Suzuki Alto reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Suzuki Alto is a city car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 86 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 357 of 442, and 34.5% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is stop lamp (6.6% of tests).
Ranked 357 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 14 of 26 city cars
In 2024, 47,745 Suzuki Altos aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 34.5% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Suzuki Alto is 16% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
34.5%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
5,200
Typical age at test: 11 years
Suzuki Alto MOT failure rate by age
Most common Suzuki Alto MOT faults
- Stop lamp: not working6.6% of tests
- Position lamp: not working4.8% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.5% of tests
- Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.5% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.9% of tests
- Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.2% of tests
What the Suzuki Alto fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 16.8% | ▲ 1.5× as often |
| Suspension | 9.1% | About average |
| Brakes | 8.9% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Visibility | 7.6% | ▲ 1.6× as often |
| Tyres | 6.4% | 1.1× as often |
| Body and structure | 4.0% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 2.5% | ▼ 11% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.1% | ▲ 1.5× as often |
| Steering | 0.7% | ▼ 66% less often |
| Wheels | 0.2% | ▼ 29% less often |
What MPG does the Suzuki Alto do?
Official economy for the Suzuki Alto ranges from 45.6 to 64.2mpg across the 13 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2014). A typical petrol version manages 64.2mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Suzuki Alto?
Any Suzuki Alto first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Suzuki Alto registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £275 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carSuzuki Alto specs and running costs
Official figures for 13 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2014.
Fuel types
Petrol
Official economy
45.6–64.2 mpg
CO2
99–152 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alto 1.0 SZManual · listed 2014 | Petrol | 64.2 mpg | 99g | £20 |
| Alto 1.0 SZ3Manual · listed 2014 | Petrol | 64.2 mpg | 99g | £20 |
| Alto 1.0 SZ4Manual · listed 2014 | Petrol | 64.2 mpg | 99g | £20 |
| Alto 1.0 SZ4Automatic · listed 2014 | Petrol | 54.3 mpg | 118g | £35 |
| Alto 1.0 SZ25MT · listed 2012 | Petrol | 64.2 mpg | 103g | £20 |
| Alto 1.0 SZ35MT · listed 2012 | Petrol | 64.2 mpg | 103g | £20 |
| Alto 1.0 SZ45MT · listed 2012 | Petrol | 64.2 mpg | 103g | £20 |
| Alto 1.0 SZ44AT · listed 2012 | Petrol | 54.3 mpg | 122g | £170 |
| Alto 1.0 SZ-L5MT · listed 2012 | Petrol | 64.2 mpg | 103g | £20 |
| Alto 1.0 Hatchback 5 door from VIN MA3GFC31S001060005MT · listed 2010 | Petrol | 64.2 mpg | 103g | £20 |
| Alto 1.0 Hatchback 5 door from VIN MA3GFC31S001066464AT · listed 2010 | Petrol | 54.3 mpg | 122g | £170 |
| Alto 1.1 GL/GLS 5-door From VIN MA3FFB21S001444165MT · listed 2004 | Petrol | 57.6 mpg | 119g | £35 |
| Alto 1.1 GL(A)/GLS(A) 5-door From VIN MA3FFB21S001516693AT · listed 2004 | Petrol | 45.6 mpg | 152g | £275 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement.
What a Suzuki Alto costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 64.2mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Suzuki AltoBuying a used Suzuki Alto?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Suzuki Alto with other city cars
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Suzuki models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Suzuki Alto reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Suzuki Alto is 16% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 86 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Suzuki Alto?
The most common MOT fault is “Stop lamp: not working”, found in 6.6% of tests. It fails on visibility and seat belts and airbags more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Suzuki Alto do?
Official economy for the Suzuki Alto ranges from 45.6 to 64.2mpg across the 13 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2014). A typical petrol version manages 64.2mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Suzuki Alto?
Any Suzuki Alto first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Suzuki Alto registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £275 a year.
›How many Suzuki Altos fail their MOT?
34.5% of Suzuki Altos aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Suzuki Alto combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.