1997 Suzuki Vitara MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Vitara models manufactured in 1997, based on 16,311 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all Vitara cars tested in 1997. Want to see how cars built in 1997 hold up over time?
View 1997 Suzuki Vitara vintage page → (65.1% current pass rate)1997 Suzuki Vitara MOT Analysis
The 1997 Suzuki Vitara has an MOT pass rate of 47.7% based on 16,311 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 90,664 miles on the odometer. With a 52.3% failure rate, the 1997 Vitara is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1997 Suzuki Vitara is Suspension, responsible for 0.4% of failures. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs range from £200–500. Body, chassis, structure is the second most common issue at 0.3%. Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems follows at 0.2%.
Top failures specific to 1997 models only. The overall Vitara page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 0.4% | 59 |
| 2 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 0.3% | 56 |
| 3 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 0.2% | 34 |
| 4 | Brakes | 0.2% | 33 |
| 5 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 0.2% | 32 |
| 6 | Tyres | 0.2% | 29 |
| 7 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 0.1% | 17 |
| 8 | Steering | 0.1% | 12 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 90,664 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
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| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 0.04 | 0.4% | 59 |
| Body & Structure | 0.04 | 0.3% | 56 |
| Seat Belts | 0.02 | 0.2% | 34 |
| Brakes | 0.02 | 0.2% | 33 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.02 | 0.2% | 32 |
| Tyres | 0.02 | 0.2% | 29 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.01 | 0.1% | 17 |
| Steering | 0.01 | 0.1% | 12 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1997 Suzuki Vitara has an MOT pass rate of 47.7% based on 16,311 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 90,664 miles on the odometer. With a 52.3% failure rate, the 1997 Vitara is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1997 Suzuki Vitara, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to suspension: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks. With an average mileage of 90,664 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Suspension — 0.4% of failures
Suspension issues account for 0.4% of MOT failures on 1997 Suzuki Vitara models. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs: £200–500. Pre-MOT check: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks.
Body, chassis, structure — 0.3% of failures
Body, chassis, structure issues account for 0.3% of MOT failures on 1997 Suzuki Vitara models. Body and structure failures include excessive corrosion, sharp edges, loose panels, and damage to the vehicle frame. Rust is the primary concern, especially on older vehicles or those exposed to road salt. Typical repair costs: £100–500+. Pre-MOT check: Inspect sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and the chassis for rust. Surface rust is acceptable but structural corrosion or holes will fail. Check that all doors, bonnet, and boot close securely.
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems — 0.2% of failures
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems issues account for 0.2% of MOT failures on 1997 Suzuki Vitara models. Seat belt failures include frayed or cut webbing, faulty retractors, buckles that don't latch properly, and missing or damaged anchorages. All fitted seat belts must be functional. Typical repair costs: £50–200 per belt. Pre-MOT check: Pull each seat belt fully out and check for fraying, cuts, or fading. Ensure each belt retracts smoothly and the buckle clicks securely. Check the pre-tensioner warning light on the dashboard.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.