Practical micro-SUV with above-average reliability for the class. The 1.2 K12C DualJet engine is generally dependable but monitor oil level closely as high-milers can suffer from oil consumption. AGS automated manual transmission (pre-2020) has known clutch judder issues when cold. Manual gearbox is more reliable. Early cars (2016-2017) had suspension issues with broken coil springs and ISG belt failures. The Ignis finished first in What Car?'s small SUV reliability survey with only 5% failure rate.
AGS automated manual judders from cold for first mile, flywheel/clutch issue · more· less
Pre-2020 AGS models suffer from cold start judder lasting 0.5-1 mile, caused by moisture condensation on clutch plate or flywheel. A TSB exists covering both manual and AGS transmissions. Suzuki has updated the flywheel, clutch cover, friction plate, and gearbox input shaft bearing multiple times, with latest modification incorporated from July 2021 onwards. ECU reset/software update provides temporary relief for approximately 6 months. Some owners work around the issue by selecting 2nd gear manually during cold starts. While generally not a catastrophic failure, some early cars (2017-2018) required complete clutch replacement at 4,000-10,000 miles costing €500-800.
Suspension coil spring failure€350 - €550
Early cars prone to broken coil springs, Ignis 6x more likely to fail MOT on springs · more· less
The Ignis is 6 times more likely to fail MOT on coil springs than average. Early models (2016-2017) suffered from substandard suspension that Suzuki upgraded quickly but did not recall. A 2017 Ignis with 24,000 miles failed its first MOT with both front coil springs broken at the top. Corrosion from road salt accelerates failure. Symptoms include one corner sitting lower than others, excessive bouncing, and knocking noises from suspension. Springs must be replaced in pairs. UK replacement costs average €175-400 per axle pair. Broken springs can pierce tire sidewalls, making continued driving dangerous.
Anti-roll bar drop link rubber failure€150 - €250
Drop link rubber boots perish and split, common MOT failure point · more· less
Suzuki has acknowledged a known problem with anti-roll bar bushings. Owners report drop link rubber boots perishing and splitting completely even on low-mileage cars (30,000 km). This causes squeaking/creaking noise from suspension while cornering and clunking when turning steering lock-to-lock. During MOT inspections, advisories and failures frequently occur at the 2nd and 3rd MOTs due to perished rubber components. Greasing the bushes sometimes provides temporary relief but doesn't solve the underlying deterioration. Replacement costs around €150-250 for both front drop links including labor. Drop links should be replaced in pairs to ensure even wear.
Engine oil consumption (high-mileage)€100 - €300
K12C engine burns oil at high rate on poorly maintained examples · more· less
The K12C 1.2 DualJet engine can suffer from high oil consumption, particularly on high-mileage cars that have been poorly maintained. Owners report oil level dropping significantly between service intervals, with some needing to add oil every few hundred kilometers. This is typically caused by worn piston rings or valve stem seals. Regular oil level monitoring is essential. If consumption exceeds 1 liter per 1,000 km, engine inspection is recommended. Addressing minor oil consumption early with quality oil and timely changes prevents more serious issues. Severe cases may require ring replacement (€800-1,200) or more extensive engine work.
Faulty oxygen sensors are the most common cause of the engine management warning light in the Ignis. Symptoms include poor engine performance, rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and illuminated check engine light. Diagnosis requires OBD-II scanner to identify which sensor has failed. The Ignis typically has 2 oxygen sensors - upstream (pre-cat) and downstream (post-cat). Replacement cost including diagnostics runs €150-300 depending on which sensor fails and labor rates. The sensor itself costs €80-150 while labor is typically 1-1.5 hours. Independent garages charge significantly less than Suzuki dealers for this straightforward replacement.
ISG belt failure (2016-2017 models)€200 - €400
Integrated starter generator belt can snap on early production cars · more· less
Models built between September 17, 2016 and February 9, 2017 were recalled due to insufficient ISG belt strength that could break during use. When the belt snaps, the water pump becomes inoperative, causing the charging light and coolant temperature warning light to illuminate, and in worst cases the engine may stall and fail to restart. If your Ignis falls within the affected production dates, verify with Suzuki using the VIN whether the recall work has been completed. The recall repair (belt replacement) should be performed free of charge by Suzuki regardless of how much time has passed. For non-recalled vehicles requiring ISG belt replacement, cost is approximately €200-400 including labor.
