Suzuki Ignis MOT Failures
An analysis of 173,878 real DVSA MOT tests on the Suzuki Ignis — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: MH21S (2000–2008), MF33S (2016–2020).
Where the Suzuki Ignis fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Suzuki Ignis is rear registration plate lamp throwing direct wh... — this model is 98 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a major concern for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 173,878 MOT tests, 0.69% of all Suzuki Ignis tests recorded this as a failure.
Lighting faults are usually straightforward to fix (bulbs, connectors, earth points) but can indicate deeper wiring issues on older cars. Check all lights including fog lamps, number plate lights, and dashboard warning lights.
Other notable weak points include headlight fault (91x the fleet average), suspension component damaged or corroded (54x the fleet average), anti-roll bar links worn (53x the fleet average), and electrical wiring fault (38x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Suzuki Ignis's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 3 categories: Lights & Electrics, Suspension, Brakes. If you're inspecting a Suzuki Ignis before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The Suzuki Ignis's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the Suzuki Ignis specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are suspension ball joints worn (101x the average) and rear registration plate lamp throwing direct wh... (98x). suspension component damaged or corroded (54x) and headlight fault (36x) also appear frequently.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the Suzuki Ignis specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are suspension component missing, (94x the average) and rear registration plate lamp throwing direct wh... (72x). anti-roll bar links worn (53x) and abs fault (39x) also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
For the Suzuki Ignis specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are suspension ball joints worn (47x the average) and rear registration plate lamp throwing direct wh... (46x). anti-roll bar links worn (42x) and electrical wiring fault (34x) also appear frequently.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Suzuki Ignis specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Suspension component corrosion and damage (MH21S/MF33S) Dangerous
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. Affects MH21S, MF33S; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£600.
Brake line corrosion (MH21S/MF33S) Dangerous
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. Affects MH21S, MF33S; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£400.
Structural corrosion (MH21S/MF33S) Dangerous
The Ignis shows exceptionally high rates of structural corrosion that compromises vehicle rigidity, with MOT data showing 3L and 1.5L variants. Affects MH21S, MF33S; typical independent garage repair cost is £500–£2,000.
Coil spring fracture (MH21S/MF33S) Major
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. Affects MH21S, MF33S; typical independent garage repair cost is £120–£250.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Suzuki Ignis common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Suzuki Ignis
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Suzuki Ignis:
Lights & Electrics — check for rear registration plate lamp throwing direct wh..., headlight fault, electrical wiring fault. Suspension — check for suspension component damaged or corroded, anti-roll bar links worn, suspension ball joints worn.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about suspension component corrosion and damage and brake line corrosion. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £200. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Suzuki Ignis?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
Suzuki Ignis MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Suzuki Ignis?
Based on 173,878 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is rear registration plate lamp throwing direct wh... — at 98x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include headlight fault and suspension component damaged or corroded.
Is the Suzuki Ignis reliable based on MOT data?
The Suzuki Ignis has 21 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag suspension component corrosion and damage as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Suzuki Ignis most commonly fails on suspension ball joints worn and rear registration plate lamp throwing direct wh.... Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are suspension ball joints worn and rear registration plate lamp throwing direct wh....
How do I check a Suzuki Ignis's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.