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Perodua Common Problems & Known Faults

We track 20 known issues across 4 Perodua models, with an average MOT failure rate of 21.6%. Covering engine problems, electrical faults, suspension wear and more: what goes wrong, what it costs, and what to check before buying a used Perodua.

Check any Perodua before you buy

Enter a registration number to check its full dealer service history. See every dealer visit, dates, mileage, and work done so you know whether the maintenance that prevents these problems was actually carried out.

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How reliable are Perodua cars?

Our database covers 4 Perodua models and 20 documented faults across the range. Of these, 6 are classified as dangerous and a further 8 as major. Dangerous faults are those that can compromise vehicle safety or lead to complete mechanical failure if left unaddressed.

According to DVSA MOT test data, Perodua models fail at an average rate of 21.6%, roughly in line with the 22.7% average across all manufacturers we track. Reliability varies considerably between models. The Myvi is the strongest performer at just 19.7%, while the Kenari has the highest failure rate at 23.2%.

If you are considering a used Perodua, researching the specific model and generation you are looking at makes a real difference. The most common failure areas across the range are suspension and body & rust, though each model has its own particular weak points. This page gives you a complete breakdown by severity, the models affected, and what repairs typically cost at UK garages.

Perodua reliability summary

Average MOT failure rate
21.6%
Across 4 models with MOT data
Most reliable model
Myvi
19.7% MOT failure rate
View problems →
Least reliable model
Kenari
23.2% MOT failure rate
View problems →
Total MOT tests analysed
23,484
Across 4 Perodua models

Where Perodua problems occur

Understanding which systems are most prone to failure helps you focus during a test drive or pre-purchase inspection. Here is how Perodua's 20 known issues break down by area.

Suspension problems dominate, accounting for 10 of the 20 faults we track (50%). Issues in this area include Suspension component corrosion (MK1) and Front coil spring fracture (Gen1). The most affected models are the Myvi SXI (4), the Myvi (3), the Kenari (2).

Body & Rust is the next most common area, with 4 documented faults (20%). Common faults here include Subframe mounting point structural failure (MK1) and General body structure corrosion (MK1). The most affected models are the Kelisa (2), the Kenari (2).

We also track 2 exhaust faults across the range (10%). Problems to watch for include Exhaust system corrosion and failure (MK1) and Exhaust system premature failure (Gen1). The most affected models are the Kelisa (1), the Kenari (1).

Brakes rounds out the top problem areas with 2 known issues (10%). Notable issues include Brake pipe corrosion (G1). The most affected models are the Myvi (1), the Myvi SXI (1).

Known Perodua faults by severity

Every fault in our database is rated by severity based on its potential safety impact and typical repair cost. Below is a sample of issues at each level, with links to the affected model pages where you can read the full details.

Dangerous

+ 1 more dangerous issues across Perodua models

Major

+ 3 more major issues across Perodua models

Minor

+ 1 more minor issues across Perodua models

Top issues across the Perodua range

The most common and severe problems found across all Perodua models, ranked by severity and how many models are affected.

Dangerous
Brake pipe corrosion (G1)
Brakes 2 models affected
Brake pipes corrode at 8.5 times the fleet average rate across both engine variants. The brake line routing and protection appears inadequate for UK salt and moisture exposure. Corroded brake pipes...
Independent garage
£200–£500
Affects: Myvi, Myvi SXI
Dangerous
Subframe mounting point structural failure (MK1)
Body & Rust 1 model affected
The bodyshell mounting points for the front subframe suffer from severe structural corrosion and cracking, particularly around the spring and suspension component attachment areas. This affects the...
Independent garage
£800–£1,500
Affects: Kelisa
Dangerous
General body structure corrosion (MK1)
Body & Rust 1 model affected
The bodyshell suffers from widespread structural corrosion that reduces the rigidity of the main assembly to dangerous levels. The thin steel construction combined with inadequate factory corrosion...
Independent garage
£1,200–£2,500
Affects: Kelisa
Dangerous
Subframe mounting point structural weakness (Gen1)
Body & Rust 1 model affected
The load-bearing structure around subframe mounting points suffers from inadequate design strength on the Kenari. The mounting areas crack and weaken under normal driving loads, particularly where ...
Independent garage
£800–£1,500
Affects: Kenari
Dangerous
Spring fracture (SXI)
Suspension 1 model affected
MOT data shows the Myvi SXI suffers from coil spring fractures at 11.4 times the national fleet average, typically occurring between 20,000-60,000 miles. This suggests inadequate spring material or...
Independent garage
£150–£280
Main dealer
£250–£400
Affects: Myvi SXI
Major
Lambda sensor and emissions system failure (MK1)
Engine 1 model affected
The lambda (oxygen) sensor and associated emissions control system frequently fails, causing the engine management light to illuminate and emissions levels to exceed legal limits. MOT data shows la...
Independent garage
£80–£150
Affects: Kelisa
Major
Suspension component corrosion (MK1)
Suspension 1 model affected
The suspension components, particularly control arms and mounting brackets, suffer from excessive corrosion that compromises their structural integrity. MOT data shows suspension component corrosio...
Independent garage
£200–£400
Affects: Kelisa
Major
General structural corrosion (Gen1)
Body & Rust 1 model affected
The Kenari suffers from widespread structural corrosion that reduces the rigidity of the vehicle assembly. The thin steel body panels and inadequate rust protection result in corrosion that affects...
Independent garage
£500–£1,200
Affects: Kenari
Major
Front coil spring fracture (Gen1)
Suspension 1 model affected
The front coil springs on the Kenari are prone to fracturing, with MOT data showing failures at 10 times the national fleet average. The springs appear to be undersized for the vehicle weight or ma...
Independent garage
£150–£250
Affects: Kenari
Major
Coil spring fractures (G1)
Suspension 1 model affected
Coil springs fracture at over 10 times the fleet average, with failures occurring across all mileage ranges including low-mileage examples. The springs appear undersized for UK road conditions and ...
Independent garage
£120–£200
Affects: Myvi

