Suzuki Splash problems (2008–2014)
We have documented 2 engines for the Suzuki Splash; the 1.3 Multijet has high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the 1.2 Dualjet and 1.2 VVT, with a «Buy» verdict.[1]
Outside the engine: Outside the engine, the Splash has no known recalls; the 43 reports on fiches-auto.fr point mainly to premature manual gearbox and clutch wear, worn shock absorbers and fragile paintwork.[2][3]

Suzuki Splash rating: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 13 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. Limited evidence: it is based on few sources or few documented faults, so it is not included in the rankings. Having few documented faults does not mean it is reliable: it may simply be little studied. How it is calculated
- Engine5.8From 3.6 to 8.1 depending on the engine
- Gearbox7.92 faults
- Suspension7.41 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Brakes7.0Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.2 times the defects normal for its age
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering9.4Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.2 times the defects normal for its age
- Electrical system10.0No documented faults
- Headlights and lights7.2Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.1 times the defects normal for its age
- Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior8.71 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults
The weak points of the Suzuki Splash
- 1Critical severity: Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure1.3 Multijet engine · repair €350–€550
- 2High severity: Incomplete particulate filter regenerations and oil dilution1.3 Multijet engine
- 3High severity: Seized variable-geometry turbo1.3 Multijet engine · repair €450–€700
- 4High severity: Injector and high-pressure pump wear from contaminated fuel1.3 Multijet engine · repair €600–€1,200
- 5Medium severity: EGR valve blocked by soot1.3 Multijet engine · repair €130–€400
Documented engines, from highest to lowest risk
- 1.3 Multijet2008–2014 · 1.3 DDiSMost serious fault:Critical severityVerdict:With caution
- 1.2 Dualjet and 1.2 VVT2008–2014 · 1.2 VVTMost serious fault:Medium severityVerdict:BuySafest option
The first label is the most serious fault affecting that engine in this car; the second, our verdict for the versions it is fitted to. Each engine's risk index is calculated only from the faults that affect this car (how we calculate it). We only show engines we have documented with sources: if yours does not appear, we have not analysed it yet. View all engines
See what to check before buyingOutside the engine
Fiat 1.3 Multijet / JTD (SDE) · Diesel
- Name
- 1.3 DDiS
- Faults that affect it
- 5 · 4 of high or critical severity
Verdict for the versions it uses
1.3 Multijet 8v (69-105 hp, 2003-2009)2003–2009 · 69–105 hp · Z13DT
With cautionIt is the generation that has been on the road longest and the one with the most documented cases of stretched timing chains and failed tensioners. It is only worth considering with an oil change history and, ideally, with the chain already inspected or replaced.[5][6][7]
1.3 Multijet II 16v Euro 5 (75-95 hp, 2009-2015)2009–2015 · 75–95 hp · Z13DTH, 199B1.000
With cautionIt improves consumption and noise compared with the first generation, but shares the same chain and tensioner design, with documented cases of stretching. Ask for the maintenance history and watch for oil dilution if the car is used mostly in town.[6][8]
Faults that affect the Splash
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonTimingTiming chain stretch and tensioner failureYes: the timing chain's hydraulic tensioner can lose pressure and let the chain slacken; if it skips teeth or breaks, it can destroy the engine. It is a documented problem on Fiat, Opel, Suzuki and Ford cars with this engine, mainly linked to long oil change intervals.Repair (garage): €350–€550Appears at around 70,000 km
- High severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlIncomplete particulate filter regenerations and oil dilutionIn heavy urban use, with short journeys that do not let the particulate filter regeneration finish, unburnt diesel passes into the sump and dilutes the oil; the level can rise on the dipstick and the oil loses its ability to lubricate. Repeated many times, it speeds up engine wear.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboSeized variable-geometry turboOn versions with a variable-geometry turbo, the vanes can seize through soot build-up, especially on cars used in town for short journeys. The engine loses power gradually and may give off black smoke when accelerating.Repair (garage): €450–€700
