Daihatsu Materia car check
Find out if a Materia has outstanding finance, has been written off or stolen, how many owners it’s had, and which known problems apply to the generation you’re looking at.
Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. Results in under a minute.
- MOT failure rate
- 19%4k tests
- Known problems
- 5across M401
- Full report
- £7.49one-off, no subscription
Which Materia are you looking at?
Each Materia generation has its own weak spots. Here are the known problems.
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Suspension mounting point structural weakness
Safety risk M401The load-bearing structure around suspension component mounting points shows significantly reduced strength or inadequate repair. This affects the prescribed areas within 30cm of subframe, spring or suspension mounting points. MOT data shows this model fails at 4.1 times the fleet average for this defect, with peak failures occurring at 60-80k miles. This is a dangerous structural defect that compromises vehicle safety and handling.
What to check: Inspect the underside around all four wheel wells for rust, cracks, or deformation in the metal structure surrounding suspension mounting points. Look specifically at the areas where the front subframe bolts to the body shell and where the rear suspension beam mounts. Check for any visible weldin...
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Suspension component corrosion
Wear item M401Suspension components suffer from excessive damage or corrosion at dramatically higher rates than the fleet average. MOT data shows this model fails at 36.7 times the fleet average for suspension component corrosion, with the highest failure rate occurring unusually early at just 20-40k miles. This suggests inadequate corrosion protection on suspension arms, links, and mounting hardware from the factory.
What to check: Inspect all visible suspension components for rust, corrosion, or structural damage. Pay particular attention to front lower arms, rear suspension beam, and anti-roll bar links. Look for rust staining around bolt holes and mounting points. Check rubber bushes for perishing, cracking, or separatio...
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Suspension joint and bush wear
Wear item M401Suspension pins, bushes and joints wear at 11 times the fleet average, with peak failures at 60-80k miles. This includes both rubber bushes in suspension arms and ball joints in steering linkages. The high failure rate suggests inadequate specification of suspension components for UK road conditions, with premature wear being the norm rather than exception on this model.
What to check: Inspect all visible rubber bushes in suspension arms and anti-roll bar links for cracking, perishing, or separation from metal housings. Check ball joint dust covers for splitting or damage. Grasp each wheel at 3 and 9 o'clock positions and attempt to rock it - excessive movement indicates worn w...
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Brake pipe corrosion
Safety and MOT risk M401Brake pipes suffer damage or excessive corrosion at 5.3 times the fleet average, with peak failures occurring as early as 20-40k miles. This indicates inadequate corrosion protection on the brake pipe system, with flexible hoses and steel pipes both affected. The early onset suggests poor routing or insufficient protection from road salt and moisture.
What to check: Inspect all visible brake pipes for rust, corrosion, or damage, paying particular attention to areas where pipes pass close to the exhaust system or suspension components. Check flexible brake hoses for cracking, bulging, or fluid seepage, especially at the connection points. Examine brake fluid ...
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Stub axle pivot wear
Wear item M401The stub axle swivel pin and bush assembly wears at 10.2 times the fleet average, with peak failures at 40-60k miles. This component connects the wheel hub to the suspension system and allows for steering movement. Excessive wear affects steering precision and can cause wheel wobble or instability, particularly during braking.
What to check: Jack up each front wheel and grasp it at 12 and 6 o'clock positions. Attempt to rock the wheel vertically - excessive movement indicates worn stub axle bushes or swivel pins. With the wheel still raised, turn it through the full steering lock range and listen for grinding, clicking, or catching n...
We haven’t flagged any common problems for this generation in our data yet. A history check still tells you about finance, write-offs and theft, and the MOT history shows how this particular car has been looked after.
Materia MOT results
of Materia MOT tests end in a fail, from 3,507 tests.
Most common reasons for failing
- Suspension component damaged or corrodedSuspension
- Subframe bushes or mounts wornSuspension
- Anti-roll bar links wornSuspension
Check the Materia you’re buying
One report covers outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and previous owners from Experian, plus MOT history, mileage and the known problems for its generation.
Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian.
What the check includes
- Outstanding finance Experian
- Write-off status Experian
- Stolen vehicle check Experian
- Previous owners and keeper history Experian
- MOT history and advisories DVSA
- Mileage check DVSA
- Known problems for its generation GetCarWise
- How many are left on the road DVLA
Materia questions
Is the Daihatsu Materia reliable?
19% of Materia models fail their MOT based on 3,507 tests analysed. That’s about average for the class. There are 5 known problems to watch for, the most serious being suspension mounting point structural weakness. A full history check shows whether a specific car has had related write-offs or insurance claims.
What are the main problems with a Daihatsu Materia?
The most serious known issues are suspension mounting point structural weakness, suspension component corrosion, suspension joint and bush wear. Our car check flags whether a specific Materia has been written off or had insurance claims linked to these faults.
How do I check if a Daihatsu Materia has outstanding finance?
Enter the registration on this page. We query Experian’s finance database and return any outstanding agreements within a minute. If finance is still owed, the finance company can legally repossess the car even after you’ve paid the seller. At £7.49 it’s the cheapest way to avoid a car that isn’t legally for sale.
How do I check if a Daihatsu Materia has been written off?
Our check queries Experian’s insurance write-off database for Cat A, B, S and N markers. A Cat S or N Materia has been structurally or non-structurally damaged and repaired. This doesn’t mean it’s unsafe, but it affects resale value and some insurers won’t cover it. The check costs £7.49.
Can I check a Daihatsu Materia for free?
You can check MOT history free on GOV.UK, which shows past test results and advisories. What it won’t show is outstanding finance, write-offs or theft markers, which are the things that actually cost you money after you’ve bought. Our full check adds all of that for £7.49, using Experian data.
Is a Daihatsu Materia HPI check worth it?
HPI is one brand of car check. Our check uses the same Experian data covering finance, stolen, write-off and keeper history, plus MOT analysis and known Materia faults that HPI doesn’t include. At £7.49 it’s typically less than half the price of an HPI check.
What does a Daihatsu Materia fail its MOT on?
The most common MOT failure on the Materia is suspension component damaged or corroded. 19% of Materia models fail overall, based on 3,507 tests. Checking a car’s full MOT history before buying shows you recurring problems the seller might not mention.
More on the Materia
Other Daihatsu car checks
Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. MOT data from DVSA. Known problems from GetCarWise analysis. Updated October 2026.