Suzuki

Suzuki Swift (2010)

7,741 real MOT outcomes analysed • 77.2% first-time pass rate

2010 Suzuki Swift

CarHunch analysed 7,741 real MOT records for the 2010 Suzuki Swift. 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 2010 Suzuki Swift falls slightly short of the UK average with a 77.2% first-time pass rate, and that's a genuine concern—42.1% of these cars have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, suggesting wear-related safety issues are common in this ageing cohort. Petrol versions fare marginally better at 77.3% versus diesels at 75.3%, but the difference is negligible.

At around 56,400 miles median, these Swifts show typical usage for their age, yet owners are managing an average of 3.75 failures and nearly 24 advisories per test, indicating accumulated wear across multiple systems rather than isolated problems. If you're considering one, budget for repairs and insist on a pre-purchase inspection focusing on suspension, brakes, and exhaust components—the high advisory rate suggests these wear items need close scrutiny.

The 2010 Suzuki Swift has a decent first-time pass rate (77.2%), 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
77.2%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
42.1%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
3.75
Over 15.4 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
56k
Middle half: 42k–72k
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 23.9 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 7,741 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 7,741 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Brake wear 53.2%
Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material · Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material · Offside Front 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 51.6%
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.
Other issues 23.8%
Oil leak, but not excessive
Suspension & steering 23.3%
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.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2010.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 7,741 Suzuki Swift cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2010 Suzuki Swift

Based on MOT data from 7,741 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 42.1% 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 (94%) 7,294 77.3% 3.74
Diesel (6%) 445 75.3% 3.87

Colour Breakdown

Based on 187,898 Suzuki Swift vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Red 21.1%
39,720
Blue 19.9%
37,399
White 17.1%
32,201
Silver 11.6%
21,778
Black 11.5%
21,538
Grey 10.2%
19,126
Green 3.8%
7,129
Orange 3.5%
6,592
Turquoise 0.7%
1,372
Yellow 0.4%
765
Purple 0.1%
240
Bronze 0%
38

Mileage Distribution

Most 2010 Suzuki Swift 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.

56,399
typical
41,967
low mileage
71,646
high mileage

Half of all 2010 Suzuki Swift vehicles fall between 41,967 and 71,646 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 41,967 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.
41,967–71,646 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2010 Suzuki Swifts sit.
Over 96,722 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2010 Suzuki Swift — Still on the Road

Most 2010 Suzuki Swifts are still being driven.

5,488 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 74% of the peak remain.

7,424 5,488 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

15.4
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
3.75
Avg failures per vehicle
23.9
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Suzuki Swift: All Swift years → Which year to buy? →
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Compare with another model

See how the 2010 Suzuki Swift stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing