Suzuki Liana MOT Failures
An analysis of 54,321 real DVSA MOT tests on the Suzuki Liana — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: RH (2001–2007).
Where the Suzuki Liana fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Suzuki Liana is anti-roll bar links worn — this model is 145 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it an extreme outlier for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 54,321 MOT tests, 3.04% of all Suzuki Liana tests recorded this as a failure.
Suspension failures typically mean worn bushes, drop links, or dampers. These affect handling and tyre wear. Budget £150–£400 per corner at an independent garage for full suspension overhaul.
Other notable weak points include headlight fault (22x the fleet average), brakes imbalance across an axle (53x the fleet average), transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot... (30x the fleet average), and power steering fault (109x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Suzuki Liana'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 5 categories: Suspension, Lights & Electrics, Brakes, Bodywork, Steering. If you're inspecting a Suzuki Liana 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 Liana'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 Liana specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are anti-roll bar links worn (145x the average) and power steering fault (109x). subframe bushes or mounts worn (72x) and vehicle structure corroded to the extent that t... (63x) 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 Liana specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are suspension ball joints worn (131x the average) and transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot... (26x). anti-roll bar links worn (23x) and braking effort inadequate at a wheel (22x) 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 Liana specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are transmission joint, belt or chain worn (23x the average) and abs fault (12x). power steering fault (11x) and transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot... (10x) also appear frequently.
The shift from anti-roll bar links worn at lower mileages to transmission joint, belt or chain worn at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.
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 Liana specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Subframe mounting point structural failure (RH) Dangerous
The mounting points where the rear subframe attaches to the body shell corrode and crack, compromising the structural integrity of the suspension attachment. Affects RH; typical independent garage repair cost is £1,500–£3,000.
Suspension component corrosion (RH) Major
Suspension arms, mounting brackets, and associated components suffer from severe corrosion that compromises their structural integrity. Affects RH; typical independent garage repair cost is £400–£800.
General body structure corrosion (RH) Major
The vehicle structure suffers from widespread corrosion that reduces the rigidity of the assembly. Affects RH; typical independent garage repair cost is £800–£2,000.
CV joint boot deterioration (RH)
The rubber CV joint boots that protect the constant velocity joints deteriorate prematurely, allowing dirt and moisture to contaminate the joint and grease to escape. Affects RH; typical independent garage repair cost is £80–£150.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Suzuki Liana common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Suzuki Liana
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Suzuki Liana:
Suspension — check for anti-roll bar links worn, subframe bushes or mounts worn. Lights & Electrics — check for headlight fault. Brakes — check for brakes imbalance across an axle. Bodywork — check for transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot..., transmission joint, belt or chain worn, structural corrosion.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about subframe mounting point structural failure and suspension component corrosion. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £1,500. 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 Liana?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
Suzuki Liana MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Suzuki Liana?
Based on 54,321 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is anti-roll bar links worn — at 145x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include headlight fault and brakes imbalance across an axle.
Is the Suzuki Liana reliable based on MOT data?
The Suzuki Liana has 16 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag subframe mounting point structural failure 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 Liana most commonly fails on transmission joint, belt or chain worn and abs fault. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are anti-roll bar links worn and power steering fault.
How do I check a Suzuki Liana'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.