CARMOTIQ Model Research Report
Suzuki Ignis
2016–2021
The Suzuki Ignis MOT pass rate for cars first registered 2016–2021 is 88.2% across 106,344 official UK DVSA tests. 88.2% of Suzuki Ignis MOT tests in this age band end in a pass — but 105,566 defect notes sit behind that headline, and most of them trace back to upkeep rather than inherent design flaws. Tyre condition and brake pipe integrity are the two areas worth understanding before you inspect any used example.
Unlike a registration check, this report analyses how thousands of similar Suzuki Ignis models have performed at MOT over time—not just one vehicle.
Report Dataset
- Official UK DVSA MOT tests analysed
- 106,344
- Recorded defect notes
- 105,566
- Registration era
- 2016–2021
- Coverage
- United Kingdom
- Snapshot
- 17 August 2026
- Research method
- Aggregated model-level MOT analysis
MOT pass rate
88.2%
of MOT tests passed
MOT tests analysed
106,344
Defect notes recorded
105,566
Key Findings
Suzuki Ignis (2016–2021)
- The Suzuki Ignis achieves an 88.2% MOT pass rate across 106,344 DVSA tests for 2016–2021 registrations.
- Owner-maintenance defect notes total 69,861 — far ahead of wear-and-tear (15,899), systemic (4,442) and other (15,364) categories.
- Tyres worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge is the highest-volume single item at 23,350 recorded notes.
- Brake pipe excessively damaged accounts for 2,481 systemic defect notes — the clearest recurring hardware concern in the fleet-level records.
- Headlamp aim faults (1,258 notes for aim too low, 50 for an obviously incorrect beam image) and a non-working windscreen washer (743 notes) are among the most common preventable MOT issues.
Suzuki Ignis Research Summary
Carmotiq's Suzuki Ignis extract covers MOT outcomes for the make and model at forecourt level — not broken down by trim or engine size — within the 5–10 year registration band (2016–2021). Of 106,344 tests, 88.2% pass outright, yet 105,566 defect notes were logged across those inspections. The split is heavily skewed toward owner maintenance: 69,861 notes fall in that category, with tyres dominating at 23,350 entries. Wear-and-tear items add 15,899 notes, while systemic concerns — faults more likely to reflect the car itself rather than deferred servicing — account for 4,442.
For a buyer, the practical takeaway is straightforward. Most Ignis MOT friction is preventable: tread depth, headlamp alignment, a working washer and responding to warning lamps rather than ignoring them. The one systemic item that deserves targeted attention is brake pipe condition — 2,481 'excessively damaged' notes make it the standout hardware pattern in the records, well ahead of any other systemic entry. None of this replaces checking an individual car, but it tells you where to focus your time on the forecourt before you rely on a single registration lookup alone.
What this doesn't tell you
This report describes model-level MOT trends, not the condition of any individual vehicle.
Two identical Suzuki Ignis models can have very different maintenance histories.
Use this report to understand common patterns before inspecting a specific car.
How we classify MOT faults
We group recorded DVSA defect wording into four research categories to help identify whether issues are more likely to reflect routine maintenance, expected wear, recurring model patterns or miscellaneous inspection outcomes.
- Owner maintenance
- Defects often linked to day-to-day upkeep — for example tyres, lamps, washers and other items a careful owner can usually prevent or fix promptly.
- Wear & tear
- Age- and mileage-related deterioration that accumulates with normal use, even when a car has been looked after.
- Systemic
- Recurring wording and patterns that appear across the model fleet and may point to design, component or known-model tendencies rather than one careless owner.
- Other
- Inspection outcomes that do not sit cleanly in the three groups above, including mixed or less classifiable defect notes.
How MOT failures break down
Share of recorded defect notes by category for Suzuki Ignis in this age band (not MOT tests and not number of vehicles).
- Owner maintenance
66.2% · 69,861
defect notes
- Wear & tear
15.1% · 15,899
defect notes
- Systemic
4.2% · 4,442
defect notes
- Other
14.6% · 15,364
defect notes
Severity mix
How those defect notes were graded — advisory, minor, major or dangerous — summed across categories for this model band.
Advisory
85,905
defect notes
Minor
5,542
defect notes
Major
10,995
defect notes
Dangerous
3,124
defect notes
Most Common Owner-Maintenance Faults
DVSA wording grouped as owner maintenance for this model and age band.
Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
- Recorded
- 23,350 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.2.3 (e)
What it means
Tread is close to (or at) the legal minimum, or wear is concentrated on an edge. That often points to alignment, pressure or suspension issues as well as simple age.
Why it happens
Under-inflation, poor alignment, aggressive driving or simply delayed replacement push tread below a safe/legal profile.
Buyer tip
Measure tread across the full width, check tyre age (DOT date) and look for uneven inner-edge wear.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Headlamp aim too low
- Recorded
- 1,258 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 4.1.2 (a)
What it means
This MOT defect usually indicates incorrect headlamp alignment following adjustment, suspension movement or repair work.
