Suzuki Splash 1.3 Multijet problems
The Suzuki Splash used the 1.3 Multijet from 2008 to 2014 (1.3 DDiS). 5 documented faults affect it; the most important is “timing chain stretch and tensioner failure” (critical severity, common). Our verdict: “With caution”. Among the documented engines of the Suzuki Splash, the safest option is the 1.2 Dualjet and 1.2 VVT.
Engine score on this car
3.6 out of 10Low reliability
Only counting the faults that affect the versions and years of the Splash. How we calculate it
Overall score for the Suzuki Splash
6.6 out of 10Acceptable reliability
Engines, gearbox, suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car. See breakdown
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.[3][4][5]
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.[4][6]
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
What to check before buying a used Suzuki Splash 1.3 Multijet
Each point comes from a documented fault that affects this car. You can tick them off as you inspect it.
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 severityOther engines and gearboxes of the Suzuki Splash
Score for each one with the faults that affect this car, from best to worst.
Faults of the Suzuki Splash outside the engine
Suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car: they occur with any engine.
- 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.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionPremature wear of shock absorbers and suspensionAccording to reports on fiches-auto.fr, some owners replace shock absorbers or suspension parts early (front shock absorber leaking at 10,000 km on a 1.0). It is a pattern in owner reports, with no recall.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalBodywork and interiorFragile bodywork paintAccording to reports on fiches-auto.fr, the paint cracks or flakes off and traces of rust appear on some cars. There is no official recall.
Buying a Suzuki Splash 1.3 Multijet?
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Suzuki Splash 1.3 Multijet reliable?
The Suzuki Splash used the 1.3 Multijet from 2008 to 2014 (1.3 DDiS). 5 documented faults affect it; the most important is “timing chain stretch and tensioner failure” (critical severity, common). Our verdict: “With caution”. Among the documented engines of the Suzuki Splash, the safest option is the 1.2 Dualjet and 1.2 VVT.
What faults does the Suzuki Splash 1.3 Multijet have?
The documented ones that affect this car are: timing chain stretch and tensioner failure (critical severity), incomplete particulate filter regenerations and oil dilution (high severity), seized variable-geometry turbo (high severity), injector and high-pressure pump wear from contaminated fuel (high severity) and EGR valve blocked by soot (medium severity).
Which engine should you choose for the Suzuki Splash?
The safest option is the 1.2 Dualjet and 1.2 VVT, with a «Buy» verdict.
Own a Suzuki Splash 1.3 Multijet? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Suzuki SplashWikipedia · Other source · consulted 26 September 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
- 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