Skip to main content
Check

Isuzu D-Max Mk3 (RG) (2021-present) reliability

At a glance

Isuzu D-Max Mk3 (RG) built around 2021: more fails still not passed 3 days later

Isuzu D-Max Mk3 (RG) models built around 2021 fail an MOT and still haven’t passed 3 days later more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Looking at an Isuzu D-Max Mk3 (RG) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

2.7% of MOT tests on Isuzu D-Max Mk3 (RG) models built around 2021 failed and still hadn’t passed 3 days later. For similar cars the same age, it was 1.7%.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Isuzu D-Max Mk3 (RG) models built around 2021 involves the tyres.

No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2021-presentPickupDIESEL

Based on 7,043 tests of D-Max models registered 2021+.

About 1 in 6 diesel D-Max cars registered in 2022 (15.9%) failed their first MOT.

Based on 3,888 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).

About 1 in 40 D-Max Mk3 (RG) MOTs (2.7%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2021 (4 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 2,511 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 30 D-Max Mk3 (RG) MOTs (3.2%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2021 (4 years old).

Based on 2,511 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk3 (RG) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
4,53214.7%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
2,51114.8%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 4 years old.

How the D-Max Mk3 (RG) compares

At each age below, see how the D-Max Mk3 (RG) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 4,036 tests across 1 Isuzu models, built around 2021 (4 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateIsuzu average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
4,53214.7%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
2,51114.8%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Shock absorbers

Worth checking

Bounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other pickups to compare

Other pickups, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the D-Max Mk3 (RG).

  1. 1

    Mitsubishi L200

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.8%
    Dangerous
    2.6%

    Lower fail rate: 12.4%, against 14.8% for the Isuzu D-Max Mk3 (RG), both built around 2021.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    4,565 MOT tests on cars built around 2021

  2. 2

    Nissan Navara

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.8%
    Dangerous
    3.9%

    No clear edge over the Isuzu D-Max Mk3 (RG) on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    7,357 MOT tests on cars built around 2021

  3. 3

    Ford Ranger

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.7%
    Dangerous
    3.8%

    No clear edge over the Isuzu D-Max Mk3 (RG) on these figures.

    3 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    19,673 MOT tests on cars built around 2021

  4. 4

    Toyota Hilux

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.5%
    Dangerous
    3.3%

    No clear edge over the Isuzu D-Max Mk3 (RG) on these figures.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    9,414 MOT tests on cars built around 2021

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.

Recall context

5 recalls in all

1 of the 5 D-Max Mk3 (RG) recalls covers cars built in these years.

  • 1 recall

Top concerns

  • ECM and DCU software update

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Mk3 (RG) variants compared

D-Max Mk3 (RG) variants built around 2021

The fail rate for each D-Max Mk3 (RG) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • D-MAX UTILITY18.2%483 tests
  • D-MAX V-CROSS AUTO12.7%482 tests
  • D-MAX DL2014.4%360 tests
  • D-MAX DL40 AUTO10.7%298 tests
  • D-MAX14.8%244 tests
  • D-MAX DL4012.1%240 tests
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Isuzu D-Max models of this age

This list covers every Isuzu D-Max built around 2021, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 (RG) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    15.8%
    Advisory: 991Fail: 66 (6% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    7.3%
    Advisory: 295Fail: 58 (16% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Shock absorber bush slightly worn

    6.5%
    Advisory: 212Fail: 165 (44% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    5.9%
    Advisory: 284Fail: 112 (28% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    5.7%
    Advisory: 308Fail: 3 (1% of the times it was found)

Based on 4,036 tests

Looking at an Isuzu D-Max Mk3 (RG) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2021 (4 years old), the Isuzu D-Max Mk3 (RG) (2021-present) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 2,511 4-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 7,043 MOT tests on Isuzu D-Max models first registered from 2021. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.