Small car · 2006–2015 cars
Suzuki Splash reliability
The Suzuki Splash fails 35.4% of first MOT tests, 23% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 56,063 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Suzuki Splash before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 35.4%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 23% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 56,063
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 4,900
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
MOT fail rate by age
How the Suzuki Splash ages
Each point is the share of Suzuki Splashs of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Suzuki Splash | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 19.2% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 24.2% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 28.2% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 31.5% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 36.3% | 34.6% |
| 12 | 40.5% | 37.3% |
| 13 | 44.9% | 39.5% |
| 14 | 44.6% | 41.1% |
| 15 | 46.1% | 42.3% |
| 16 | 52.9% | 42.9% |
By year
The best and worst Suzuki Splash years
2014 cars come out best and 2011 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Splash | 9,596 | 25.4% | 18% more fails | 40,778 |
| 2013 Splash | 10,941 | 29.4% | 19% more fails | 47,466 |
| 2012 Splash | 11,672 | 32.7% | 20% more fails | 51,348 |
| 2011 Splash | 4,754 | 39.9% | 32% more fails | 56,448 |
| 2010 Splash | 4,619 | 42.3% | 29% more fails | 60,506 |
| 2009 Splash | 8,398 | 44.6% | 27% more fails | 64,714 |
| 2008 Splash | 5,903 | 46.8% | 25% more fails | 71,618 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Suzuki Splash
Its weak spot is brakes: 106% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Suspension18.5%96% above avg
- Brakes12.8%106% above avg
- Lights and electrics10.2%8% below avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.2%34% above avg
- Tyres4.9%14% below avg
- Body, chassis and structure2.5%19% below avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.1%21% below avg
- Seat belts and airbags0.6%19% below avg
- Steering0.5%71% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 5.21% of tests
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
- 2
Coil spring fractured or broken 5.07% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 3
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.87% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 4
Position lamp not working 2.95% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 5
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 2.86% of tests
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
- 6
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.82% of tests
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
- 7
Service brake excessively binding 2.74% of tests
A brake that drags when released can overheat, wear quickly and waste fuel, so it needs prompt inspection.
- 8
Stop lamp not working 2.21% of tests
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Suzuki Splash's MOT certificate most often.
- Brake pipes corroded and greasy16.41%
- Tyre worn close to legal limit12.89%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking11.93%
- Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear8.84%
- Brake disc pitted or scored5.39%
- Brake pads wearing thin3.66%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Suzuki Splash
- 1
Suspension ball joint excessively worn
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
- 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
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 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 Suzuki Splash covers about 4,900 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
- Petrol97.1%
- Diesel2.9%
Most common colours
White, Red, Black, Grey, Turquoise
Average engine size: 1.1 litres.
Compare
How the Suzuki Splash compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| BMW i3 | 11.7% | 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Skoda Roomster | 33.2% | about average for its age |
| Nissan Almera | 44.5% | 8% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Suzuki Splash | 35.4% | 23% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Renault Modus | 49.6% | 32% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Dacia Logan | 28.7% | 35% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| MG 3 | 23.4% | 44% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every small car ranked in the small car reliability index, or all Suzuki models.
Questions
Suzuki Splash questions, answered
Is the Suzuki Splash reliable?
On MOT results, the Suzuki Splash is below average: it fails 35.4% of first MOT tests, 23% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 42 of 63 small car models in our index.
What fails most on a Suzuki Splash MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Suzuki Splash are suspension ball joint excessively worn (5.21% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (5.07% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (3.87% of tests). By area, suspension fails 18.5% of its tests.
Which Suzuki Splash year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2014 cars do best (18% more MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2011 cars do worst (32% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Suzuki Splash do a year?
A typical Suzuki Splash covers about 4,900 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 Suzuki Splash 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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