Model reliability

Suzuki Alto reliability

The Suzuki Alto fails its MOT more often than most cars 6 to 10 years old: 28.7% of 26,873 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.

6 to 10 years old

28.7% failed their MOT

Worse than most

From 26,873 MOT tests of Suzuki Altos this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 5× as oftenStop lamp6.8% vs 1.5%Fix about £30

Fails 2× as oftenWipers4.3% vs 1.8%

Fails 3× as oftenPosition lamps3.9% vs 1.5%Fix about £30

Fails 55% more oftenWashers3.1% vs 2%

Advised 3× as oftenSuspension arms15.6% vs 5.3%

Advised 6× as oftenRigid brake pipes10.3% vs 1.6%Fix about £120

Advised 6× as oftenSprings9.2% vs 1.5%Fix about £150

Advised 7× as oftenTransmission4.9% vs 0.7%

Over 10 years old

37.8% failed their MOT

About average

From 23,615 MOT tests of Suzuki Altos this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 46% more oftenStop lamp5.7% vs 3.9%Fix about £30

Fails 3× as oftenRigid brake pipes5.1% vs 1.7%Fix about £120

Fails 81% more oftenWipers4.7% vs 2.6%

Fails 3× as oftenElectrical equipment2.3% vs 0.8%

Advised 3× as oftenRigid brake pipes24.1% vs 8.3%Fix about £120

Advised 60% more oftenSuspension arms19.4% vs 12.1%

Advised 81% more oftenSprings11.4% vs 6.3%Fix about £150

Advised 35% more oftenRegistration plate lamp(s)7% vs 5.2%Fix about £30

Safety recalls

6 DVSA recalls for the Suzuki Alto

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/2013/0815 Aug 2013Built 2008–2013Possibility of fire

It is possible that if the blower motor becomes jammed the temperature fuse of the resistor may not cut out. This can then cause a section of the air conditioning unit to overheat and possibly result in a vehicle fire.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the resistor assembly.

Recalled models: ALTO · 24,187 vehicles

R/2010/0356 Apr 2010Brake lights may fail

An assembly fault in the wiring harness may induce a high current in the brake light shift lock solenoid which may burn/melt the contacts.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace the Brake Light Switch and fit modified wiring harness.

Recalled models: ALTO · 898 vehicles

R/2009/1401 Dec 2009Fuel may leak

It has been identified that due to an engineering fault in production a dimensional variation has occurred to the fuel pump seating. This may result in a possible fuel leak from the pump seating area whilst the vehicle is being fuelled.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the fuel pump gasket and O replaced.

Recalled models: ALTO · 6,901 vehicles

R/2004/09014 Jun 2004Built 2002–2004Incorrect specification metal brake pipes may be fitted to rear braking system

Potential fitment of incorrect specification metal brake pipes to the rear braking system.

Fix: Affected vehicles will have the rear brake pipes inspected for conformity of specification and changed should a non - compliance be found.

Recalled models: ALTO · 8,743 vehicles

R/2004/03125 Feb 2004Built 2004Handbrake control button faulty

Parking Brake release button may become detached

Fix: Recall affected vehicles check operational functionality and if found to be faulty replace handbrake assembly.

Recalled models: ALTO · 1,101 vehicles

R/2002/0755 Jul 2002Built 1999Seat belt anchorages may be damaged

The front seat belt anchorage points bolt threads may have been damaged during installation. This could result in failure of the seat belt anchorages in an accident.

Fix: Remove all front seat belt anchorage bolts and examine the bolt and captive nut threads for damage. Renew or repair any damaged parts.

Recalled models: ALTO · 127 vehicles

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

Checking a Suzuki Alto 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.

Suzuki Alto reliability

6 DVSA recalls for the Suzuki Alto

Checking a Suzuki Alto before you buy

Run this check on every listing, automatically.