Why it happens
Aim drifts after suspension work, bumper repairs, bulb changes or simply from road vibration over time.
Buyer tip
Check beam alignment during inspection and ask whether the lamps were aimed after any recent suspension or bodywork.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Windscreen washer not working
- Recorded
- 743 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 3.5 (a)
What it means
Washer jets are not delivering fluid. Testers need a clear screen; empty reservoirs, blocked jets or failed pumps are common.
Why it happens
Empty bottles, frozen/blocked jets, split pipes or a failed pump stop fluid reaching the screen.
Buyer tip
Top up fluid, test the jets on the driveway, and check for cracked bottles or split pipes in the engine bay.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Tyre pressure monitoring system malfunctioning or obviously inoperative
- Recorded
- 500 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.2.3 (h)
What it means
The tyre pressure monitoring system is reporting a fault or is clearly not working, so you may not get a dashboard warning of under-inflation.
Why it happens
Flat battery sensors after tyre changes, damaged valves or control-module faults are common.
Buyer tip
Confirm whether sensors need replacing after recent tyre or wheel work, and check pressures manually anyway.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Shock absorbers has light misting of oil
- Recorded
- 216 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.3.2 (b)
What it means
A damper mounting bush is worn, which can cause knocks, vague handling and accelerated tyre wear.
Why it happens
Rubber bushes harden and tear with age, road salt and repeated suspension movement.
Buyer tip
Listen for clunks over speed bumps and have a mechanic check top mounts and lower bushes.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush
- Recorded
- 146 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.3.2 (c)
What it means
A damper mounting bush is worn, which can cause knocks, vague handling and accelerated tyre wear.
Why it happens
Rubber bushes harden and tear with age, road salt and repeated suspension movement.
Buyer tip
Listen for clunks over speed bumps and have a mechanic check top mounts and lower bushes.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Supplementary restraint system warning lamp indicates a fault
- Recorded
- 52 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 7.1.6 (a)
What it means
The airbag/SRS warning lamp indicates a fault. Restraint systems may not deploy correctly in a collision.
Why it happens
Clock-spring, sensor or module faults — sometimes after prior accident repairs — set SRS warnings.
Buyer tip
Require a specialist SRS diagnosis — do not accept a bulb removed or lamp covered up.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect
- Recorded
- 50 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 4.1.2 (c)
What it means
This MOT defect usually indicates incorrect headlamp alignment following adjustment, suspension movement or repair work.
Why it happens
Aim drifts after suspension work, bumper repairs, bulb changes or simply from road vibration over time.
Buyer tip
Check beam alignment during inspection and ask whether the lamps were aimed after any recent suspension or bodywork.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Most Common Wear & Tear Faults
DVSA wording grouped as wear and tear for this model and age band.
Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak
- Recorded
- 16 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.1.1 (b)
What it means
Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
Usually wear related
Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush
- Recorded
- 13 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.3.2 (c)
What it means
A damper mounting bush is worn, which can cause knocks, vague handling and accelerated tyre wear.
Why it happens
Rubber bushes harden and tear with age, road salt and repeated suspension movement.
Buyer tip
Listen for clunks over speed bumps and have a mechanic check top mounts and lower bushes.
Severity
Usually wear related
Suspension locking device missing ball joint nut
- Recorded
- 3 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.3.6 (b)
What it means
This wording appears on DVSA MOT records for this model. It flags a tester-observed defect or advisory that can affect safety, legality or a future pass.
Why it happens
Components age with mileage and road use, even when a car has been looked after carefully.
Buyer tip
Ask the seller for invoices covering this item, and have an independent inspector confirm whether it is still present.
Severity
Usually wear related
Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak
- Recorded
- 3 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.2.1 (b)
What it means
Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
Usually wear related
Emissions unable to be completed exhaust leak
- Recorded
- 2 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.1.2 (d)
What it means
Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
Usually wear related
Service brake excessively binding unable to check wheel bearing
- Recorded
- 1 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.2.1 (f)
What it means
Service brake performance could not be fully verified, or a brake is binding/fluctuating. That often points to worn discs, seized calipers or hub issues.
Why it happens
Seized caliper slides, worn discs or contaminated friction material upset brake balance.
Buyer tip
Insist on a road test and a proper brake inspection; unresolved binding can destroy pads and hubs.
Severity
Usually wear related
Most Common Systemic Faults
DVSA wording grouped as systemic patterns for this model and age band.
Brake pipe excessively damaged
- Recorded
- 2,481 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.1.11 (c)
What it means
A brake pipe is damaged or heavily corroded. Pipe failure can cause sudden loss of braking effort.
Why it happens
Road salt, stone chips and age corrode metal pipes, especially along the underbody.
