Most Reliable Isuzu Models: Real MOT Data Analysis
We analysed 42,092 real UK MOT tests to reveal which Isuzu models pass most often, which years to buy, and which to avoid entirely.
42,092 MOT tests analysed
Real DVSA data covering every Isuzu model from 2000-2023
Key Findings
Most Reliable Model
Isuzu D-MAX
72.2% pass rate
Best Single Year
RODEO 2007 Diesel
55.4% pass rate
Isuzu vs National Average
68.3% vs 71.5%
-3.2% below average
Durability Champion
N/A
N/A
Isuzu has built its reputation on reliability, but does the data back it up? We analysed 42,092 real MOT tests from the DVSA database to find out exactly which Isuzu models live up to the hype and which ones fall short.
This isn't survey data or owner opinions. These are actual pass/fail results from UK garages, covering every Isuzu model sold in the UK from 2000 to 2023.
How Isuzu Compares to Rivals
Isuzu ranks #53 out of 75 manufacturers with a 68.3% average MOT pass rate. That's below the national average of 71.5%:
| Manufacturer | Pass Rate | Rank | Tests Analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | 74.0% | #31 | 1,606,300 |
| Volkswagen | 72.2% | #43 | 2,967,545 |
| Nissan | 68.7% | #50 | 1,612,552 |
| Ford | 68.5% | #51 | 4,432,652 |
| Isuzu | 68.3% | #53 | 42,092 |
| Vauxhall | 65.4% | #59 | 3,038,498 |
The verdict: Toyota maintains a lead among competitors, while Isuzu sits at #53. However, newer Isuzu models significantly outperform this average.
Best Isuzu Models by MOT Pass Rate
Looking at overall reliability across all years, here's how Isuzu's core models rank against the 71.5% national average:
| Model | Pass Rate | vs National (71.5%) | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D-MAX | 72.2% | +0.7% | 30,295 | 2012-2020 |
| TROOPER | 61.4% | -10.1% | 1,543 | 2000-2005 |
| TF | 55.1% | -16.4% | 1,516 | 2010-2012 |
| RODEO | 54.2% | -17.3% | 5,363 | 2004-2012 |
Proven Durability Champions: Which Isuzu Models Age Best?
These Isuzu models have proven their durability with 11+ years of real-world MOT data. They're compared against the national average for cars of the same age:
High-confidence data: Only vehicles with 11+ years of MOT history and 500+ tests are included in this ranking.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|
How to read this: A score of "+15%" means the model passes MOTs 15 percentage points more often than the average car of the same age. These are proven results from vehicles that have genuinely aged well.
Isuzu D-MAX: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The D-MAX has 30,295 tests in our database with an overall 72.2% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Diesel | 81.4% | -6.2% | 2,274 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 79.8% | -6.5% | 3,744 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 77.3% | -6.9% | 3,938 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 73.3% | -8.4% | 4,402 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 69.6% | -9.1% | 4,396 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 70.0% | -5.5% | 4,708 |
| 2014 | Diesel | 65.6% | -6.1% | 4,029 |
| 2013 | Diesel | 63.0% | -5.3% | 1,907 |
| 2012 | Diesel | 63.9% | -1.8% | 897 |
D-MAX verdict:
Isuzu Hybrids vs Petrol vs Diesel
Isuzu's fuel type comparison shows clear differences in reliability:
| Fuel Type | Average Pass Rate | vs National | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel | 68.6% | -2.9% | 38,717 |
Isuzu Models to Avoid
Not all Isuzus are reliable. These specific model/year combinations have failure rates well above average:
| Model | Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RODEO | 2009 | Diesel | 47.4% (-12.5% vs same-age) | 559 |
| D-MAX | 2013 | Diesel | 59.0% (-12.3% vs same-age) | 553 |
| D-MAX | 2016 | Diesel | 69.6% (-10.2% vs same-age) | 4,396 |
| D-MAX | 2017 | Diesel | 73.3% (-8.8% vs same-age) | 4,402 |
| RODEO | 2010 | Diesel | 52.6% (-10.8% vs same-age) | 970 |
| TF | 2011 | Diesel | 55.3% (-11.2% vs same-age) | 799 |
| D-MAX | 2018 | Diesel | 77.3% (-7.5% vs same-age) | 3,938 |
| D-MAX | 2019 | Diesel | 79.8% | 3,744 |
| D-MAX | 2020 | Diesel | 81.4% | 2,274 |
| D-MAX | 2014 | Diesel | 65.6% (-8.9% vs same-age) | 4,029 |
Pattern to avoid
Early 2009-2010 diesel RODEOs, 2013-2020 diesel D-MAXs are the models that drag down Isuzu's average. The RODEO 2009 performs 10% worse than the average car of the same age at 13+ years - this is proven poor durability. These vehicles fail MOTs more often than they pass.
What Goes Wrong on Isuzus?
When Isuzus fail MOTs, these are the most common causes:
| Failure Category | Total Failures |
|---|---|
| 1. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 5,810 |
| 2. Suspension | 4,442 |
| 3. Brakes | 3,864 |
| 4. Body, chassis, structure | 2,483 |
| 5. Visibility | 2,294 |
| 6. Tyres | 1,342 |
| 7. Noise, emissions and leaks | 1,225 |
Pre-MOT checklist for Isuzu owners:
- Check all bulbs (number plate lights are commonly missed)
- Inspect suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links
- Check brake pad thickness and disc condition
- Clean windscreen and check wiper blade condition
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Buying Recommendations
Best If Buying Nearly New
2019-2023 models with highest early pass rates
- Limited data for recent models
Note: Long-term durability not yet proven for these newer models
Best If Buying Used (Proven)
11+ years of proven durability data
- Limited proven durability data available
Isuzu Models to Avoid (Proven Poor)
Proven below average at 11+ years - not just old, genuinely problematic
- RODEO 2005-2011: -5% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average durability at 13+ years)
- TF 2011: -8% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average durability at 11-12 years)
About This Data
This analysis uses real MOT test results from the DVSA database, covering 42,092 tests on Isuzu vehicles between 2000 and 2023.
Year-Adjusted Scoring (v2.1): In year-by-year breakdowns, each vehicle is compared against the national average for vehicles of the same model year. This removes the natural bias where newer cars pass more often, allowing fair comparisons across eras.
Evidence-Tiered Durability: We separate "proven durability" (vehicles tested at 11+ years old) from "early performers" (3-6 years old). Only vehicles with proven long-term data are used for durability claims. Age-band comparisons use weighted national averages.
Minimum thresholds: 500 tests for proven durability rankings, 1,000 tests for early performer rankings. Pass rates are calculated as first-time passes, excluding retests.
The overall national average MOT pass rate is 71.51% based on 32.3 million tests across all manufacturers. Year-specific averages range from ~59% (2009 vehicles) to ~88% (2020 vehicles).
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