Used buying checklist
Suzuki Baleno reliability, common problems and used buying checks
A used Suzuki Baleno looks better than average for reliability in UK MOT data: 15.8% of 8,008 tests failed, compared with 18.7% across all indexed models. A good example should have a clean MOT history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors.
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). MOT data does not capture every reliability issue, especially intermittent engine, gearbox or infotainment faults that do not appear during the test.
- 15.8% MOT failure rate
- Median tested mileage 36,358 miles
- 1,264 failed MOT tests analysed
Corrosion and structure is the clearest area to check
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in this model's MOT history (35.9 MOT notes per 100 tests). Example MOT phrases from this area include corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened, excessively corroded, and ferrule excessively corroded.
Example MOT phrases to search in the car's history:
- corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened
- excessively corroded
- ferrule excessively corroded
- prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength
- ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt
- ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated
- ball joint has excessive play
- ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt
- provides insufficient washer liquid
- does not clear the windscreen effectively
Focus on corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors
The model's recorded failure rate is 15.8%, -2.9 percentage points compared with the average across all models. Use the seller questions below to check whether repeat MOT notes have actually been repaired.
- MOT tests analysed8,008 tests
- Median tested mileage36,358 miles
- Failed MOT tests1,264
Should you buy a used Suzuki Baleno?
84.2% of the MOT tests we analysed for this model passed. The model's recorded failure rate is 15.8%, -2.9 percentage points compared with the average across all models. This is a buying brief for the exact car in front of you: clean repeat history matters more than badge reputation.
- Repeat unresolved MOT notes for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors
- corrosion and structure appearing across more than one MOT
- Any dangerous MOT failure on the exact car, especially if the same area appears again later
- No paperwork showing applicable recall work has been completed
- A seller who cannot explain MOT wording such as "corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened"
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (35.9 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Past 100k miles on the Suzuki Baleno, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors.
The MOT failure rate rises from 13.4% at 3-6 years to 30.5% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, and lights and electrical. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller.
5 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
What should I check first?
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, and lights and electrical. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller. Each item shows whether it comes from MOT results, recall notices, or a standard used-car check.
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Corrosion and structure Seen in MOT results
Corrosion and structure is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (35.9 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Inspect sills, subframes, mounting points, arches, and underside corrosion advisories.
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Suspension and steering Seen in MOT results
Suspension and steering is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (24.3 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and inspect steering play.
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Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors Seen in MOT results
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (7.4 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check windscreen damage, wiper operation, washers, mirrors, and demisting.
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Lights and electrical Seen in MOT results
Lights and electrical is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (2.5 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check every lamp, warning light, horn, battery condition, and dashboard messages.
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Tyres and wheels Seen in MOT results
Tyres and wheels is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (1.8 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check tyre age, tread depth, sidewall damage, wheel condition, and alignment wear.
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Emissions, engine, and exhaust Seen in MOT results
Emissions, engine, and exhaust is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (1.4 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check warning lights, smoke, exhaust leaks, recent emissions failures, and service history.
What changes with mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Suzuki Baleno, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors.
Common MOT problem areas
Common faults: what usually fails on this model?
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (35.9 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Recall-related areas to verify
Official recall areas
Manufacturer recall notices for the Suzuki Baleno mainly involve 4 areas: lights and electrical, seatbelts and safety systems, brakes, and suspension and steering. Treat each as something to verify on the specific car you are viewing; the recall table below shows the official notice text.
Mileage and age checks
Mileage changes: what starts showing up after high mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Suzuki Baleno, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors. On lower-mileage cars, the most common named areas are corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors.
| Mileage range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50k | 5,869 | 4,897 | 13.4%+2.5 percentage points vs all models | 30,060 miles |
| 50-100k | 1,997 | 1,529 | 22.3%+1.6 percentage points vs all models | 61,646 miles |
| 100-150k | 104 | 78 | 26.0%-0.2 percentage points vs all models | 111,989 miles |
| 150-200k | 14 | 9 | 42.9%+15.6 percentage points vs all models | 168,570 miles |
| 200k+ | 1 | 1 | 0.0%-26.6 percentage points vs all models | 274,609 miles |
Problem areas by mileage
Past 100k miles on the Suzuki Baleno, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors.
| Mileage range | Car areas most often recorded | Specific MOT defect examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50k |
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| 50-100k |
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| 100-150k |
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| 150-200k |
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| 200k+ |
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Fair comparisons: is this problem normal for its age?
The MOT failure rate rises from 13.4% at 3-6 years to 30.5% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%. The highest failure rate by age is 30.5% for 15+ years cars, based on 167 tests.
| Age range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-6 years 2020–2023 reg. |
4,404 | 3,710 | 13.4%+2.8 percentage points vs all models | 5.0 years |
| 6-10 years 2016–2020 reg. |
3,437 | 2,743 | 18.2%+1.6 percentage points vs all models | 6.9 years |
| 15+ years pre-2011 reg. |
167 | 119 | 30.5%+4.6 percentage points vs all models | 23.9 years |
Recall records and data freshness
Recall context: are there safety notices to know about?
5 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
| 2022-12-01 | Some vehicles have an inappropriate design and material on check valve of vacuum pump Some vehicles have an inappropriate design and material on the check valve of brake vacuum pump. Replace the vacuum pump check valve. |
|---|---|
| 2018-03-26 | INTEGRATED STARTER GENERATOR BELT BELT MAY FAIL Due to a lack of strength in the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) Belt may break during usage. If this happens the water pump will become inoperative and the charging light will illuminate. The coolant temperature warning light will also light due to an increase in coolant temperature. In the worst case scenario the engine may stall and not restart. On affected vehicles replace the ISG belt. |
| 2018-03-13 | BATTERY MAY FAIL TO CHARGE WHICH COULD CAUSE ENGINE TO STALL AND LIGHTS TO FADE Due to incorrect software in the Engine Control Module (ECM) the ENG A-STOP (Engine Auto Stop Start System) OFF light may blink & the ENG A-STOP system may become inoperative. If the car is driven continuously in this condition the lead-acid battery will not be charged. In the worst case there is a possibility that the lights will dim and the engine may stall and not restart due to low battery voltage. Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and reprogramme the ECM with corrected software. |
| 2000-05-08 | FRONT SUSPENSION STRUT MOUNTING STUDS MAY SHEAR Due to flexing of the suspension strut mounting turret it is possible that the suspension strut mounting studs may shear. Should all 3 mounting studs shear the suspension strut may detach from the mounting turret. Recall all affected vehicles for the fitment of upper and lower reinforcement plates to the suspension turret and the fitment of new strut mountings. |
| 1999-06-25 | POSSIBILITY THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG WHEN ACTIVATED MAY DEPLOY WITH A FORCE GREATER THAN ORIGINALLY DESIGNED During manufacture of the airbag propellant module the propellant crystals were exposed to a high humidity environment which increased the moisture content to 1.2% with the result that during activation the airbag might deploy with a greater force than originally designed. Recall affected vehicles and replace the drivers airbag with a quality assured unit. |
Related searches
Common ways people look up the Suzuki Baleno. Each link runs the search and lands on the relevant section of this report.
Related reliability guides
See where this model sits against other Suzuki reports by MOT failure rate and common problem area.
Compare high-confidence model reports across all makes.
Use the fleet mileage baseline before checking this model's own mileage table.
Compare this model's age pattern with the wider MOT baseline.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). These are patterns from many MOT tests and recall notices. They help you decide what to inspect and what to ask; they do not certify the condition of one specific car.