Suzuki Wagon-R+ years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year

3,559 initial MOT tests in 2025 on cars first used 2003–2005 · DVSA data · For guidance only · How we count

Suzuki Wagon-R+ years with MOT pass rates below the average for vehicles first used in the same year: 2003. None is clearly above it. The other 2 years can't be told apart from average.

Below the average for their first-use year2003
Above the average for their first-use yearNone
Can't be told apart from average2004–2005

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.

57.0%passed first time

First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 55.4% to 58.6%.

Suzuki Wagon-R+, all years57.0%
Same-age average, all vehicles58.0%

In 2025, 57.0% of the 3,559 initial MOT tests on Suzuki Wagon-R+ cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 58.0%. That is about average: the difference from the same-age average is within the margin of error.

Check a specific Wagon-R+

Its own MOT history, free.

Suzuki Wagon-R+ MOT pass rate by year

Year is when the car was first used. Older vehicles fail more often, so each year is compared with all vehicles first used that year.

Year	Testsmedian miles	Passed first time	Against all vehicles that year
2005age 20	1,04073,200	58.9%±3.1	+1.3 ptsall: 57.6%
2004age 21	1,30673,900	57.4%±2.7	−0.4 ptsall: 57.8%
2003age 22	1,21376,000	54.9%±2.9	−3.8 ptsall: 58.7%

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 up

Common Wagon-R+ problems at the MOT

Share of the 1,530 failed tests with a fault in each area, all years together. A test can count in more than one area, so these can add up to more than 100%.

Suspension39.3%
Lights and electrics36.3%
Brakes24.5%
Body, chassis, structure23.5%
Tyres19.3%
Windscreen, wipers, mirrors17.6%

MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems.

Most common MOT failures on the Suzuki Wagon-R+

The defects recorded most often at the 1,530 failed initial tests on Suzuki Wagon-R+ cars, all years together, in the DVSA's own words. Each share is of failed tests, and a failed test can have more than one defect.

Defect	Share of failed tests	All vehicles, same age
Position lamp not workingLights and electrics	13.3%203 tests	12.3%
Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirtBody, chassis, structure	11.2%172 tests	7.1%
Suspension arm ball joint excessively wornSuspension	10.6%162 tests	5.4%
Rigid brake pipes excessively corrodedBrakes	9.3%143 tests	5.3%
Wiper does not clear the windscreen effectivelyWindscreen, wipers, mirrors	9.1%139 tests	7.6%
Stop lamp not workingLights and electrics	8.8%135 tests	9.1%
Malfunction indicator lamp inoperative or indicates a malfunctionNoise, emissions, leaks	8.4%128 tests	6.8%
Track rod end ball joint has excessive playSteering	7.7%118 tests	4.7%
Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strengthSuspension	6.6%101 tests	6.8%
Tyre has ply or cords exposedTyres	6.5%100 tests	3.3%

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 Wagon-R+'s failed tests in each year. How we count

What to check when viewing a Wagon-R+

Based on the areas where Suzuki Wagon-R+ MOT tests fail most often. These are general checks anyone can do, not a mechanical inspection.

Suspension
In 39.3% of failed Wagon-R+ tests
- Push down hard on each corner. Check the car rises once and settles, not bouncing again and again.
- On the test drive, listen for knocks or clunks over speed bumps and potholes.
- Check the car sits level when parked on flat ground.
Lights and electrics
In 36.3% of failed Wagon-R+ tests
- 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.
- Check the dashboard warning lights come on when the car is switched on and then go out. Ask about any that stay lit.
Brakes
In 24.5% of failed Wagon-R+ tests
- On a clear road, brake firmly and check the car stops 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.
Body, chassis, structure
In 23.5% of failed Wagon-R+ tests
- Look for rust or damage under the sills, around the wheel arches and on the floor where you can see it.
- Open and close every door, the bonnet and the boot, and check each one latches properly.
- Check the seats are secure and adjust properly.

Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.

Check a Wagon-R+'s MOT history

Suzuki Wagon-R+ questions

Which Suzuki Wagon-R+ 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: 2003. None is clearly above average. 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 Wagon-R+ reliable?

MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 57.0% of initial MOT tests on Suzuki Wagon-R+ cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 58.0%. That is about 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 Wagon-R+ problems at the MOT?

The most common failure areas are suspension (in 39.3% of failed tests), lights and electrics (in 36.3% of failed tests) and brakes (in 24.5% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.

What mileage is normal for a 20-year-old Suzuki Wagon-R+?

At their 2025 MOT tests, Suzuki Wagon-R+ cars first used in 2005, about 20 years old, had a median of 73,200 miles. Half had more and half had less.

How do I check a specific Wagon-R+'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 free

What MOT data can't tell you about any Suzuki Wagon-R+

Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.

Compare history checks What MOT history doesn't show

Other Suzuki models

Points above (+) or below (−) the same-age average for all vehicles.

All 13 Suzuki models Cars ranked by MOT pass rate, by age

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all Suzuki Wagon-R+ cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count