Suzuki Alto years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year
Suzuki Alto years with MOT pass rates below the average for vehicles first used in the same year: 2015. Above it: 2009, 2011 and 2013. The other 3 years can't be told apart from average.
- Below the average for their first-use year2015
- Above the average for their first-use year2009, 2011 and 2013
- Can't be told apart from average2010, 2012 and 2014
The MOT pass rate is one signal, not the whole story. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't record gearbox or engine faults, and a pass rate also reflects mileage and upkeep, so the table shows median mileage too. Whatever the year, the car in front of you matters more than its model's average.
First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 65.0% to 65.9%.
In 2025, 65.5% of the 43,138 initial MOT tests on Suzuki Alto cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 64.7%. That is 0.7 points above the same-age average.
Check a specific Alto
Suzuki Alto MOT pass rate by year
| Year | Chart | Testsmedian miles | Passed first time | Against all vehicles that year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015age 10 | 1,78848,700 | 68.7%±2.2 | −3.2 ptsall: 71.9% | |
| 2014age 11 | 12,49352,100 | 68.3%±0.9 | −0.3 ptsall: 68.6% | |
| 2013age 12 | 11,37558,300 | 66.8%±0.9 | +1.0 ptsall: 65.8% | |
| 2012age 13 | 4,41363,000 | 64.7%±1.5 | +1.2 ptsall: 63.5% | |
| 2011age 14 | 4,24067,600 | 63.1%±1.5 | +1.9 ptsall: 61.2% | |
| 2010age 15 | 4,10770,600 | 60.2%±1.6 | +0.9 ptsall: 59.3% | |
| 2009age 16 | 4,72270,000 | 61.1%±1.4 | +2.8 ptsall: 58.3% |
Tests are initial MOT tests in 2025, not retests. Median miles is the middle odometer reading at the test: half had more, half had less. ± is the 95% margin of error in points (Wilson interval): a difference smaller than that could be chance. Years without a link have fewer than 10,000 tests, so they are listed here but don't have their own page.
When a car's mileage doesn't add upDoes mileage matter?
79.9% of Suzuki Alto tests under 30,000 miles passed first time, against 52.7% at 120,000 miles or more. For all vehicles of the same age and mileage, the figures are 83.6% and 58.7%.
| Miles at the test | Tests | Passed first time | Against all vehicles, same age and mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30,000 | 5,580 | 79.9%±1.1 | −3.7 ptsall: 83.6% |
| 30,000–59,999 | 16,187 | 70.4%±0.8 | −2.9 ptsall: 73.2% |
| 60,000–89,999 | 13,966 | 60.4%±0.9 | −4.0 ptsall: 64.4% |
| 90,000–119,999 | 5,778 | 53.8%±1.3 | −6.0 ptsall: 59.7% |
| 120,000 or more | 1,619 | 52.7%±2.5 | −6.0 ptsall: 58.7% |
Against all vehicles of the same age and mileage, Alto tests were below average in every band shown.
Mileage is only one factor. How a car has been driven and looked after matters too. These figures show an association across all Suzuki Alto tests in 2025, not what mileage does to a particular car.
Mileage is the odometer reading at the initial test. Each band is compared with all vehicles first used in the same year with a reading in the same band, weighted by this model's own tests in each year. Bands need at least 1,000 tests. 8 tests (under 0.1%) had no usable odometer reading and are left out. How we count
Common Alto problems at the MOT
MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems. Each year page compares that year's failure areas with all vehicles first used in the same year.
