Generations
GEN1 — First Generation
2000–2013
1.3 Petrol
Top issues to watch for
The most serious Daihatsu Extol problems ranked by severity. We track 5 known issues — here are the ones you need to know about first.
Dangerous
Severe structural corrosion compromising vehicle rigidity
The Extol suffers from extremely poor corrosion resistance with structural components corroding to the point where vehicle rigidity is compromised. MOT data shows this model fails structural integrity tests at 72 times the national fleet average, particularly affecting the main body structure around mounting points. This represents a fundamental design or material quality issue that makes affected vehicles unsafe and uneconomical to repair.
What happens if ignoredStructural corrosion compromises crash protection and can lead to suspension components pulling away from their mounting points. Affected vehicles will fail the MOT and are typically beyond economical repair due to the extent of welding required. The car is unsafe to drive if structural integrity is compromised.
Dangerous
Subframe and suspension mounting point corrosion
Critical corrosion occurs at subframe and suspension component mounting points, failing MOT tests at 46-58 times the national average. The subframe carries the engine, gearbox, and front suspension, and corrosion in these areas represents an immediate safety hazard. This affects the prescribed areas within 30cm of suspension mounting points where structural integrity is essential for safe vehicle operation.
What happens if ignoredSubframe failure can cause loss of steering control and suspension collapse. Corroded mounting points can allow suspension components to separate from the vehicle body during driving. Professional assessment is essential as affected areas are structural safety items that cannot be ignored.
Major
Brake caliper binding and seizure
Brake calipers bind at 10 times the national fleet average, indicating premature seizure of the sliding mechanism or piston. This creates uneven braking, excessive brake disc wear, and potential brake fade under heavy use. The issue appears consistently across all mileage bands from 40k miles upward, suggesting poor caliper design or inadequate corrosion protection.
What happens if ignoredSeized brakes cause premature brake disc and pad wear, reduced braking efficiency, and potential brake fade. The vehicle may pull dangerously to one side under heavy braking. Typical repair involves caliper overhaul or replacement plus new discs and pads, costing £200-400 per affected corner.
Independent garage
£200–£400
Main dealer
£300–£500
Parts only
£80–£150
Minor
Suspension and steering joint dust cover failure
Rubber dust covers protecting suspension joints and steering components deteriorate at 13-18 times the national average, exposing ball joints and CV joints to contamination. While not immediately dangerous, failed dust covers allow road dirt and water to enter precision components, accelerating wear and leading to expensive joint replacements if left unaddressed.
What happens if ignoredFailed dust covers expose precision joints to contamination, leading to accelerated wear and eventual component failure. Early replacement of boots prevents more expensive joint replacements later. Ignoring split boots typically results in ball joint or CV joint failure within 12-24 months.
Independent garage
£40–£80
Main dealer
£60–£120
Parts only
£15–£30
1 more known issues tracked
Including wear items, electrical niggles, and generation-specific problems.
MOT failure hotspots
Based on DVSA MOT test data. These are the items where the Daihatsu Extol fails at a significantly higher rate than the average car.
Structural corrosion
Bodywork · 40-60k miles
MOT failure rate: 72x the fleet average
Sample: 308 tests
Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that t...
Bodywork · 40-60k miles
MOT failure rate: 49x the fleet average
Sample: 422 tests
ABS fault
Suspension · 40-60k miles
MOT failure rate: 46x the fleet average
Sample: 422 tests
Emissions failure
Exhaust & Emissions · 40-60k miles
MOT failure rate: 28x the fleet average
Sample: 194 tests
Suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated
Suspension · 40-60k miles
MOT failure rate: 18x the fleet average
Sample: 316 tests
Subframe bushes or mounts worn
Suspension · 80-100k miles
MOT failure rate: 17x the fleet average
Sample: 193 tests
Looking at a specific Daihatsu Extol?
Check its dealer service history to see if the maintenance that prevents these problems was actually done.
£6.99 · Full refund if no records found
Related
Daihatsu Extol reliability FAQs
What are the most common problems with the Daihatsu Extol?
The Daihatsu Extol has 5 known issues across 3 severity levels. The most serious are: Severe structural corrosion compromising vehicle rigidity, Subframe and suspension mounting point corrosion.
Is the Daihatsu Extol reliable?
The Daihatsu Extol has 2 dangerous and 1 major known issues. Most can be avoided with a thorough pre-purchase check and full service history.
How much does it cost to fix Daihatsu Extol problems?
Costs vary by issue. Independent garages are typically 30-50% cheaper than main dealers for most repairs.