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionInjector and high-pressure pump wear from contaminated fuelThe Bosch injectors and the high-pressure pump of the common rail system are sensitive to poor-quality fuel or fuel with condensed water. With contaminated diesel they can generate metal shavings that damage first the pump and then the injectors themselves.Repair (garage): €600–€1,200
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlEGR valve blocked by sootThe 1.3 Multijet's EGR valve easily accumulates soot on short urban journeys, causing an unstable idle, loss of power and the engine warning light. It is one of the most cited problems among owners of this engine.Repair (garage): €130–€400
Splash 1.3 Multijet pageAll versions and faults of the 1.3 Multijet
1.2 Dualjet and 1.2 VVT
Safest optionSuzuki 1.2 VVT and 1.2 Dualjet (familia K12: K12B/K12C/K12D/K12M) · Petrol
Verdict for the version it uses
1.2 VVT 86-92 hp (K12B, one injector per cylinder, 2008-2013)2008–2013 · 86–92 hp · K12B
BuyGebrauchtwagenberater.de describes it as a reliable engine, with a low-maintenance timing chain capable of exceeding 200,000 km; the only documented warning is a 2013-2014 recall over the water pump pulley fixing (see the specific fault).[1]
Faults that affect the Splash
Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 1.2 Dualjet and 1.2 VVT has 5 documented faults in total.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalClutchClutch: premature wear and clutch cable anchor failureSeveral Swift and Ignis owners with a manual gearbox describe a clutch that bites abruptly and wears out sooner than expected; on the Ignis's AGS automated gearbox, gebrauchtwagenberater.de directly points to fast clutch wear in town driving. There is no manufacturer campaign for this cause.
- Medium severityFrequency: RareCoolingWater pump pulley fixing (2013-2014): recallOn cars with the 1.2 engine built in 2013-2014, gebrauchtwagenberater.de documents a possible insufficient fixing of the water pump pulley which, if it comes loose, can cause overheating; it describes this in connection with the Suzuki Splash.
- Low severityFrequency: RareIgnitionIgnition coil: no documented pattern of faultsNeither the German used-car specialists nor the testimonies from Swift, Ignis and Splash owners that we consulted describe ignition coil failures or misfires on the 1.2 VVT or the 1.2 Dualjet.
- Low severityFrequency: RareLubricationOil consumption: no documented patternThe German specialist workshops and the Swift, Ignis and Splash owners we consulted do not describe high oil consumption on the 1.2 VVT or the 1.2 Dualjet; several explicitly describe it as reliable with normal maintenance.
Splash 1.2 Dualjet and 1.2 VVT pageAll versions and faults of the 1.2 Dualjet and 1.2 VVT
Faults of the Suzuki Splash outside the engine
Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.
Gearbox and clutch
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalGearbox and clutchPremature manual gearbox failureAccording to reports on fiches-auto.fr, some manual gearboxes fail at low mileage (bearings broken at 34,000 km on a 1.2), with bearing noise or difficulty engaging gears. There is no official recall.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalGearbox and clutchPremature clutch wearAccording to owner reports collected by fiches-auto.fr, the clutch fails sooner than expected for several owners (clutch dead at 20,000 km on a 1.2). There is no official recall: it is a pattern in owner reports.
What the MOT inspection finds on the Suzuki Splash
Official Dutch MOT (APK) inspection data: 3,246 inspections of 1,050 cars registered between 2008 and 2014, compared with cars of the same age.
- More defects than average
Suspension and axles· counts in the score
Defects in 12.2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 6.9%.
- Average
Brakes· counts in the score
Defects in 8.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 6.7%.
- Fewer defects than average
Steering· counts in the score
Defects in 0.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 2.5%.
- Average
Headlights and lights· counts in the score
Defects in 25.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 22.3%.
- Fewer defects than average
Rust and bodywork· counts in the score
Defects in 0.4% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.6%.
- Fewer defects than average
Exhaust and emissions
Defects in 1.8% of inspections; in cars of its age, 3.2%.
- Fewer defects than average
Fluid leaks
Defects in 0.7% of inspections; in cars of its age, 4.9%.
