Family hatchback · 1997–2021 cars

Suzuki SX4 reliability

The Suzuki SX4 fails 28.8% of first MOT tests, 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 122,727 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.

About averageReliability score 45/100#35 of 65 family hatchbacks

Checking a Suzuki SX4 before you buy?

first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%): 28.8%; first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
fails than cars of the same age and mileage: 6% more; fails than cars of the same age and mileage
MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024: 122,727; MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
typical miles a year, from MOT readings: 7,100; typical miles a year, from MOT readings

MOT fail rate by age

How the Suzuki SX4 ages

Each point is the share of Suzuki SX4s of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.

Suzuki SX4All cars

Suzuki SX4 first-time MOT fail rate by age
Age at MOT (years)	Suzuki SX4	All cars
3	9.4%	12.3%
4	11.9%	14.1%
5	13.3%	16.4%
6	15.6%	19.1%
7	18.5%	22.1%
8	22.4%	25.5%
9	27.9%	28.8%
10	34.2%	31.8%
11	41.1%	34.6%
12	43%	37.3%
13	45.7%	39.5%
14	46.2%	41.1%
15	47.5%	42.3%
16	49%	42.9%
17	50.5%	43.4%
18	54.4%	43.5%

By year

The best and worst Suzuki SX4 years

2020 cars come out best and 2012 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.

Suzuki SX4 MOT results by year of first registration
First registered	Tests	Fail rate	Against same-age cars	Typical mileage
2021	466	9.7%	13% fewer fails	22,673
2020 SX4	1,537	7.3%	36% fewer fails	23,733
2019 SX4	5,254	9.7%	19% fewer fails	24,846
2018 SX4	9,035	12.6%	8% fewer fails	30,756
2017 SX4	10,837	15.1%	9% fewer fails	38,813
2016 SX4	10,424	16.5%	15% fewer fails	48,076
2015 SX4	11,320	19.5%	15% fewer fails	56,398
2014 SX4	19,245	23.3%	10% fewer fails	62,083
2013 SX4	9,893	32.4%	16% more fails	63,511
2012 SX4	5,816	41.5%	35% more fails	67,113
2011 SX4	6,820	41.8%	23% more fails	75,366
2010 SX4	6,375	42.9%	17% more fails	80,715
2009 SX4	6,387	46.3%	19% more fails	84,390
2008 SX4	8,264	46.1%	13% more fails	90,492
2007 SX4	7,774	49.2%	17% more fails	94,345
2006 SX4	3,276	50.3%	18% more fails	95,316

Common problems

What fails most on a Suzuki SX4

Its weak spot is brakes: 47% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.

Fail rate by area

Suspension11.3%36% above avg
Lights and electrics8.9%13% below avg
Brakes8.9%47% above avg
Tyres6.2%2% above avg
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.9%11% above avg
Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.8%2% above avg
Body, chassis and structure2.2%24% below avg
Seat belts and airbags0.6%27% below avg
Steering0.4%73% below avg

Average for cars of the same age and mileage

Top MOT failures

1
Coil spring fractured or broken 4.4% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
2
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.31% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
3
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 3.09% of tests
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
4
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.96% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
5
Position lamp not working 2.53% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
6
Stop lamp not working 2.1% of tests
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
7
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 2.05% of tests
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
8
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.7% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.

Most common advisories

Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Suzuki SX4's MOT certificate most often.

Tyre worn close to legal limit15.87%
Brake pipes corroded and greasy9.29%
Brake pads wearing thin7.17%
Tyre slightly damaged or cracking7.15%
Brake disc pitted or scored7.09%
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear5.63%

Before you buy

What to check on a used Suzuki SX4

1
Coil spring fractured or broken
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
2
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
3
Suspension ball joint excessively worn
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
4
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
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 SX4 covers about 7,100 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

Petrol83.6%
Diesel15.5%
Hybrid0.9%
LPG0%

Most common colours

White, Blue, Silver, Grey, Black

Average engine size: 1.5 litres.

Compare

How the Suzuki SX4 compares with its rivals

Suzuki SX4 against similar models
Model	Fail rate	Against same-age cars
Lexus CT	15.5%	40% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Hyundai Ioniq	12.5%	26% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Volvo V50	44.3%	5% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Suzuki SX4	28.8%	6% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Nissan Leaf	20%	11% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Citroën Xsara	50.4%	18% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Peugeot 307	51.9%	21% more MOT fails than the average car its age

Every family hatchback ranked in the family hatchback reliability index, or all Suzuki models.

Questions

Suzuki SX4 questions, answered

Is the Suzuki SX4 reliable?

On MOT results, the Suzuki SX4 is about average: it fails 28.8% of first MOT tests, 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 35 of 65 family hatchback models in our index.

What fails most on a Suzuki SX4 MOT?

The most common MOT failures on the Suzuki SX4 are coil spring fractured or broken (4.4% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (3.31% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (3.09% of tests). By area, suspension fails 11.3% of its tests.

Which Suzuki SX4 year is the most reliable?

Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2020 cars do best (36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2012 cars do worst (35% more MOT fails than the average car its age).

How many miles does a Suzuki SX4 do a year?

A typical Suzuki SX4 covers about 7,100 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 SX4 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 SX4? Check it free.

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