Used buying checklist
Suzuki Grand Vitara reliability, common problems and used buying checks
A used Suzuki Grand Vitara looks worse than average for reliability in UK MOT data: 23.9% of 30,600 tests failed, compared with 18.7% across all indexed models. A good example should have a clean MOT history for corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical.
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical.
Start with corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical, 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.
- 23.9% MOT failure rate
- Median tested mileage 89,775 miles
- 7,318 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 (93.4 MOT notes per 100 tests). Example MOT phrases from this area include excessively corroded, is fractured and structural rigidity is significantly reduced, and corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced.
Example MOT phrases to search in the car's history:
- excessively corroded
- is fractured and structural rigidity is significantly reduced
- corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced
- prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength
- leaking excessively from engine
- has a major leak of exhaust gases
- Fuel Pipe/s corroded
- Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits
- inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps
- inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
Focus on corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical
The model's recorded failure rate is 23.9%, +5.2 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 analysed30,600 tests
- Median tested mileage89,775 miles
- Failed MOT tests7,318
Should you buy a used Suzuki Grand Vitara?
76.1% of the MOT tests we analysed for this model passed. The model's recorded failure rate is 23.9%, +5.2 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, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical
- 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 "excessively corroded"
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical.
Start with corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (93.4 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 Grand Vitara, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical.
The MOT failure rate rises from 0.0% at 3-6 years to 27.1% 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, emissions, engine, and exhaust, lights and electrical, and suspension and steering. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller.
6 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, emissions, engine, and exhaust, lights and electrical, and suspension and steering. 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 (93.4 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Inspect sills, subframes, mounting points, arches, and underside corrosion advisories.
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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 (24.8 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check warning lights, smoke, exhaust leaks, recent emissions failures, and service history.
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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 (21.3 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check every lamp, warning light, horn, battery condition, and dashboard messages.
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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 (18.1 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 (9.1 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check windscreen damage, wiper operation, washers, mirrors, and demisting.
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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.
What changes with mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Suzuki Grand Vitara, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical.
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 (93.4 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 Grand Vitara mainly involve 6 areas: emissions, engine, and exhaust, seatbelts and safety systems, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical. 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 Grand Vitara, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical. On lower-mileage cars, the most common named areas are corrosion and structure, lights and electrical, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
| Mileage range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50k | 3,105 | 2,615 | 13.2%+2.3 percentage points vs all models | 39,350 miles |
| 50-100k | 15,724 | 12,086 | 22.9%+2.1 percentage points vs all models | 78,582 miles |
| 100-150k | 10,091 | 7,389 | 28.3%+2.1 percentage points vs all models | 116,751 miles |
| 150-200k | 1,234 | 885 | 31.4%+4.2 percentage points vs all models | 161,603 miles |
| 200k+ | 94 | 66 | 34.0%+7.5 percentage points vs all models | 210,372 miles |
Problem areas by mileage
Past 100k miles on the Suzuki Grand Vitara, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical.
| 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 0.0% at 3-6 years to 27.1% 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 27.1% for 15+ years cars, based on 19,506 tests.
| Age range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-6 years 2020–2023 reg. |
5 | 4 | 0.0%-10.6 percentage points vs all models | 4.6 years |
| 6-10 years 2016–2020 reg. |
1,353 | 1,159 | 11.3%-5.3 percentage points vs all models | 9.5 years |
| 10-15 years 2011–2016 reg. |
9,736 | 7,768 | 19.3%-4.3 percentage points vs all models | 13.0 years |
| 15+ years pre-2011 reg. |
19,506 | 14,408 | 27.1%+1.2 percentage points vs all models | 18.0 years |
Recall records and data freshness
Recall context: are there safety notices to know about?
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
| 2020-03-14 | IN THE EVENT OF DEPLOYMENT THE AIR BAG MAY NOT INFLATE PROPERLY The absorption of moisture into the driver�s airbag propellant could lead to slow deployment or inflator rupture. Replace the airbag inflator or the airbag assembly. Suzuki is still preparing for the development and production of the remedy parts. |
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| 2017-03-20 | DRIVER MAY BE UNABLE TO CHANGE / SELECT GEAR Due to insufficient strength of the gear shift rear shaft it could break off during use. On affected vehicles replace the gear shift rear shaft |
| 2011-04-18 | DRIVE BELT TENSIONER MAY BREAK. The internal spring within the drive belt tensioner may break causing the drive belt to loose tension. This will prevent the alternator water pump and air-conditioning compressor pulleys from operating. Warning lamps associated with battery charging and engine coolant temperature will illuminate. In the worst case the drive belt may come off preventing the power steering pulley from operating increased driver effort will be required to steer the vehicle. Replacement of the drive belt tensioner assembly. |
| 2010-07-26 | LOSS OF STEERING ASSISTANCE. Steering assistance may be lost because the power steering tensioner pulley material is not to specification. The pulley may fail and cause a loss of drive to the hydraulic pump. Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to inspect and where necessary replace the power steering tensioner pulley. |
| 2009-06-15 | FIRE MAY OCCUR It has been identified that due to improper insulation of a branch of the engine wiring harness the possibility exists that the harness will chafe on either a cam cover securing bolt or on the cam cover itself. Damage to the harness may lead to a sudden loss of engine power or in the worst case a fire. Recalled vehicles will have the subject wiring harness fitted with a protector. |
| 2008-02-04 | FUEL MAY LEAK Due to improper shaping of the fuel pipes and engine vibration it is possible that the pipes may crack and allow fuel to escape. Recall affected vehicles and replace fuel pipe assembly with modified version. |
Related searches
Common ways people look up the Suzuki Grand Vitara. 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.