Check any Perodua before you buy

Enter a registration number to check its full dealer service history. See every dealer visit, dates, mileage, and work done so you know whether the maintenance that prevents these problems was actually carried out.

★GB

£6.99 service history · £7.49 premium car check · Full refund if no records found

Problems by Perodua model

We track faults across 4 Perodua models. Each model page includes every known issue, generation-specific details, UK repair costs, and MOT failure data. Select a model below to see its full breakdown.

Perodua Myvi
5 known issues · 8,715 MOTs
1 generation
19.7% MOT failure rate
Perodua Kelisa
5 known issues · 7,747 MOTs
1 generation
22.7% MOT failure rate
Perodua Kenari
5 known issues · 5,954 MOTs
1 generation
23.2% MOT failure rate
Perodua Myvi SXI
5 known issues · 1,068 MOTs
1 generation
20.8% MOT failure rate

What to check before buying a used Perodua

Every used Perodua deserves a thorough inspection, but knowing the common weak points for your target model gives you a serious advantage. Since suspension faults are the most common across the range, pay particular attention to this area during any viewing or test drive.

The 6 dangerous-rated faults deserve special attention. These include Subframe mounting point structural failure (MK1), General body structure corrosion (MK1), Subframe mounting point structural weakness (Gen1). Any of these can compromise safety or result in repair bills running well into the thousands.

A complete dealer service history is one of the strongest indicators of how well a Perodua has been looked after. Many of the faults on this page are preventable or can be caught early through regular servicing. If the seller cannot produce service records, treat that as a significant red flag.

Check the MOT history carefully too. With a 21.6% average failure rate across the Perodua range, some advisories and minor failures are normal over the life of any car. What matters is the pattern: recurring failures in the same area suggest an underlying problem, while a history of clean passes is encouraging.

Perodua repair costs: what to expect

Across all documented faults, the average Perodua repair costs between £287 and £574 at an independent garage. At the top end, the most expensive single repair can reach £2,500 or more. Main dealer rates are typically 30% to 50% higher across the board.

The single most expensive Perodua repair in our database is General body structure corrosion (MK1), costing £1,200–£2,500 at an independent specialist.

These figures are based on reported UK repair costs and serve as a guide. Actual prices will vary depending on your location, the garage, and the parts required. Getting quotes from two or three specialists before committing to any major work is always worthwhile.

Buying a used Perodua? Check it first

Get the full picture before you commit. Our car check covers outstanding finance, write-off status, stolen records, plate changes and mileage discrepancies. Or check the service history to see whether the maintenance that prevents these problems was actually done.

★GB

£7.49 car check · £6.99 service history · Free basic report included

Perodua reliability FAQs

Are Perodua cars reliable?

Across 4 models with MOT data, Perodua has an average MOT failure rate of 21.6%. The most reliable model is the Myvi at 19.7% failure rate, while the Kenari has the highest at 23.2%. We track 20 known issues across 4 Perodua models.

What are the most common Perodua problems?

The most common Perodua problems include Brake pipe corrosion (G1), Subframe mounting point structural failure (MK1), and General body structure corrosion (MK1). Across all Perodua models we track 20 known issues, with 6 rated as dangerous.

Which Perodua model is most reliable?

Based on MOT failure data, the Perodua Myvi is the most reliable model with a 19.7% failure rate from 8,715 tests. The least reliable is the Kenari at 23.2%. However, individual car condition and service history matter more than model averages.

How much do Perodua repairs cost?

Perodua repair costs at independent garages average £287-£574 per issue. The most expensive repairs can reach £2,500 or more. Main dealer rates are typically 30-50% higher. Costs vary significantly by model and issue, so check the specific model page for detailed pricing.

Should I get a vehicle check before buying a Perodua?

Yes. Perodua models have 20 known issues between them, including 6 dangerous and 8 major problems. A service history check (£6.99) shows whether scheduled maintenance was done, and a premium car check (£7.49) covers finance, stolen, write-off status. Both are essential before buying any used Perodua.

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