Model reliability

Chevrolet Matiz reliability

The Chevrolet Matiz fails its MOT more often than most cars over 10 years old: 48.2% of 12,172 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

Over 10 years old

48.2% failed their MOT

Worse than most

From 12,172 MOT tests of Chevrolet Matizs this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 79% more oftenBrake performance10.4% vs 5.8%

Fails 59% more oftenSuspension arms8.1% vs 5.1%

Fails 74% more oftenHeadlamps6.8% vs 3.9%Fix about £30

Fails 2× as oftenWipers5.5% vs 2.6%

Advised 2× as oftenRigid brake pipes19.8% vs 8.3%Fix about £120

Advised 6× as oftenWheel bearings10.8% vs 1.7%

Advised 85% more oftenExhaust system9.8% vs 5.3%Fix about £150

Advised 80% more oftenBrake performance8.3% vs 4.6%

Safety recalls

4 DVSA recalls for the Chevrolet Matiz

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2014/18115 Dec 2014Built 2008–2009Braking performance may be reduced

On affected vehicles the ABS valve may stick. The brakes will still function but the driver may experience a spongy feel when operating the brake pedal or excessive pedal travel.

Fix: Carry out diagnostic check on ABS system. If outcome is within manufacturers specification drain and replace brake fluid. If outcome is not within manufacturer's specification replace ABS valve and drain and replace brake fluid.

Recalled models: MATIZ · 8,194 vehicles

R/2012/09028 Aug 2012Built 2007–2009Braking efficiency may be affected

Incorrect type of brake fluid installed at production could cause internal corrosion of the ABS module. This corrosion can lead to a gel build up inside the module which may affect the closing motion of one of the valves. There will be no external loss of fluid or reduction in fluid level but it is possible the driver could feel excessive brake pedal travel. In some circumstances there may be reduced braking performance.

Fix: Inspection of the brake fluid using a scan tool. Drain and replace the fluid and replace the brake fluid reservoir cap (All models except Captiva & Epica/Tosca). Erase ''DOT 3'' text from the customers Owner's Manual (All models except Captiva & Epica/Tosca). Add information regarding the use of DOT 4 brake fluid.

Recalled models: MATIZ · 38,876 vehicles

R/2009/08919 Oct 2009Built 2009Front seat buckle will not latch

It has been identified that due to a manufacturing error the front seatbelt buckles may not lock when the user attempts to fasten the seatbelt thus rendering the seatbelt inoperative.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the front seatbelts inspected to ascertain whether they are in the affected range. Should this be the case the buckles will be replaced.

Recalled models: MATIZ · 1,741 vehicles

R/2005/17820 Dec 2005Built 2004Airbag inflator may detach on deployment

During air bag deployment it is possible that the passenger's airbag inflator may separate from its housing. Whilst unlikely it is possible that the separated inflator could cause slight injury to the front seat passenger.

Fix: Affected vehicles will have the front passenger's airbag module replaced with a quality assured part.

Recalled models: MATIZ · 1,934 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Chevrolet Matiz before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.

Chevrolet Matiz reliability

4 DVSA recalls for the Chevrolet Matiz

Checking a Chevrolet Matiz before you buy

Run this check on every listing, automatically.