Suzuki Swift
Second-generation Fiat 1.3 Multijet diesel in the Suzuki Swift V and Splash. Uses a timing chain — the tensioner must be inspected every 70,000 km. EGR valve carbon buildup and DPF blockage on short trips are the typical day-to-day issues.
Efficient Swift with diesel character
The D13A diesel in the Swift V delivers good torque for the car's size. Sensible on longer runs and surprisingly agile, but no driving thrill.
Engine Weaknesses 4
The timing chain tensioner on the 1.3 Multijet/D13A should be inspected and replaced if necessary every 70,000 km. At low oil level the chain can jump, causing severe engine damage. The engine is extremely sensitive to oil starvation.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, loud engine noise on start-up, engine warning light, in the worst case a seized engine
The EGR valve on the D13A/Multijet seizes due to soot deposits. The EGR valve housing can crack. A blocked EGR causes hesitation on acceleration and spurious turbocharger fault codes.
Symptoms: Hesitation on acceleration, engine stalling after start, turbocharger or EGR system fault codes, black smoke
The DPF on the Swift V/Splash DDiS cannot regenerate when primarily used in urban driving and short trips. Once fully blocked, a manual forced regeneration run or workshop cleaning is required.
Symptoms: Power loss, engine warning light, severe hesitation, increased fuel consumption during regeneration phase
The engine holds only 3.3 litres of oil. Excessively long drain intervals lead to degraded oil, significantly increasing oil consumption and timing chain slip. Oil changes every 10,000 km recommended.
Symptoms: Oil level drops between service intervals, oil quality degrades rapidly, increased engine noise
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
A recall affects several model years of the Swift V due to fire risk from a faulty seat heater. Affected vehicles were called to dealers to have the seat heater control unit inspected and replaced.
Worn steering racks produce loud rattling and knocking from the front axle, frequently flagged at MOT. The steering rack usually needs to be replaced as a complete unit.
Faulty front shock absorbers are a frequently reported problem, particularly on vehicles from 2010 to 2014. MOT inspections flag suspension components at an above-average rate.
On the Swift Sport (M16A 100 kW), the gear selector cables snap, restricting gear selection to 3rd and 4th gear. The vehicle is then only marginally driveable. Replacement of both shift cables is required.
Faulty fuel gauges and a defective digital clock in the instrument cluster occur across multiple model years. The display jumps to incorrect values or fails completely. Instrument cluster replacement is often required.
Faulty rear lights are a frequent MOT rejection reason on the Swift V. Bulbs and holders fail prematurely. Moisture ingress into the light units promotes contact corrosion.
Brake discs and pads show above-average wear on the Swift V. Brake defects are regularly flagged at MOT. Early replacement makes economic sense.
Reports & Tests
89 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2010–2017). Most reported: Airbags (27), Steering (22), Powertrain (14).