- More defects than average
Glass, wipers and mirrors
Defects in 8.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 4.8%.
- Average
Tyres and wheels· depends mostly on maintenance
Defects in 16.6% of inspections; in cars of its age, 17.4%.
The inspection measures wear and the defects visible at a periodic check, not engine or electronics failures. Source: RDW Open Data (public domain). How we calculate it · opendata.rdw.nl
Checklist for buying a used Suzuki Splash
Check the advert or the paperwork to see which engine the car has and go through its section. Each point comes from a documented fault; you can tick them off as you inspect.
If it has the 1.3 Multijet (2008–2014)
Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure
Critical severitySeized variable-geometry turbo
High severityEGR valve blocked by soot
Medium severityIf it has the 1.2 Dualjet and 1.2 VVT (2008–2014)
Clutch: premature wear and clutch cable anchor failure
Medium severityWater pump pulley fixing (2013-2014): recall
Medium severityIgnition coil: no documented pattern of faults
Low severityOil consumption: no documented pattern
Low severityWear parts for the Suzuki Splash
Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.
Brake pads
Brake discs
Wiper blades
Pollen filter
Battery
Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Suzuki Splash reliable?
We have documented 2 engines for the Suzuki Splash; the 1.3 Multijet has high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the 1.2 Dualjet and 1.2 VVT, with a «Buy» verdict. Outside the engine, the Splash has no known recalls; the 43 reports on fiches-auto.fr point mainly to premature manual gearbox and clutch wear, worn shock absorbers and fragile paintwork.
Which Suzuki Splash engine is the most reliable?
Among the 2 engines we have documented, the safest option is the 1.2 Dualjet and 1.2 VVT, with a «Buy» verdict. Gebrauchtwagenberater.de describes it as a reliable engine, with a low-maintenance timing chain capable of exceeding 200,000 km; the only documented warning is a 2013-2014 recall over the water pump pulley fixing (see the specific fault).[1]
What problems does the Suzuki Splash have apart from the engine?
Outside the engine, the Splash has no known recalls; the 43 reports on fiches-auto.fr point mainly to premature manual gearbox and clutch wear, worn shock absorbers and fragile paintwork. The most important documented faults are: premature manual gearbox failure (gearbox and clutch, medium severity), premature clutch wear (gearbox and clutch, medium severity), premature wear of shock absorbers and suspension (suspension, low severity) and fragile bodywork paint (bodywork and interior, low severity).[2][3]
What faults does the Suzuki Splash have?
The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: timing chain stretch and tensioner failure (1.3 Multijet, critical severity), incomplete particulate filter regenerations and oil dilution (1.3 Multijet, high severity), seized variable-geometry turbo (1.3 Multijet, high severity), injector and high-pressure pump wear from contaminated fuel (1.3 Multijet, high severity) and EGR valve blocked by soot (1.3 Multijet, medium severity).
What is the best year to buy a Suzuki Splash?
According to our rating by year, the best is 2008 (6.8/10); the worst rated is 2013 (6.6/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Suzuki Splash (2008–2014) – Bekannte Probleme & KrankheitenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- Tous les problèmes sur Suzuki Splash 2008-2015 (43 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
- Suzuki SplashWikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
- Moteur Fiat 1.3 MultiJetWikipédia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- Fiat 1.3 Multijet: ficha técnica, problemas y tuningMotordinámico · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- 1.3 CDTi Opel (Z13DT) Multijet: ficha técnica, problemas y tuningMotordinámico · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Fiat 1.3 Multijet: problemas, fallos y averías más frecuentesTotalrenting · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Fiat 1.3 JTD/Multijet: corrente folgada e entupimento dos canais de lubrificaçãoProvmec · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Portuguese
- Suzuki motor KWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Suzuki K engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
- Quando sostituire la catena di distribuzione sul 1.3 Multijet: riconoscere i sintomiRettifica Pompeo · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Italian
- FIAT 500 1.3 MultiJet II: EGR Valve Problems and How to Fix ThemAutoricambi Tritella · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
- Suzuki Ignis (MF, ab 2016) – Bekannte Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German