The tiny SUV with real off-road ability
The Suzuki Ignis is an ultra-lightweight micro-SUV that occupies a unique niche between city cars and small crossovers. Weighing under 900kg, it appeals to buyers wanting a high-riding, fuel-efficient runabout with optional all-wheel drive — something no direct rival offers at this price. It attracts practical-minded buyers and rural drivers who want a small car with genuine capability in adverse conditions.
We track 5 known issues across the Suzuki Ignis range, including 3 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Suzuki Ignis? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
MH21S (2000–2008) — Engine options included the 1.3, 1.5 Sport. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 3 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Suspension component corrosion and damage (£200–£600 to address).
MF33S (2016–2020) — Engine options included the 1.2 Dualjet, 1.2 SHVS. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 3 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Suspension component corrosion and damage (£200–£600 to address).
The Ignis shows exceptionally high rates of suspension component failure, with MOT data showing 53.7x the fleet average failure rate for suspension corrosion and damage on the 1.3L variants. The lightweight construction and exposed mounting points make the suspension arms, mounting brackets, and subframe particularly vulnerable to corrosion. This affects both the original MH21S generation and current MF33S models, suggesting a fundamental design weakness in component protection.
Corroded suspension components can fail suddenly, causing loss of vehicle control and potentially causing an accident. Failed suspension arms or mounting points require immediate attention. Repair typically involves replacement of affected arms, bushes, and mounting hardware.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The Ignis shows severe brake system corrosion issues, with MOT data showing 33.7x the fleet average failure rate for brake hose ferrule corrosion and 17.4x for brake pipe corrosion on 1.3L and 1.5L variants. The brake lines and ferrules (the metal crimped ends of flexible hoses) are particularly vulnerable to corrosion, affecting both generations. This represents a serious safety concern as brake line failure can cause complete loss of braking.
Corroded brake lines can fail suddenly, causing partial or complete loss of braking ability and potentially causing a serious accident. Any brake line corrosion requires immediate professional inspection and repair. The car should not be driven if brake line integrity is suspected.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
The Ignis shows exceptionally high rates of structural corrosion that compromises vehicle rigidity, with MOT data showing 3L and 1.5L variants. This affects load-bearing structural components including the subframe, mounting points, and body shell areas critical for crash protection. The failure rate peaks at 20,000-40,000 miles, indicating rapid onset of corrosion on relatively new vehicles.
Structural corrosion compromises crash protection and can lead to suspension or subframe detachment during driving, causing loss of control. Extensive structural repairs may exceed the vehicle's value, and severely corroded cars may be beyond economical repair.
Inspect the wheel arches, sills, jacking points and door bottoms carefully. Press gently on sills to check for soft spots. Look underneath for corrosion on structural components. Check the MOT history for corrosion-related advisories or failures.
The Ignis suffers from an exceptionally high rate of coil spring failures, with MOT data showing 24.7x the fleet average failure rate across all engine variants including the current generation. This affects both front and rear springs, with fractures occurring across the entire mileage range including very low mileage cars. The failure rate on newer cars suggests a materials or design issue rather than age-related wear.
A broken coil spring can damage surrounding components, affect handling and braking, and may cause a tyre blowout if the spring end contacts the wheel. The car may fail its MOT and is unsafe to drive until repaired.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The Ignis shows a high rate of exhaust system failures with MOT data showing 16x the fleet average failure rate for exhaust leaks and insecurity on 1.3L and 1.5L variants. The exhaust system appears vulnerable to corrosion and mounting bracket failure, particularly affecting the middle and rear sections. This typically manifests as blown gaskets, corroded pipe joints, or failed mounting rubbers.
A leaking exhaust can allow harmful gases into the cabin, reduce engine performance, and cause the car to fail its MOT test. Failed mounting points can cause the exhaust to drag on the ground, creating a fire hazard.
Check for any engine warning lights on the dashboard. Ask about the car's MOT emissions history — repeated failures suggest underlying issues. A pre-purchase diagnostic scan is especially worthwhile to check for stored emissions fault codes.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Suzuki Ignis common problems page.
Based on 119k real DVSA MOT tests, the Suzuki Ignis fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is suspension ball joints worn at 101x the fleet average, followed by rear registration plate lamp throwing direct wh... (98x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Suzuki Ignis MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 10k miles) typically costs £60–£90 at an independent garage.
See the full Suzuki Ignis service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Suzuki Ignis has some well-documented weak points, including 3 safety-critical issues that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable. 2018-2020 models are the pick of the range, benefiting from improved rear shock absorbers that cured the early cars' clunky ride. These post-suspension-upgrade cars retain the mild hybrid system and ALLGRIP option while delivering the reliability that earned the Ignis top marks in owner surveys.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Suzuki Ignis, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Suzuki Ignis issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.