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Suzuki TS50 Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults

Free Suzuki TS50 car check

Is the Suzuki TS50 reliable? We analysed 6,348 real MOT tests across 1,078 vehicles to find out.

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Data last updated: · Based on 6,348 real MOT tests
MOT Pass Rate
69.6%
Typical Mileage
16,555mi
Annual Mileage
661mi/yr
Est. Lifespan
42yrs

The Suzuki TS50 is about average for reliability based on real UK MOT data. Common problems include reflector on motorcycle missing, stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies and suspension bush has excessive free play. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used Suzuki TS50.

Suzuki TS50 Number Plates

Number plates registered to a Suzuki TS50. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.

Suzuki TS50 MOT Pass Rate by Year

How likely is a Suzuki TS50 to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.

73.6%
2003
71.7%
2002
73.8%
2001
70.4%
2000
66.4%
1999
69.4%
1998
70.3%
1997
69%
1996
63.2%
1995
64.4%
1994
68.3%
1993
70.5%
1992
76.6%
1991
66%
1990
65.5%
1989
70.1%
1988
64.6%
1987
65.2%
1986
73.3%
1985
69%
1984

Suzuki TS50 Problems — What Goes Wrong?

The most common reasons a Suzuki TS50 fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.

reflector on motorcycle missing 313
Stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies 275
suspension bush has excessive free play 157
Headlamp aim too high 137
Brake lever has inadequate reserve travel 132
Drive chain excessively loose 131
wheel bearings have excessive free play 128
Drive chain worn to excess 127
Drive chain sprocket worn to excess 96
wheel bearings have excessive free play 94

Suzuki TS50 Mileage — What's Normal?

How many miles does a typical Suzuki TS50 owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.

Low usage
133 mi/yr
Typical
661 mi/yr
Average
1,315 mi/yr
Heavy usage
1,772 mi/yr

Suzuki TS50 MOT Data by Registration Year

Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the Suzuki TS50 year you're looking at.

Year Tests Pass Rate Low Mi. Typical Mi. High Mi.
2003 72 73.6% 5,164 9,168 14,680
2002 477 71.7% 8,952 13,117 18,934
2001 673 73.8% 8,196 11,740 16,408
2000 773 70.4% 10,748 15,171 20,762
1999 1,003 66.4% 11,723 15,416 21,550
1998 782 69.4% 12,197 16,567 22,446
1997 464 70.3% 13,308 20,178 26,213
1996 294 69.0% 10,990 17,231 23,272
1995 228 63.2% 15,248 20,150 25,614
1994 180 64.4% 16,074 21,554 31,296
1993 164 68.3% 13,322 19,150 28,278
1992 132 70.5% 15,298 23,677 38,408
1991 124 76.6% 10,899 18,783 26,183
1990 212 66.0% 15,973 24,102 29,680
1989 142 65.5% 14,542 25,617 33,569
1988 77 70.1% 17,331 21,016 31,439
1987 82 64.6% 18,629 23,710 37,550
1986 112 65.2% 18,561 23,004 30,452
1985 120 73.3% 9,725 14,682 28,632
1984 58 69.0% 10,420 18,750 24,013

How Long Does a Suzuki TS50 Last?

Based on 1,078 Suzuki TS50 vehicles on UK roads.

Average
18.1 years
Median
17.0 years
Estimated max lifespan
42 years

Suzuki TS50 Mileage Distribution

Total mileage recorded across all Suzuki TS50 MOT tests. If the car you're looking at is above the 75th percentile, it's done more miles than most.

Median
16,555 mi
75th Percentile
23,355 mi
95th Percentile
35,909 mi
Max Recorded
317,670 mi

Best Year to Buy a Used Suzuki TS50

Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.

Best year
1991

76.6% MOT pass rate from 124 tests

Year to avoid
1995

63.2% MOT pass rate from 228 tests

The best year to buy a used Suzuki TS50 is 1991, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 76.6% across 124 tests. The 1995 model year has the lowest pass rate at 63.2% — if you're looking at one from that year, budget for potential repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

How Does the Suzuki TS50 Compare?

MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.

Model Pass Rate Tests Typical Mileage Lifespan
Suzuki TS50 THIS CAR 69.6% 6,348 16,555 mi 42 yrs
Suzuki Swift 76.1% 2,247,517 51,601 mi 31 yrs
Suzuki Alto 74% 1,154,186 41,167 mi 28 yrs
Suzuki Grand Vitara 76.2% 1,025,634 67,542 mi 28 yrs
Reliant Robin LX 72.2% 1,997 48,445 mi 37 yrs

Compared to the Suzuki Swift (76.1% pass rate) and the Suzuki Alto (74.0% pass rate), the Suzuki TS50 trails behind on MOT reliability.

Found a Suzuki TS50 you like?

Run a full vehicle history check on the specific car. See finance, stolen, write-off, mileage and MOT data for that exact vehicle.

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Should you buy a used Suzuki TS50?

The Suzuki TS50 has an overall MOT pass rate of 69.6% across 6,348 real MOT tests — roughly in line with the UK average.

The most common problems on the Suzuki TS50 are reflector on motorcycle missing (313 recorded failures), stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies (275), and suspension bush has excessive free play (157). These are the faults most likely to cause an MOT failure on this model, so check for them carefully on any test drive or pre-purchase inspection. Many are wear-and-tear items that can be budgeted for, but a car that's already failing on multiple fronts may signal neglected maintenance.

A typical Suzuki TS50 owner drives around 661 miles per year. If the car you're looking at is significantly above this, expect more wear on suspension, brakes and tyres. If it's well below, the vehicle may have been sitting unused — check for perished rubber, corroded discs and stale fluids.

In terms of longevity, most Suzuki TS50 models stay on UK roads for around 42 years — a strong showing that suggests solid build quality and readily available parts. If you're buying one that's already approaching that window, the data suggests it has plenty of life left provided it's been maintained.

Before committing to a purchase, we recommend running a full vehicle history check on the specific car. This will reveal any outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies that the seller may not disclose — and that the MOT data alone can't tell you.

Suzuki TS50 — Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Suzuki TS50 reliable?
Based on 6,348 MOT tests, the Suzuki TS50 has a 69.6% pass rate — about average for UK cars.
What are the common problems on a Suzuki TS50?
The most common MOT failures are reflector on motorcycle missing, stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies, and suspension bush has excessive free play. Check these on any test drive.
How many miles does a Suzuki TS50 do per year?
The typical Suzuki TS50 does around 661 miles per year. Anything significantly above or below this is worth investigating.
How long does a Suzuki TS50 last?
Most Suzuki TS50 models stay on UK roads for around 42 years based on our analysis of 1,078 vehicles.
Should I get a vehicle check before buying a Suzuki TS50?
Yes. An MOT pass rate tells you about the model in general, but a vehicle history check reveals the specific car's finance, stolen, write-off and mileage history — things the seller may not disclose.
What is the best year to buy a Suzuki TS50?
Based on MOT pass rates, the best year to buy a used Suzuki TS50 is 1991 with a 76.6% pass rate across 124 tests.