Fuel injector failure€150 - €400
Faulty injectors cause rough idling, reduced efficiency, and stalling · more· less
The K12C engine has had reports of faulty fuel injectors causing reduced fuel efficiency, rough idling, and occasional stalling. Symptoms include hesitation during acceleration, engine misfires, and increased fuel consumption. Diagnosis requires checking fuel pressure and injector spray patterns. Single injector replacement typically costs €150-250 for parts and labor at independent garages. If multiple injectors fail simultaneously (rare), costs can reach €400-600. Using quality fuel and periodic fuel system cleaning treatments can help prevent injector clogging. The fuel injectors should last 100,000+ km under normal conditions with proper maintenance.
SHVS mild hybrid system (cold weather)€0 - €350
Mild hybrid won't function in cold weather, limited but not critical · more· less
On mild hybrid models (SHVS), the hybrid system frequently doesn't function in cold weather because the lithium-ion battery (located under driver's seat) must reach minimum temperature before operating. Unlike some competitors, the Ignis has no battery heating system and relies on cabin air to warm the battery. The handbook recommends driving at least 30 minutes monthly to keep the battery topped up. During test drives, verify the hybrid battery charges during deceleration. The 12V lithium-ion hybrid battery (upgraded from 3Ah to 10Ah on facelift models) is covered by 5-year/100,000 km warranty. Replacement battery costs approximately €290. This is more of a performance limitation than a failure - the car operates normally, just without hybrid assist.
Generally reliable with some age-related wear items
The Ignis ranks exceptionally well in reliability surveys, finishing first out of 22 small SUVs with only 5% experiencing failures. The K12C engine is fundamentally sound when maintained properly. Main concerns are AGS transmission judder on pre-2020 models (manageable, rarely catastrophic), suspension components (coil springs and drop link rubbers deteriorate faster than average), and the mild hybrid system's cold-weather limitations. Avoid early 2016-2017 production cars with poor suspension and verify ISG belt recall completion. Post-2020 models with revised AGS or manual transmission are the most reliable choices.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify oil changes every 12 months/12,500 km as per Suzuki schedule.
Tires
Check tread depth (minimum 1.6mm legal, replace at 3mm), age (date codes on sidewall), and uneven wear. Ignis uses 175/60 R16 or 175/65 R15 depending on model.
Cold start
Engine must be completely cold. Listen for timing chain noise, oil consumption smoke from exhaust.
Body condition
Check for dents and scrapes (common on urban-driven examples). Verify no serious corrosion or hidden accident damage.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds. Test suspension over bumps, steering responsiveness, and brake feel.
Specific for this vehicle
AGS cold start judder (if automatic)
For AGS models, test from completely cold start. First 0.5-1 mile will reveal clutch judder issue. Severe juddering lasting beyond first mile indicates clutch/flywheel replacement needed soon.
Check all four coil springs visually
Inspect front and rear coil springs for cracks, breaks, or deep corrosion. Pay special attention to early 2016-2017 models. One corner sitting lower indicates broken spring.
Suspension drop links and bushings
Listen for squeaking/creaking from suspension during corners and clunking when turning steering lock-to-lock. Inspect drop link rubber boots for splits or perishing.
Engine oil level and condition
Check oil level on dipstick (should be between min/max). Look at oil color and consistency - black/gritty indicates poor maintenance. Ask if oil needs topping up between services.
Verify ISG belt recall completion (2016-2017)
Cars built September 2016 to February 2017 had ISG belt recall. Contact Suzuki with VIN to verify completion before purchase.
Test mild hybrid system (SHVS models)
On hybrid models, verify battery charges during deceleration (watch display). Battery won't function if cold - normal behavior but test after 30 min drive.
Check for engine management warning lights
Start car and verify no warning lights remain illuminated after startup sequence. Test drive to ensure no lights appear under load.
Interior rattles and dashboard quality
Drive over rough roads - high-mileage cars develop rattles in dashboard and door panels. Check all switchgear operates correctly.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
ISG belt failure (Sept 2016 - Feb 2017)Verify completed with VIN
Fuel tank breather pipe (July - Oct 2020)Verify completed with VIN
12V cable short circuit riskVerify completed with VIN
TSB: AGS clutch judder (all years)Updated parts from July 2021
TSB: Front brake noiseUpgraded pads and shims available
Contact a Suzuki dealer with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The ISG belt recall is particularly important for early 2016-2017 models as belt failure can cause engine overheating and stalling.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty3 years / 100,000 km
Extended service-activated warrantyUp to 10 years / 100,000 km
SHVS hybrid battery warranty5 years / 100,000 km
Paint warranty3 years
Corrosion perforation warranty12 years
Suzuki offers extended warranty up to 10 years or 100,000 km through service activation. Each qualifying service at a Suzuki dealer adds another year of coverage. For used Ignis purchases, verify whether service-activated warranty is still valid and transferable. The SHVS hybrid battery has separate 5-year coverage.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.