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Suzuki Swift Mk4 (AZ) (2017-2023) reliability

At a glance

Suzuki Swift Mk4 (AZ) built around 2018: about average at the MOT

Suzuki Swift Mk4 (AZ) models built around 2018 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Suzuki Swift Mk4 (AZ) right now?

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

Key figure

15% of MOT tests on Suzuki Swift Mk4 (AZ) models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 18% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Suzuki Swift Mk4 (AZ) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Suzuki Swift Mk4 (AZ)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2017-2023HatchbackPETROL / HYBRID ELECTRIC

Based on 54,417 tests of Swift models registered 2017-2023.

About 1 in 50 Swift Mk4 (AZ) MOTs (1.8%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 11,074 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 Swift Mk4 (AZ) MOTs (3.5%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 11,074 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk4 (AZ) 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
6,3297.3%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
8,59110.1%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
9,95610.9%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
12,40812.6%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
11,07414.7%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
6,05917.5%

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 8 years old.

How the Swift Mk4 (AZ) compares

At each age below, see how the Swift Mk4 (AZ) 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
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
6,3297.3%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
8,59110.1%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
9,95610.9%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
12,40812.6%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
11,07414.7%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
6,05917.5%

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.

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.

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 Mk4 (AZ).

  1. 1

    Volkswagen up!

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96.7%

    No clear edge over the Suzuki Swift Mk4 (AZ) on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    15,657 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    DS 3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.9%

    No clear edge over the Suzuki Swift Mk4 (AZ) on these figures.

    3 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    6,861 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Toyota Aygo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.2%
    Dangerous
    4.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96%

    Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 1.2%, against 1.8% for the Suzuki Swift Mk4 (AZ).

    25,028 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Citroen C4 Cactus

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.3%
    Dangerous
    5.6%

    No clear edge over the Suzuki Swift Mk4 (AZ) on these figures.

    7,268 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.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Recall context

20 recalls in all

4 of the 20 Swift Mk4 (AZ) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 4 recalls

Top concerns

  • Some vehicles have an inappropriate design and material on check valve of vacuum pump
  • Unintended activation of the side air bag curtain air bag and seat pre tensioner may occur when rear door is slammed shu
  • Integrated starter generator belt belt may fail

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

What has gone wrong on Swift Mk4 (AZ) cars built around 2018

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 583 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
10%
Emissions
1%

Wear items

Tyres
15%
Brakes
10%
Lighting
5%

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2018 (7 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol Swift tests (not specific to Mk4 (AZ)).

Under 1.0 litre15.3%5,981 tests1.0 to 1.4 litres14.0%2,309 tests1.4 to 2.0 litresToo few tests to rely on105 tests
How Swift Mk4 (AZ) cars have aged

How Swift Mk4 (AZ) 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.

Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.

0%10%345678Age at MOTBuilt around 2021, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 7.1% (5,703 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2021, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 10.1% (5,341 tests, 2025 data)2021Built around 2020, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 7.6% (6,440 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2020, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 10.4% (5,845 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2020, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 10.7% (5,694 tests, 2025 data)2020Built around 2019, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 8.6% (9,310 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2019, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 10.6% (8,623 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2019, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 12.1% (8,291 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2019, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 12.2% (8,149 tests, 2025 data)2019Built around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 9.6% (9,023 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 12.8% (8,225 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 12.8% (7,857 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 13.4% (7,622 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 14.3% (7,470 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 11.6% (6,660 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 13.3% (6,447 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.5% (6,215 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 14.7% (6,047 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.5% (6,059 tests, 2025 data)2017
First registered around 2021First registered around 2020First registered around 2019First registered around 2018
How each part holds up as Mk4 (AZ) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk4 (AZ) cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2017-2020 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 car5 years6 years7 years8 years
SuspensionNo figure3%10%9%
Brakes4%7%10%16%
EmissionsNo figure1%1%1%
Tyres3%11%15%18%
Lighting1%4%5%10%
Corrosion0%0%1%2%

Based on petrol cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 78 to 720 cars at each age.

Mk4 (AZ) variants compared

Swift Mk4 (AZ) variants built around 2018

The fail rate for each Swift Mk4 (AZ) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • SWIFT14.9%8,395 tests

Hybrid electric

  • SWIFT14.1%2,672 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 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk4 (AZ) 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

    17.2%
    Advisory: 3,092Fail: 139 (4% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    13.1%
    Advisory: 1,999Fail: 195 (9% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    7.9%
    Advisory: 1,552Fail: 199 (11% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    6.9%
    Advisory: 750Fail: 127 (14% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    5.3%
    Advisory: 734Fail: 17 (2% of the times it was found)

Based on 11,074 tests

Looking at a Suzuki Swift Mk4 (AZ) 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 Swift Mk4 (AZ) (2017-2023) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 11,074 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 54,417 MOT tests on Suzuki Swifts first registered between 2017-2023. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.