Suzuki Splash
Opel three-cylinder unit from the Corsa C/Agila, also fitted in the Suzuki Splash. The timing chain is the known weak point — chain stretch and guide wear from around 100,000 km are well documented.
Too little power for too much city
The Opel engine with 48 kW turns the Splash into a real test of patience. On the motorway the little car struggles; in town it just about manages.
Engine Weaknesses 3
The Z10XE is known for timing chain issues from around 100,000 km. Broken plastic guide rails can introduce chain debris into the engine oil and damage the engine block. Full repair including parts costs €500–1,000.
Symptoms: Loud knocking or rattling on cold start (disappears when warm), metal particles in the oil, engine warning light
The Z10XE tends to increased oil consumption at high mileage and occasional head gasket leaks — particularly around the timing cover area.
Symptoms: Dropping oil level, white smoke from the exhaust, mayonnaise-coloured deposits on the oil filler cap
The Z10XE engine control unit can develop electrical faults, manifesting as starting difficulties or engine warning lights. Repair or replacement of the ECU is possible.
Symptoms: Permanent engine warning light, starting problems, rough idle with no apparent mechanical cause
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
The front subframe on winter-driven Splash models rots through at structural points from around 100,000 km. The corroded mounting bolts are often impossible to remove.
The rear brakes on the Suzuki Splash wear heavily by 30,000–40,000 km and frequently fail the MOT inspection. Workshop reports and Gebrauchtwagenberater.de confirm this as a known weak point.
The Splash tends to rust around the rear quarter-window pillar and at mounting screws. Workshop reports rate the Splash as above-average for rust susceptibility.
Reverse gear is difficult to engage on the manual gearbox, especially when the gearbox is warm or at low temperatures. No reliable fix is known — this is an inherent trait of the Splash's gearbox.
Suzuki fitted the Splash with a very firm suspension to cope with its tall body. Passengers get a rough ride on poor roads, and the comfort level doesn't match the character of the vehicle.
In the ADAC breakdown statistics, the Splash's starter battery fails at an above-average rate. Typical for city cars used mainly on short trips, but more frequent than comparable models.
The clutch release bearing on the Splash produces a grinding or squealing noise when the clutch is depressed. The problem occurs earlier than on comparable models.