Suzuki

Suzuki Splash (2009)

3,150 real MOT outcomes analysed • 75.5% first-time pass rate

2009 Suzuki Splash

CarHunch analysed 3,150 real MOT records for the 2009 Suzuki Splash. 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 2009 Suzuki Splash falls noticeably short of the UK average with a 75.5% first-time pass rate versus 80%, and more concerning, 40.6% of these cars have recorded a dangerous defect at some point—well above acceptable levels. Both petrol and diesel variants struggle equally, with petrol managing 75.7% and diesel 73.0%, so fuel type won't help you dodge the reliability issues.

These cars are sitting at modest mileage for their age (median 45,542 miles), yet they're averaging 4.46 failures and 24.6 advisories per test, which tells you wear and maintenance gaps compound quickly. Before buying one, have a pre-purchase inspection focus on structural corrosion and brake condition—the dangerous defect rate suggests these are the problem areas that will cost you later.

The 2009 Suzuki Splash has a decent first-time pass rate (75.5%), 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
75.5%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
40.6%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
4.46
Over 17.3 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
46k
Middle half: 32k–61k
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 24.6 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 3,150 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 3,150 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Brake wear 52.6%
Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material · Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material · Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Tyre wear 48.6%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing · Nearside 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 30.3%
Offside Front Coil spring fractured or broken · Nearside Front Coil spring fractured or broken · Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Other issues 26.8%
Oil leak, but not excessive

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2009.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 3,150 Suzuki Splash cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2009 Suzuki Splash

Based on MOT data from 3,150 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 40.6% 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 (92%) 2,899 75.7% 4.43
Diesel (8%) 251 73% 4.81

Colour Breakdown

Based on 19,787 Suzuki Splash vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

White 19.5%
3,852
Red 18.2%
3,607
Black 13.5%
2,669
Turquoise 12.9%
2,551
Grey 12.6%
2,487
Silver 11.2%
2,215
Blue 7%
1,379
Orange 3.1%
607
Green 2.1%
411
Bronze 0%
9

Mileage Distribution

Most 2009 Suzuki Splash 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.

45,542
typical
32,389
low mileage
60,933
high mileage

Half of all 2009 Suzuki Splash vehicles fall between 32,389 and 60,933 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 32,389 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.
32,389–60,933 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2009 Suzuki Splashs sit.
Over 82,259 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2009 Suzuki Splash — Still on the Road

Most 2009 Suzuki Splashs are still being driven.

2,302 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 76% of the peak remain.

3,043 2,302 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* 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

17.3
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
4.46
Avg failures per vehicle
24.6
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Suzuki Splash: All Splash years → Which year to buy? →
2008 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Or browse all models: Suzuki →

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Compare with another model

See how the 2009 Suzuki Splash stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing