Suzuki Vitara MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 60,897 MOT tests on the Suzuki Vitara carried out in 2023. 15% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 9 in 10 Vitaras passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1993 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2008 models did best (69% passed, +11.9 points against the average for 15-year-old cars), while 1995 models fared worst (57%, −9.8 points). Tested cars had covered 40,772 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 5.3% of tests (noticeably below the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 3.6% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 60,897
- First-time pass rate
- 85%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +13.9 points
- Average mileage at test
- 40,772
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Vitara?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 255 | 92% | 91% | +0.9 points | 21,022 |
| 2020 | 5,406 | 93% | 88% | +5.0 points | 21,198 |
| 2019 | 12,956 | 90% | 86% | +3.6 points | 27,507 |
| 2018 | 12,189 | 86% | 84% | +2.0 points | 35,465 |
| 2017 | 11,495 | 83% | 82% | +1.5 points | 43,809 |
| 2016 | 11,076 | 84% | 79% | +5.0 points | 52,032 |
| 2015 | 5,585 | 83% | 75% | +7.1 points | 58,649 |
| 2009 | 50 | 66% | 59% | +7.0 points | 91,951 |
| 2008 | 65 | 69% | 57% | +11.9 points | 93,051 |
| 2007 | 52 | 63% | 57% | +6.5 points | 95,596 |
| 2005 | 89 | 53% | 56% | −3.4 points | 99,073 |
| 2004 | 115 | 55% | 56% | −1.2 points | 102,295 |
| 2003 | 76 | 55% | 57% | −1.4 points | 96,979 |
| 2002 | 104 | 50% | 58% | −7.5 points | 98,216 |
| 2001 | 57 | 58% | 59% | −0.8 points | 97,679 |
| 2000 | 137 | 55% | 61% | −5.8 points | 87,609 |
| 1999 | 222 | 54% | 62% | −8.4 points | 86,498 |
| 1998 | 195 | 61% | 64% | −2.9 points | 93,955 |
| 1997 | 111 | 64% | 64% | −0.5 points | 82,530 |
| 1996 | 115 | 62% | 65% | −3.5 points | 87,260 |
| 1995 | 127 | 57% | 66% | −9.8 points | 85,211 |
| 1994 | 114 | 60% | 66% | −6.7 points | 69,373 |
| 1993 | 70 | 60% | 67% | −6.8 points | 54,357 |
Why the Suzuki Vitara fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Vitara | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 5.3% | 11.3% |
| Tyres | 4.4% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 3.5% | 4.8% |
| Brakes | 3.0% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 0.9% | 8.9% |
| Body and structure | 0.7% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.6% | 3.1% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.3% | 1.0% |
| Steering | 0.2% | 1.8% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.2% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working3.6%
- 2tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.0%
- 3does not clear the windscreen effectively2.5%
- 4less than 1.5 mm thick1.4%
- 5too high0.8%
- 6provides insufficient washer liquid0.7%
- 7has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords0.6%
- 8excessively binding0.5%
- 9malfunctioning or obviously inoperative0.4%
- 10too low0.4%
Common Vitara MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Vitara, 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 | 15.3% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 7.9% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 5.1% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 3.6% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 2.9% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.0% |
| excessively binding | Brakes | 2.0% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 1.8% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 1.8% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 1.7% |
Tips to help your Vitara pass
Based on where Vitaras most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 5.3% of 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.
Visibility · 3.5% of Vitara 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.
Brakes · 3.0% of 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.
Compare with other models
Is the Vitara ULEZ compliant? See the Suzuki Vitara ULEZ check, or view all Suzuki models.
Other Suzuki models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 60,897 first MOT tests of the Suzuki 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 60,897 first MOT tests of the Suzuki Vitara.
What is the Suzuki Vitara MOT failure rate?
In our data, 15% of 60,897 first MOT attempts on the Suzuki Vitara ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Suzuki Vitara fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (5.3% of tests), tyres (4.4% of tests), visibility (3.5% of tests).
Which Vitara year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2008 cars performed best: 69% passed first time, +11.9 points against the average for 15-year-old cars. The weakest was 1995, at 57% (−9.8 points).
How many miles had a typical Suzuki Vitara covered at its MOT?
The average was 40,772 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 21,022 miles and 1993 cars 54,357.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Suzuki Vitara?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 15.3% of tests, in the tyres area. 4.4% of Vitaras failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Vitara's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 60,897 Vitaras in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 50% to 93% 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 · 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
- 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 Vitara's MOT history
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