Large SUV · 2003–2021 cars
SsangYong Rexton reliability
The SsangYong Rexton fails 35.6% of first MOT tests, 36% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 11,468 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a SsangYong Rexton before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 35.6%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 36% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 11,468
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 8,800
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
MOT fail rate by age
How the SsangYong Rexton ages
Each point is the share of SsangYong Rextons of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | SsangYong Rexton | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 15.6% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 21.6% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 26.7% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 30.8% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 37.2% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 42.6% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 42.3% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 46% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 48.6% | 34.6% |
| 12 | 42.6% | 37.3% |
| 13 | 47.8% | 39.5% |
| 14 | 46.5% | 41.1% |
| 15 | 42.2% | 42.3% |
| 16 | 53.1% | 42.9% |
| 17 | 48.7% | 43.4% |
| 18 | 48.7% | 43.5% |
By year
The best and worst SsangYong Rexton years
2018 cars come out best and 2016 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 410 | 13.2% | 1% more fails | 33,157 |
| 2019 | 940 | 16.8% | 20% more fails | 34,244 |
| 2018 Rexton | 1,228 | 21.2% | 32% more fails | 42,671 |
| 2017 Rexton | 1,581 | 29.9% | 64% more fails | 48,449 |
| 2016 Rexton | 1,284 | 37% | 74% more fails | 56,300 |
| 2015 Rexton | 1,351 | 39.7% | 60% more fails | 65,733 |
| 2014 Rexton | 1,267 | 44.8% | 60% more fails | 73,876 |
| 2012 | 374 | 48.9% | 46% more fails | 83,295 |
| 2009 | 607 | 47.6% | 15% more fails | 101,045 |
| 2008 | 266 | 43.2% | 1% fewer fails | 112,745 |
| 2007 | 296 | 49.7% | 15% more fails | 98,897 |
| 2006 | 357 | 47.6% | 10% more fails | 107,571 |
| 2005 | 600 | 47% | 7% more fails | 101,392 |
| 2004 | 355 | 50.7% | 22% more fails | 98,241 |
Common problems
What fails most on a SsangYong Rexton
Its weak spot is steering: 348% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics15.8%61% above avg
- Brakes14%130% above avg
- Suspension14%85% above avg
- Steering7.1%348% above avg
- Body, chassis and structure5%71% above avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.6%4% above avg
- Tyres3.9%38% below avg
- Seat belts and airbags2.7%198% above avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.9%31% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 5.05% of tests
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
- 2
Coil spring fractured or broken 4.22% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 3
Rear fog lamp not working 4.1% of tests
A failed rear fog lamp reduces visibility in fog and leaves you less visible to following traffic, so repair it.
- 4
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 3.39% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 5
Parking brake inoperative on one side 2.87% of tests
The parking brake does not work on one side, so the car may not hold on a slope and needs repair.
- 6
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.83% of tests
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
- 7
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 2.68% of tests
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
- 8
Ball joint dust cover no longer sealed 2.56% of tests
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the joint, speeding wear, so the joint may need replacing later.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a SsangYong Rexton's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit12.65%
- Brake pads wearing thin10.64%
- Brake pipes corroded and greasy8.64%
- Brake disc pitted or scored6.78%
- Track rod ball joint slight play4%
- Chassis corroded but still rigid3.53%
Before you buy
What to check on a used SsangYong Rexton
- 1
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
- 2
Coil spring fractured or broken
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 3
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.
- 4
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 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 SsangYong Rexton covers about 8,800 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
- Diesel99.8%
- Petrol0.2%
- LPG0%
- Other0%
Most common colours
Black, Silver, Grey, Blue, White
Average engine size: 2.3 litres.
Compare
How the SsangYong Rexton compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Bentley Bentayga | 4.2% | 73% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Audi Q8 | 7.5% | 51% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mercedes-Benz GL-Class | 17.8% | 46% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 13.7% | 39% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mercedes-Benz GLS | 11.1% | 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mercedes-Benz R-Class | 27.2% | 34% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| SsangYong Rexton | 35.6% | 36% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every large suv ranked in the large suv reliability index, or all SsangYong models.
Questions
SsangYong Rexton questions, answered
Is the SsangYong Rexton reliable?
On MOT results, the SsangYong Rexton is well below average: it fails 35.6% of first MOT tests, 36% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 30 of 30 large suv models in our index.
What fails most on a SsangYong Rexton MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the SsangYong Rexton are track rod end ball joint excessively worn (5.05% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (4.22% of tests), rear fog lamp not working (4.1% of tests). By area, lights and electrics fails 15.8% of its tests.
Which SsangYong Rexton year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2018 cars do best (32% more MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2016 cars do worst (74% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a SsangYong Rexton do a year?
A typical SsangYong Rexton covers about 8,800 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 SsangYong Rexton 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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