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Ssangyong Rexton Mk2 (Y290) (2006-2017) reliability

At a glance

Ssangyong Rexton Mk2 (Y290) built around 2017: fails its MOT more often than average

Ssangyong Rexton Mk2 (Y290) models built around 2017 fail their MOT more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Looking at a Ssangyong Rexton Mk2 (Y290) right now?

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Key figure

27% of MOT tests on Ssangyong Rexton Mk2 (Y290) models built around 2017 ended in a fail (retests included), against 18% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Ssangyong Rexton Mk2 (Y290) models built around 2017 involves the tyres.

poor reliability2006-2017SUVDIESEL

Based on 2,422 tests of Rexton models registered 2006-2017.

About 1 in 8 Rexton Mk2 (Y290) MOTs (12.6%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2017 (8 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 540 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 10.1% and 15.7%. 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 15 Rexton Mk2 (Y290) MOTs (7.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2017 (8 years old).

Based on 540 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 5.5% and 9.9%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk2 (Y290) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
23225.4%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
54026.7%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
51228.5%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
49334.5%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
28232.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
7237.5%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
9139.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
7435.1%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
7038.6%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
5630.4%

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 13 years old.

How the Rexton Mk2 (Y290) compares

At each age below, see how the Rexton Mk2 (Y290) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 5,229 tests across 5 Ssangyong models, built around 2017 (8 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateSsangyong average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
23225.4%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
54026.7%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
51228.5%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
49334.5%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
28232.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
7237.5%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
9139.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
7435.1%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
7038.6%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
5630.4%

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.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Brake pads

High priority

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

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

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.

Steering track rods

Worth checking

On a flat surface, rock the steering wheel briefly with the engine off and listen for clunks.

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 SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Rexton Mk2 (Y290).

  1. 1

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    7.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.3%
    Dangerous
    2.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.4%

    Lower fail rate: 7.4%, against 26.7% for the Ssangyong Rexton Mk2 (Y290), both built around 2017.

    1,993 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  2. 2

    Porsche Macan

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.5%
    Dangerous
    2.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    91.6%

    Lower fail rate: 9.8%, against 26.7% for the Ssangyong Rexton Mk2 (Y290), both built around 2017.

    5,741 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  3. 3

    Lexus NX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.7%
    Dangerous
    2.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.4%

    Lower fail rate: 10.0%, against 26.7% for the Ssangyong Rexton Mk2 (Y290), both built around 2017.

    3,954 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  4. 4

    Audi Q2

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.4%
    Dangerous
    4.2%

    Lower fail rate: 11.8%, against 26.7% for the Ssangyong Rexton Mk2 (Y290), both built around 2017.

    8,265 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

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.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Ssangyong Rexton.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

2 recalls in all

1 of the 2 Rexton Mk2 (Y290) recalls covers cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical

Top concerns

  • Loss of control

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

How Rexton Mk2 (Y290) cars have aged

How Rexton Mk2 (Y290) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%40%50%46810121416Age at MOTBuilt around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 21.6% (402 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 23.1% (386 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (385 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 23.5% (358 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (354 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 19.4% (324 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (338 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 26.5% (321 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (339 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (285 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 27.3% (363 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (360 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 31.3% (329 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (313 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (298 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (334 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 34.1% (343 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 33.8% (325 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 33.5% (316 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (269 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (100 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (118 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 37.8% (98 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 35.2% (71 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 36.4% (55 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 34.7% (193 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 36.4% (162 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 40.0% (120 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 33.8% (80 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 37.0% (54 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (99 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 32.9% (82 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 36.7% (60 tests, 2023 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 37.0% (138 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 34.7% (95 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 45.7% (81 tests, 2023 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 36.0% (125 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 36.6% (101 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 38.5% (78 tests, 2023 data)2006
First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014
Mk2 (Y290) variants compared
All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common issues on Ssangyong Rextons of this age

This list covers every Ssangyong Rexton built around 2017, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 (Y290) 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

    17.0%
    Advisory: 135Fail: 13 (9% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    12.8%
    Advisory: 74Fail: 29 (28% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    12.8%
    Advisory: 66Fail: 18 (21% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Track rod end ball joint has slight play

    11.7%
    Advisory: 44Fail: 29 (40% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    8.9%
    Advisory: 59Fail: 1 (2% of the times it was found)

Based on 540 tests

Looking at a Ssangyong Rexton Mk2 (Y290) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2017 (8 years old), the Ssangyong Rexton Mk2 (Y290) (2006-2017) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 540 8-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 2,422 MOT tests on Ssangyong Rextons first registered between 2006-2017. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.