Pickup · 2003–2021 cars
Isuzu D-Max reliability
The Isuzu D-Max fails 28.2% of first MOT tests, 18% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 106,423 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Isuzu D-Max before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 28.2%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 18% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 106,423
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 10,900
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
MOT fail rate by age
How the Isuzu D-Max ages
Each point is the share of Isuzu D-Maxs of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Isuzu D-Max | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 18.7% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 20.5% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 25.3% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 28% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 30.7% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 31.8% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 33.9% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 35.6% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 35.2% | 34.6% |
| 12 | 37.1% | 37.3% |
By year
The best and worst Isuzu D-Max years
2012 cars come out best and 2018 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 D-Max | 1,468 | 15.8% | 12% more fails | 36,643 |
| 2020 D-Max | 4,556 | 18.2% | 21% more fails | 40,581 |
| 2019 D-Max | 10,943 | 20.7% | 28% more fails | 46,557 |
| 2018 D-Max | 13,627 | 23.3% | 31% more fails | 53,661 |
| 2017 D-Max | 15,376 | 26.1% | 27% more fails | 63,426 |
| 2016 D-Max | 15,384 | 29.8% | 27% more fails | 72,479 |
| 2015 D-Max | 16,779 | 30% | 12% more fails | 80,830 |
| 2014 D-Max | 14,004 | 34% | 14% more fails | 89,962 |
| 2013 D-Max | 9,787 | 35.7% | 9% more fails | 95,373 |
| 2012 D-Max | 4,375 | 35.9% | 1% more fails | 103,106 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Isuzu D-Max
Its weak spot is body, chassis and structure: 179% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics12.8%56% above avg
- Suspension9.8%66% above avg
- Brakes8.5%70% above avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.1%31% above avg
- Body, chassis and structure5%179% above avg
- Tyres3.5%46% below avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.9%35% above avg
- Seat belts and airbags0.9%61% above avg
- Steering0.8%36% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Shock absorber bush excessively worn 3.75% of tests
Worn shock absorber bushes cause knocking and poor ride control, and they tend to worsen, so they need replacing.
- 2
Rear fog lamp not working 3.66% of tests
A failed rear fog lamp reduces visibility in fog and leaves you less visible to following traffic, so repair it.
- 3
Exhaust has major gas leak 2.87% of tests
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
- 4
Position lamp not working 2.85% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 5
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.64% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 6
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.72% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 7
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 1.64% of tests
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
- 8
Wheel bearing has excessive play 1.63% of tests
A worn wheel bearing can fail, causing noise, tyre wear or a loose wheel, so it needs urgent repair.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Isuzu D-Max's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit11.5%
- Wheel bearing slight play11.37%
- Brake pipes corroded and greasy8.15%
- Shock absorber bush slightly worn5.26%
- Brake pads wearing thin4.72%
- Brake disc pitted or scored4.63%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Isuzu D-Max
- 1
Shock absorber bush excessively worn
Worn shock absorber bushes cause knocking and poor ride control, and they tend to worsen, so they need replacing.
- 2
Rear fog lamp not working
A failed rear fog lamp reduces visibility in fog and leaves you less visible to following traffic, so repair it.
- 3
Exhaust has major gas leak
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
- 4
Position lamp not working
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Isuzu D-Max covers about 10,900 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Diesel100%
- Petrol0%
Most common colours
White, Black, Silver, Grey, Red
Average engine size: 2.3 litres.
Compare
How the Isuzu D-Max compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Amarok | 21.1% | 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mitsubishi L200 | 31.2% | about average for its age |
| Toyota Hilux | 31.5% | 4% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Isuzu Rodeo | 44.1% | 4% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Ford Ranger | 27.6% | 5% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Nissan Navara | 31.6% | 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Isuzu D-Max | 28.2% | 18% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every pickup ranked in the pickup reliability index, or all Isuzu models.
Questions
Isuzu D-Max questions, answered
Is the Isuzu D-Max reliable?
On MOT results, the Isuzu D-Max is below average: it fails 28.2% of first MOT tests, 18% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 12 of 13 pickup models in our index.
What fails most on a Isuzu D-Max MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Isuzu D-Max are shock absorber bush excessively worn (3.75% of tests), rear fog lamp not working (3.66% of tests), exhaust has major gas leak (2.87% of tests). By area, lights and electrics fails 12.8% of its tests.
Which Isuzu D-Max year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2012 cars do best (about average for its age) and 2018 cars do worst (31% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Isuzu D-Max do a year?
A typical Isuzu D-Max covers about 10,900 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Isuzu D-Max before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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