worst (52%, −8.9 points). Tested cars had covered 58,500 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 11.9% of tests (roughly in line with the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 8.0% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 133,153
- First-time pass rate
- 72%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +0.4 points
- Average mileage at test
- 58,500
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Swift?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Swift 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 239 | 95% | 91% | +4.5 points | 19,764 |
| 2020 | 8,162 | 92% | 88% | +4.6 points | 18,991 |
| 2019 | 11,138 | 89% | 86% | +2.4 points | 25,179 |
| 2018 | 10,204 | 85% | 84% | +1.3 points | 32,506 |
| 2017 | 8,082 | 83% | 82% | +1.5 points | 37,994 |
| 2016 | 10,518 | 80% | 79% | +1.5 points | 45,368 |
| 2015 | 12,461 | 79% | 75% | +3.4 points | 51,780 |
| 2014 | 10,117 | 76% | 72% | +3.9 points | 57,377 |
| 2013 | 8,831 | 71% | 68% | +2.8 points | 64,703 |
| 2012 | 9,218 | 68% | 66% | +2.2 points | 72,440 |
| 2011 | 6,477 | 65% | 63% | +1.8 points | 77,535 |
| 2010 | 6,435 | 58% | 60% | −2.5 points | 79,709 |
| 2009 | 7,615 | 54% | 59% | −5.1 points | 82,750 |
| 2008 | 8,262 | 51% | 57% | −6.3 points | 89,054 |
| 2007 | 8,235 | 52% | 57% | −5.0 points | 90,304 |
| 2006 | 4,826 | 49% | 56% | −7.2 points | 94,221 |
| 2005 | 1,619 | 49% | 56% | −6.8 points | 94,381 |
| 2003 | 102 | 63% | 57% | +6.1 points | 52,095 |
| 2002 | 247 | 62% | 58% | +4.0 points | 51,470 |
| 2001 | 118 | 51% | 59% | −7.8 points | 54,146 |
| 2000 | 58 | 52% | 61% | −8.9 points | 50,981 |
| 1999 | 50 | 56% | 62% | −6.5 points | 56,139 |
Why the Suzuki Swift fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Swift | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 11.9% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 9.3% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 8.8% | 8.9% |
| Visibility | 5.7% | 4.8% |
| Tyres | 5.3% | 6.3% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.0% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 1.9% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.6% | 1.0% |
| Steering | 0.5% | 1.8% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.2% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working8.0%
- 2does not clear the windscreen effectively3.4%
- 3ball joint excessively worn3.0%
- 4tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.3%
- 5excessively corroded2.3%
- 6efficiency below requirements2.2%
- 7excessively binding1.8%
- 8pin or bush excessively worn1.8%
- 9fractured or broken1.8%
- 10ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.6%
Common Swift MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Swift, 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 | 12.9% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 12.5% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 12.2% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 7.6% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 7.1% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 5.4% |
| excessively binding | Brakes | 3.2% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 3.1% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 2.6% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.3% |
Tips to help your Swift pass
Based on where Swifts most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 11.9% of Swift 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 · 9.3% of Swift 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.
Visibility · 5.7% of Swift 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 Swift ULEZ compliant? See the Suzuki Swift ULEZ check, or view all Suzuki models.
Other Suzuki models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 133,153 first MOT tests of the Suzuki Swift 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 133,153 first MOT tests of the Suzuki Swift.
What is the Suzuki Swift MOT failure rate?
In our data, 28% of 133,153 first MOT attempts on the Suzuki Swift ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Suzuki Swift fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (11.9% of tests), brakes (9.3% of tests), suspension (8.8% of tests).
Which Swift year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2003 cars performed best: 63% passed first time, +6.1 points against the average for 20-year-old cars. The weakest was 2000, at 52% (−8.9 points).
How many miles had a typical Suzuki Swift covered at its MOT?
The average was 58,500 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 19,764 miles and 1999 cars 56,139.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Suzuki Swift?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 12.9% of tests, in the tyres area. 5.3% of Swifts failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Swift's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 133,153 Swifts in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 49% to 95% 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 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 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
Check any Swift's MOT history
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