Buyer tip
Inspect metal pipes along the underbody and near calipers; corroded pipes should be replaced before you rely on the car.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction
- Recorded
- 46 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.1.2 (h)
What it means
The engine management warning lamp is on or not working. Stored faults can affect emissions, drivability and future MOT results.
Why it happens
Sensors, emissions equipment or wiring faults store codes that illuminate the MIL.
Buyer tip
Ask for a diagnostic printout and proof that the underlying fault — not just the lamp — was fixed.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Registration plate inscription illegible cracked
- Recorded
- 10 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 0.1 (b)
What it means
The number plate is cracked, deteriorated or hard to read. Plates must remain legible and securely fitted.
Why it happens
Age, stone chips, poor replacements or mounts that flex crack or fade plates.
Buyer tip
Budget for legal replacement plates; check fixing and any bike-rack or tow-bar obstruction.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Exhaust mounting defective catalytic bracket
- Recorded
- 5 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 6.1.2 (a)
What it means
An exhaust mount is worn or the system is insecure/leaking. That can worsen noise, fumes and later emissions failures.
Why it happens
Rubber hangers perish and joints loosen with heat cycles and corrosion.
Buyer tip
Look under the car for hanging sections, cracked rubbers and sooty leak marks at joints.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Steering locking device missing track rod end
- Recorded
- 3 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 2.1.3 (d)
What it means
The steering lock is missing or ineffective. That affects theft protection and can be an MOT failure item.
Why it happens
Column locks wear, or aftermarket work interferes with the lock mechanism.
Buyer tip
Confirm the steering lock engages with the key removed and investigate any aftermarket column work.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Drive shaft bent
- Recorded
- 3 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 6.1.7 (e)
What it means
This wording appears on DVSA MOT records for this model. It flags a tester-observed defect or advisory that can affect safety, legality or a future pass.
Why it happens
When similar DVSA wording appears across many examples, it can reflect shared components or recurring model tendencies rather than one careless owner.
Buyer tip
Ask the seller for invoices covering this item, and have an independent inspector confirm whether it is still present.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction
- Recorded
- 2 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.2.2 (g)
What it means
The engine management warning lamp is on or not working. Stored faults can affect emissions, drivability and future MOT results.
Why it happens
Sensors, emissions equipment or wiring faults store codes that illuminate the MIL.
Buyer tip
Ask for a diagnostic printout and proof that the underlying fault — not just the lamp — was fixed.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Brake cable insecure connected to brake pipes
- Recorded
- 1 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.1.15 (c)
What it means
Part of the brake linkage or cable is worn or damaged. That can reduce parking-brake or service-brake effectiveness.
Why it happens
Cables seize or fray with corrosion and lack of use; linkages wear at pivots.
Buyer tip
Test the handbrake on a slope and inspect cables for fraying or seized runs.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Recent year-by-year category counts
Defect-note totals by calendar year in the serving extract (not MOT tests, not vehicles, and not a prediction).
| Year | Owner maintenance | Wear & tear | Systemic | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| defect notes | defect notes | defect notes | defect notes | |
| 2021 | 6,501 | 670 | 131 | 921 |
| 2022 | 9,782 | 1,425 | 320 | 1,530 |
| 2023 | 12,425 | 2,187 | 554 | 2,201 |
| 2024 | 15,368 | 3,508 | 952 | 3,077 |
| 2025 | 16,354 | 5,172 | 1,524 | 4,188 |
| 2026 | 6,583 | 2,662 | 900 | 2,017 |
Buying a used Suzuki Ignis: practical MOT checks
- Measure tread depth on all four tyres and look for edge wear — it is the single most recorded MOT defect note on this model, logged 23,350 times in the dataset.
- Check headlamp aim on dipped and main beam, and confirm the windscreen washer actually sprays — aim faults and empty washers both appear frequently in test records.
- Get underneath or ask a mechanic to inspect brake pipes for corrosion, cracking or damage — 'brake pipe excessively damaged' is the dominant systemic note, with 2,481 occurrences.
- With the ignition on, confirm no engine management, tyre-pressure or airbag warning lamps stay lit — MIL and SRS faults, though lower in volume, do appear in the records.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Suzuki Ignis MOT pass rate for 2016–2021 registrations?
- In this Carmotiq extract, the Suzuki Ignis records an 88.2% MOT pass rate across 106,344 DVSA tests for cars in the 5–10 year registration era.
- What are the most common Suzuki Ignis MOT failure reasons?
- Owner-maintenance defect notes account for 69,861 of 105,566 recorded items — roughly two-thirds of the total. Tyres worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge lead at 23,350 notes; brake pipe excessively damaged is the highest-volume systemic item at 2,481.
- Can I use this instead of checking one Suzuki Ignis on GOV.UK?
- No. GOV.UK shows the MOT history for one registration. This page aggregates outcomes for the Suzuki Ignis make and model in a fixed UK age band so you can research the model before you shortlist specific cars.