Suzuki

Suzuki Alto (2014)

13,589 real MOT outcomes analysed • 81.5% first-time pass rate

2014 Suzuki Alto

CarHunch analysed 13,589 real MOT records for the 2014 Suzuki Alto. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2014 Suzuki Alto's first-time pass rate of 81.5% is marginally above the UK average of 80%, which is respectable, but the real concern is that 36.8% of these cars have experienced a dangerous defect at some point—significantly higher than typical and a genuine safety flag for used buyers. This suggests structural or mechanical vulnerabilities that go beyond minor wear and tear.

At 35,348 miles median, these Altos are relatively lightly used for their age, yet they're still accumulating an average of 12.8 advisories per vehicle, indicating that even low-mileage examples have multiple minor faults waiting to emerge. When buying one, prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that specifically checks suspension, braking, and structural integrity, as the high dangerous defect rate points to weaknesses in these areas.

The 2014 Suzuki Alto has a decent first-time pass rate (81.5%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
81.5%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
36.8%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
2.18
Over 10.8 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
35k
Middle half: 24k–49k
For context
🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 12.9 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 13,589 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 13,589 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 56.1%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Suspension & steering 30.5%
Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement · Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement · Offside Rear Coil spring corroded · …
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Brake wear 27%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material · Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2014.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 13,589 Suzuki Alto cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2014 Suzuki Alto

Based on MOT data from 13,589 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 36.8% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (100%) 13,587 81.5% 2.18

Colour Breakdown

Based on 83,978 Suzuki Alto vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Red 27.1%
22,774
White 18.7%
15,728
Blue 15.3%
12,851
Silver 15.1%
12,691
Black 10.3%
8,623
Grey 4.5%
3,741
Pink 3.6%
3,031
Yellow 3.4%
2,897
Green 1.1%
932
Brown 0.8%
655
Beige 0.1%
42
Purple 0%
13

Mileage Distribution

Most 2014 Suzuki Alto vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

35,348
typical
23,550
low mileage
49,141
high mileage

Half of all 2014 Suzuki Alto vehicles fall between 23,550 and 49,141 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 23,550 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
23,550–49,141 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2014 Suzuki Altos sit.
Over 66,340 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2014 Suzuki Alto — Still on the Road

Almost all 2014 Suzuki Altos are still on the road.

Strong survival — 12,144 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 92% of the peak.

13,145 12,144 2017 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

10.8
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
2.18
Avg failures per vehicle
12.9
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Suzuki Alto: All Alto years → Which year to buy? →
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2015

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Compare with another model

See how the 2014 Suzuki Alto stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing