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Suzuki Jimny Mk3 (JB43) (2005-2018) reliability

At a glance

Suzuki Jimny Mk3 (JB43) built around 2018: more fails still not passed 3 days later

Suzuki Jimny Mk3 (JB43) models built around 2018 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 a Suzuki Jimny Mk3 (JB43) right now?

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

Key figure

4.1% of MOT tests on Suzuki Jimny Mk3 (JB43) models built around 2018 failed and still hadn’t passed 3 days later. For similar cars the same age, it was 2.7%.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Suzuki Jimny Mk3 (JB43) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Suzuki Jimny Mk3 (JB43)
No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2005-2018SUVPETROL

Based on 17,662 tests of Jimny models registered 2005-2018.

About 1 in 25 Jimny Mk3 (JB43) MOTs (4.1%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 827 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 3.0% and 5.7%. 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 75 Jimny Mk3 (JB43) MOTs (1.3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 827 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 0.7% and 2.4%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk3 (JB43) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
19316.1%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
82716.6%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
1,19617.3%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
1,27319.1%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1,17820.0%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
1,08719.2%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
1,19122.3%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
1,03721.5%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
93225.8%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
86927.3%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,18125.9%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,73830.1%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
2,00330.9%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,84731.2%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,11029.9%

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 19 years old.

How the Jimny Mk3 (JB43) compares

At each age below, see how the Jimny Mk3 (JB43) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 43,996 tests across 7 Suzuki models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateSuzuki average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
19316.1%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
82716.6%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
1,19617.3%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
1,27319.1%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1,17820.0%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
1,08719.2%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
1,19122.3%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
1,03721.5%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
93225.8%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
86927.3%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,18125.9%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,73830.1%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
2,00330.9%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,84731.2%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,11029.9%

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 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 springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

Axles & Wheels

Worth checking

Inspect the axles & wheels carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

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 Jimny Mk3 (JB43).

  1. 1

    Volkswagen T-Roc

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.9%
    Dangerous
    3.9%

    Lower fail rate: 9.6%, against 16.6% for the Suzuki Jimny Mk3 (JB43), both built around 2018.

    9,233 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Skoda Karoq

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    4.3%

    Lower fail rate: 10.3%, against 16.6% for the Suzuki Jimny Mk3 (JB43), both built around 2018.

    8,610 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Mitsubishi Eclipse

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.4%

    Lower fail rate: 12.4%, against 16.6% for the Suzuki Jimny Mk3 (JB43), both built around 2018.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    3,969 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Audi Q2

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.3%
    Dangerous
    4.3%

    Lower fail rate: 10.4%, against 16.6% for the Suzuki Jimny Mk3 (JB43), both built around 2018.

    15,997 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

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.

How many are still registered

94%of all Suzuki Jimny cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

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.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

8 recalls in all

6 of the 8 Jimny Mk3 (JB43) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 6 recalls

Top concerns

  • Jimny fuel pump replacement
  • The fuel feeding impeller in the fuel pump may be swollen and deformed
  • Improper design of the driver side and the passenger side door harnesses may affect air bag operation

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

How Jimny Mk3 (JB43) cars have aged

How Jimny Mk3 (JB43) 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%35791113151719Age at MOTBuilt around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 7.7% (416 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 10.7% (413 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 12.2% (411 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 17.6% (414 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.0% (405 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 12.1% (816 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 12.7% (790 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 15.9% (759 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.9% (745 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.0% (723 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 15.0% (794 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (803 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 18.1% (808 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.4% (782 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.3% (796 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 15.9% (772 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.3% (737 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.2% (758 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.8% (745 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.0% (739 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.3% (678 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.5% (633 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 17.9% (626 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 17.7% (620 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 18.9% (634 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 16.6% (692 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (661 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 18.5% (654 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 18.9% (635 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 20.6% (685 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.5% (698 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.1% (677 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 21.2% (676 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 23.0% (670 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 21.8% (633 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.7% (571 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 22.2% (549 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (539 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.5% (554 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 24.5% (526 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 22.6% (505 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 22.7% (459 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 24.9% (474 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 24.7% (457 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 26.9% (453 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 20.8% (701 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 23.6% (704 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 23.4% (679 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 23.2% (633 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 25.3% (633 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 23.0% (1,094 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 23.9% (1,085 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 26.0% (1,007 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 26.6% (917 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 25.8% (848 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 28.9% (1,545 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (1,456 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (1,287 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (1,139 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (1,087 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.3% (1,438 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (1,279 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (1,222 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.2% (1,091 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (957 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (1,751 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (1,569 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 29.6% (1,339 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 29.5% (1,229 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (1,110 tests, 2025 data)2005
First registered around 2018First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015
Mk3 (JB43) variants compared
All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common issues on Suzuki Jimnys of this age

This list covers every Suzuki Jimny built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 (JB43) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    11.1%
    Advisory: 183Fail: 3 (2% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    8.9%
    Advisory: 18Fail: 79 (81% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    6.9%
    Advisory: 78Fail: 2 (3% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    6.0%
    Advisory: 58Fail: 2 (3% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Swivel pin or bush slightly worn

    2.8%
    Advisory: 14Fail: 15 (52% of the times it was found)

Based on 827 tests

Looking at a Suzuki Jimny Mk3 (JB43) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Suzuki Jimny Mk3 (JB43) (2005-2018) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 827 7-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 17,662 MOT tests on Suzuki Jimnys first registered between 2005-2018. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.