Suzuki Splash MOT Failures
An analysis of 228,969 real DVSA MOT tests on the Suzuki Splash — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: A5A (2008–2015).
Where the Suzuki Splash fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Suzuki Splash is suspension pin, bush, joint or bearing worn — this model is 21 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a significant weak point for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 228,969 MOT tests, 0.66% of all Suzuki Splash 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 suspension pin, bush or joint worn (37x the fleet average), service brake control has insufficient reserve ... (12x the fleet average), significant brake effort recorded with no brake... (12x the fleet average), and parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement (17x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Suzuki Splash'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: Suspension, Brakes, Seatbelts & Airbags. If you're inspecting a Suzuki Splash 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 Splash'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 Splash specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are anti-roll bar links worn (26x the average) and suspension pin, bush or joint worn (24x). suspension pin, bush, joint or bearing worn (21x) and parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement (17x) 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 Splash specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are suspension component damaged or corroded (18x the average) and suspension pin, bush or joint worn (16x). suspension pin, bush, joint or bearing worn (12x) and seat mounting fault (11x) 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 Splash specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are suspension pin, bush or joint worn (37x the average) and suspension pin, bush, joint or bearing worn (15x). service brake control has insufficient reserve ... (8.7x) and parking brake inefficient (8.0x) also appear frequently.
The shift from anti-roll bar links worn at lower mileages to suspension pin, bush or joint 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 Splash specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Brake pipe corrosion and failure (A5A) Dangerous
The Suzuki Splash suffers from premature corrosion of steel brake pipes, particularly where they pass through the rear beam mounting area and along the fuel tank. Affects A5A; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£350.
Suspension bush and joint wear (A5A) Major
The Suzuki Splash shows exceptional rates of suspension bush and joint wear, with MOT failure rates up to 23.6 times the national fleet average. Affects A5A; typical independent garage repair cost is £120–£300.
Brake caliper seizure (A5A) Major
MOT data shows the Suzuki Splash fails at 15.9 times the national fleet average for brake binding, indicating seized or partially seized brake calipers. Affects A5A; typical independent garage repair cost is £80–£180.
Spring fracture (A5A) Major
The Suzuki Splash shows a 13.6 times higher rate of spring fracture compared to the national fleet average, with failures occurring from relatively low mileages. Affects A5A; 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 Splash common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Suzuki Splash
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Suzuki Splash:
Suspension — check for suspension pin, bush, joint or bearing worn, suspension pin, bush or joint worn, anti-roll bar links worn, suspension component damaged or corroded. Brakes — check for service brake control has insufficient reserve ..., significant brake effort recorded with no brake..., parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about brake pipe corrosion and failure and suspension bush and joint wear. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £150. 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 Splash?
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Suzuki Splash MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Suzuki Splash?
Based on 228,969 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is suspension pin, bush, joint or bearing worn — at 21x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include suspension pin, bush or joint worn and service brake control has insufficient reserve ....
Is the Suzuki Splash reliable based on MOT data?
The Suzuki Splash has 19 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag brake pipe corrosion and 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 Splash most commonly fails on suspension pin, bush or joint worn and suspension pin, bush, joint or bearing worn. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are anti-roll bar links worn and suspension pin, bush or joint worn.
How do I check a Suzuki Splash'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.