Skip to main content
Check

Suzuki Swift Mk2 (RS) (2005-2009) reliability

At a glance

Suzuki Swift Mk2 (RS) built around 2008: about average at the MOT

Suzuki Swift Mk2 (RS) models built around 2008 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Suzuki Swift Mk2 (RS) right now?

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

Key figure

34% of MOT tests on Suzuki Swift Mk2 (RS) models built around 2008 ended in a fail (retests included), against 33% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Suzuki Swift Mk2 (RS) models built around 2008 involves the suspension.

Suzuki Swift Mk2 (RS)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2005-2009HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 33,152 tests of Swift models registered 2005-2009.

About 1 in 10 Swift Mk2 (RS) MOTs (10%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2008 (17 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 9,441 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 12 Swift Mk2 (RS) MOTs (8.1%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2008 (17 years old).

Based on 9,441 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk2 (RS) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
3,98332.2%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
8,85333.1%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
9,44134.3%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
6,74434.0%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
3,46634.9%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
66535.8%

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 20 years old.

How the Swift Mk2 (RS) compares

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

Based on 18,818 tests across 7 Suzuki models, built around 2008 (17 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateSuzuki average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
3,98332.2%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
8,85333.1%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
9,44134.3%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
6,74434.0%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
3,46634.9%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
66535.8%

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 pipes and hoses

High priority

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

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

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

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.

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 hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Swift Mk2 (RS).

  1. 1

    Daihatsu Sirion

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    7.2%
    Dangerous
    6.2%

    Lower fail rate: 28.3%, against 34.3% for the Suzuki Swift Mk2 (RS), both built around 2008.

    1,990 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  2. 2

    Nissan Micra

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    30.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.9%
    Dangerous
    5.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96%

    Lower fail rate: 30.5%, against 34.3% for the Suzuki Swift Mk2 (RS), both built around 2008.

    3 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    17,936 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  3. 3

    Hyundai Getz

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    32.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    7.4%
    Dangerous
    8.2%

    No clear edge over the Suzuki Swift Mk2 (RS) on these figures.

    5,004 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  4. 4

    Volkswagen Fox

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    35.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.2%
    Dangerous
    5.4%

    Fewer dangerous faults: 5.4%, against 8.1% for the Suzuki Swift Mk2 (RS).

    5,869 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

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

95%of all Suzuki Swift 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

20 recalls in all

1 of the 20 Swift Mk2 (RS) recalls covers cars built in these years.

  • 1 recall

Top concerns

  • Brakes may fail

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

What has gone wrong on Swift Mk2 (RS) cars built around 2008

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 888 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
76%
Emissions
25%
Drivetrain
5%
Steering
4%
Bodywork
3%

Wear items

Brakes
74%
Lighting
63%
Tyres
49%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 25% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2008 (17 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol Swift tests (not specific to Mk2 (RS)).

1.0 to 1.4 litres34.8%3,360 tests1.4 to 2.0 litres33.9%5,837 tests
How Swift Mk2 (RS) cars have aged

How Swift Mk2 (RS) 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%1214161820Age at MOTBuilt around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 31.2% (7,197 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (6,734 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (6,209 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.5% (5,576 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.5% (4,974 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (8,491 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 32.3% (7,743 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 34.1% (7,175 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 34.4% (6,231 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.6% (5,356 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (8,225 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (7,283 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.8% (6,459 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 34.1% (5,556 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.5% (4,534 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 34.2% (5,217 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 34.6% (4,500 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 35.4% (3,916 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.3% (3,164 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 34.5% (2,583 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 35.0% (1,528 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 35.3% (1,312 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.8% (1,053 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.8% (825 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 35.8% (665 tests, 2025 data)2005
First registered around 2009First registered around 2008First registered around 2007First registered around 2006
How each part holds up as Mk2 (RS) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk2 (RS) cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2005-2008 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension76%79%79%84%
Brakes74%75%73%76%
Emissions25%30%32%35%
Tyres49%54%55%60%
Lighting63%61%61%62%
Drivetrain5%8%11%13%
Bodywork3%4%6%15%
Steering4%2%2%3%
Corrosion25%28%27%30%

Based on petrol cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 336 to 1,129 cars at each age.

Mk2 (RS) variants compared

Swift Mk2 (RS) variants built around 2008

The fail rate for each Swift Mk2 (RS) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • SWIFT34.3%9,215 tests

Diesel

  • SWIFT34.5%226 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Suzuki Swifts of this age

This list covers every Suzuki Swift built around 2008, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 (RS) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

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

    32.6%
    Advisory: 3,281Fail: 1,398 (30% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    27.3%
    Advisory: 3,627Fail: 347 (9% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    20.3%
    Advisory: 2,429Fail: 269 (10% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    15.2%
    Advisory: 1,805Fail: 260 (13% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    14.6%
    Advisory: 1,921Fail: 257 (12% of the times it was found)

Based on 9,441 tests

Looking at a Suzuki Swift Mk2 (RS) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2008 (17 years old), the Suzuki Swift Mk2 (RS) (2005-2009) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 9,441 17-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 33,152 MOT tests on Suzuki Swifts first registered between 2005-2009. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.