Most common MOT failures on the Suzuki Alto
| Defect | Share of failed tests | All vehicles, same age |
|---|---|---|
| Stop lamp not workingLights and electrics | 19.6%2,913 tests | 7.6% |
| Position lamp not workingLights and electrics | 15.2%2,256 tests | 10.6% |
| Wiper does not clear the windscreen effectivelyWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 13.2%1,960 tests | 5.2% |
| Rigid brake pipes excessively corrodedBrakes | 8.9%1,322 tests | 1.8% |
| Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mmTyres | 8.4%1,254 tests | 7.7% |
| Suspension arm pin or bush excessively wornSuspension | 6.8%1,011 tests | 5.3% |
| Washer provides insufficient washer liquidWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 6.4%956 tests | 4.9% |
| Registration plate lamp(s) inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lampsLights and electrics | 5.7%851 tests | 4.6% |
| Horn not workingLights and electrics | 5.3%791 tests | 1.2% |
| Wheel bearing rough when rotatedSuspension | 4.2%629 tests | 1.0% |
These are failures recorded at initial MOT tests in 2025. Retests are not counted. "All vehicles, same age" is the same defect's share of failed tests for all vehicles first used in the same years, weighted by the Alto's failed tests in each year. How we count
What to check when viewing a Alto
Lights and electrics
- Ask the seller to help you check every light: dipped and main beam, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and the number plate lamp.
- Look for cracked, misted or yellowed headlight lenses.
- Warning lights on the dashboard should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts.
Suspension
- Push down hard on each corner. The car should rise once and settle, not keep bouncing.
- On the test drive, listen for knocks or clunks over speed bumps and potholes.
- The car should sit level when parked on flat ground.
Brakes
- On a clear road, brake firmly. The car should stop in a straight line without juddering or pulling to one side.
- Check the handbrake holds the car on a slope.
- Look through the wheels at the brake discs for deep grooves or a raised lip at the edge.
Windscreen, wipers, mirrors
- Look for chips and cracks in the windscreen, especially in front of the driver.
- Run the wipers and washers. The blades should clear the screen without smearing.
- Check both door mirrors and the rear-view mirror are intact and adjust.
Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.
Check a Alto's MOT historyAfter an MOT advisory
Tyres
Of Suzuki Alto cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a tyre advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 8.4% failed on tyres, against 4.3% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 5,811 and 17,553 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 10.7% of those with a tyre advisory and 10.1% of the others.
Brakes
Of Suzuki Alto cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a brake advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 11.6% failed on brakes, against 5.6% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 5,721 and 17,483 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 12.9% of those with a brake advisory and 9.3% of the others.
Suspension
Of Suzuki Alto cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a suspension advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 12.1% failed on suspension, against 7.2% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 6,226 and 16,710 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 12.2% of those with a suspension advisory and 9.4% of the others.
Similar cars are the same model, first-use year and mileage band. Areas are the DVSA's top-level groups, so the later fail may not be the fault that was advised. These figures describe what happened to these cars. They don't show what a repair would have changed.
How we worked this outAll models compared, with the dataSuzuki Alto questions
Which Suzuki Alto years have lower MOT pass rates?
Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, these model years have below-average MOT pass rates: 2015. Above average: 2009, 2011 and 2013. The rest can't be told apart from average. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.
Is the Suzuki Alto reliable?
MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 65.5% of initial MOT tests on Suzuki Alto cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 64.7%. That is 0.7 points above average. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't measure breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs.
What are the most common Suzuki Alto problems at the MOT?
The most common failure areas are lights and electrics (in 51.1% of failed tests), suspension (in 27.8% of failed tests) and brakes (in 22.9% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.
What mileage is normal for a 10-year-old Suzuki Alto?
At their 2025 MOT tests, Suzuki Alto cars first used in 2015, about 10 years old, had a median of 48,700 miles. Half had more and half had less.
How do I check a specific Alto's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free check. It lists that car's own MOT results, the faults and advisories recorded and the mileage at each test, and flags repeated advisories and mileage that goes down.
Check a car's MOT history for freeWhat MOT data can't tell you about any Suzuki Alto
Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.
Compare history checksWhat MOT history doesn't showOther Suzuki models
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Points above (+) or below (−) the same-age average for all vehicles.
All 10 Suzuki modelsCars ranked by MOT pass rate, by ageSource: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all Suzuki Alto cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count