City car · 1997–2021 cars

Suzuki Alto reliability

The Suzuki Alto fails 33.4% of first MOT tests, 20% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 165,485 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.

Below averageReliability score 32/100#28 of 43 city cars

Checking a Suzuki Alto before you buy?

first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%): 33.4%; first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
fails than cars of the same age and mileage: 20% more; fails than cars of the same age and mileage
MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024: 165,485; MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
typical miles a year, from MOT readings: 5,300; typical miles a year, from MOT readings

What this means for buyers

The Suzuki Alto is below average for MOT results. Its first-time fail rate is 33.4%, against 28.4% for all cars. It has 20% more MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage, ranking 28 of 43 city car models. Its weakest area is windscreen, wipers and mirrors, with 71% more fails than comparable cars. 2011 models did best, at 7% more fails than comparable cars, while 2006 was weakest, at 53% more.

A weaker record doesn't rule out an Alto, but it does mean you should check the car properly. Ask the seller for the MOT history first, to see what has failed before and whether it was fixed. Then check the lights, especially stop lamps and position lamps, which are among the most common fails. Make sure the wipers clear the windscreen. Finally, look underneath for corroded rigid brake pipes.

MOT fail rate by age

How the Suzuki Alto ages

Each point is the share of Suzuki Altos of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.

Suzuki AltoAll cars

Suzuki Alto first-time MOT fail rate by age
Age at MOT (years)	Suzuki Alto	All cars
6	21.4%	19.1%
7	25.2%	22.1%
8	27.4%	25.5%
9	28.9%	28.8%
10	31.4%	31.8%
11	34.5%	34.6%
12	35.2%	37.3%
13	37%	39.5%
14	39.2%	41.1%
15	41.7%	42.3%
16	52.4%	42.9%
17	53%	43.4%
18	53%	43.5%
19	50.6%	43.4%
20	53.8%	42.8%
21	56.5%	41.4%

By year

The best and worst Suzuki Alto years

2011 cars come out best and 2006 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.

Suzuki Alto MOT results by year of first registration
First registered	Tests	Fail rate	Against same-age cars	Typical mileage
2015 Alto	6,157	26.1%	31% more fails	39,820
2014 Alto	42,545	28.3%	27% more fails	43,959
2013 Alto	39,371	30.5%	19% more fails	50,429
2012 Alto	15,647	33%	16% more fails	55,505
2011 Alto	15,455	33.6%	7% more fails	61,308
2010 Alto	15,288	37.3%	11% more fails	64,341
2009 Alto	18,334	37.7%	8% more fails	65,489
2006 Alto	2,576	52.9%	53% more fails	53,917
2005 Alto	4,313	52.2%	49% more fails	54,725
2004 Alto	3,684	52.2%	48% more fails	54,464
2003 Alto	1,670	53.7%	52% more fails	53,848

Common problems

What fails most on a Suzuki Alto

Its weak spot is windscreen, wipers and mirrors: 71% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.

Fail rate by area

Lights and electrics15.8%50% above avg
Brakes8.6%43% above avg
Suspension8.3%7% below avg
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.7%71% above avg
Tyres6.5%17% above avg
Body, chassis and structure4%36% above avg
Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.4%4% below avg
Seat belts and airbags1.1%52% above avg
Steering0.7%60% below avg

Average for cars of the same age and mileage

Top MOT failures

1
Stop lamp not working 5.44% of tests
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
2
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.2% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
3
Position lamp not working 3.93% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
4
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 2.9% of tests
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
5
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.69% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
6
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.98% of tests
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
7
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 1.63% of tests
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
8
Horn not working 1.57% of tests
A non-working horn removes a key warning tool for other road users, so it must be repaired before driving.

Most common advisories

Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Suzuki Alto's MOT certificate most often.

Tyre worn close to legal limit15.28%
Brake pipes corroded and greasy15.11%
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear12.56%
Tyre slightly damaged or cracking10.61%
Coil spring showing some corrosion9.3%
Brake disc pitted or scored5.82%

Before you buy

What to check on a used Suzuki Alto

1
Stop lamp not working
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
2
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
3
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.
4
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
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 Suzuki Alto covers about 5,300 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

Petrol100%
Diesel0%
LPG0%

Most common colours

White, Red, Blue, Silver, Black

Average engine size: 1.0 litres.

Compare

How the Suzuki Alto compares with its rivals

Suzuki Alto against similar models
Model	Fail rate	Against same-age cars
Skoda Citigo	18.8%	5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Vauxhall Viva	15.6%	about average for its age
Peugeot 108	17.3%	3% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Smart Fortwo	20.8%	7% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Vauxhall Agila	37.4%	18% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Suzuki Alto	33.4%	20% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Vauxhall Adam	27.2%	32% more MOT fails than the average car its age

Every city car ranked in the city car reliability index, or all Suzuki models.

Questions

Suzuki Alto questions, answered

Is the Suzuki Alto reliable?

On MOT results, the Suzuki Alto is below average: it fails 33.4% of first MOT tests, 20% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 28 of 43 city car models in our index.

What fails most on a Suzuki Alto MOT?

The most common MOT failures on the Suzuki Alto are stop lamp not working (5.44% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (4.2% of tests), position lamp not working (3.93% of tests). By area, lights and electrics fails 15.8% of its tests.

Which Suzuki Alto year is the most reliable?

Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2011 cars do best (7% more MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2006 cars do worst (53% more MOT fails than the average car its age).

How many miles does a Suzuki Alto do a year?

A typical Suzuki Alto covers about 5,300 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 Suzuki Alto 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.

Found a Suzuki Alto? Check it free.

MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.