Common Problems with the Suzuki Swift
FixMyCar discusses common problems with the Suzuki Swift and average repair costs.
Compare Suzuki Swift repair quotesEllie Dyer-Brown
Tuesday August 12 2025
4 min read
The Suzuki Swift is a popular hatchback launched in September 2004. It has a strong reliability record, so there are relatively few problems to be aware of.
What’s wrong with the Suzuki Swift?
Drivers commonly search online for information relating to the following issues.
Suzuki Swift gearbox problems
Some early Swift models have experienced gearbox problems because the bearings wear out prematurely, leading to unusual grinding or whining noises.
Average gearbox repair price: £328.28
C1122 Suzuki Swift fault code
The C1122 fault code is another common search topic for Swift owners. It indicates a problem with the power steering system caused by an engine speed signal malfunction. A faulty speed sensor is the most likely culprit.
Average speed sensor replacement price: £116.94
Suzuki Swift recent recalls
| Recall number | Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| R/2022/267 | 01.12.22 | Some vehicles have an inappropriate design and material on the check valve of brake vacuum pump. |
| R/2019/186 | 12.06.19 | Unintended activation of side and curtain air bags and seat belt pre-tensioner. |
| R/2018/078 | 26.03.18 | Due to a lack of strength in the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) Belt may break during usage. |
| R/2018/071 | 13.03.18 | Due to incorrect software in the Engine Control Module (ECM) the ENG A-STOP (Engine Auto Stop Start System) OFF light may blink & the ENG A-STOP system may become inoperative. |
Suzuki Swift 2005-2010 problems
Drivers have encountered the following problems with the third-generation Swift.
1. Noisy brakes
Some Swift owners have reported grinding or squealing noises from the brakes.
What repair is needed for noisy brakes, and how much does it cost for a Suzuki Swift?
In extreme cases, some dealers agreed to replace the brake discs. However, since third-gen Swifts are no longer under warranty, this is a repair you’ll have to pay for. Replacing the brake pads and discs on a Swift costs £220.38 on average.
2. Gearbox issues
Gearbox problems are another known issue, with the bearings wearing out prematurely. Stiff gear changes are an early warning sign. Learn how a gearbox works in this guide.
What repair is needed for gearbox issues, and how much does it cost for a Suzuki Swift?
The average gearbox repair price is £328.28, but costs vary significantly depending on what’s causing the problem. If your car’s gearbox is behaving unusually or making strange noises, it’s best to book a diagnostic test to determine the cause. The average diagnostic price for a Swift is £55.83.
What is a diagnostic test & why should you book one? Find out in this guide.
3. Fast-wearing front tyres
The front tyres on third-generation Swifts can wear out extremely quickly - sometimes in as little as 12,000 miles.
What repair is needed for fast-wearing tyres, and how much does it cost for a Suzuki Swift?
You may have to replace your tyres more often and closely monitor the tread depth to ensure you’re driving legally. It might be worth investing in premium tyres as these usually have better durability.
Suzuki Swift 2010-2017 problems
There is only one common problem with the fourth-generation Swift. Some clutches have also been known to fail, but this happens rarely.
1. Squeaking suspension
Some owners have reported hearing squeaking noises from the suspension. Fortunately, this problem isn’t complicated or expensive to fix.
What repair is needed for squeaking suspension, and how much does it cost for a Suzuki Swift?
You can usually fix the squeaking sound by replacing a suspension arm or bush, which typically costs around £120-£200.
Suzuki Swift 2017-2023 problems
There are no common problems with the fifth-generation Swift, which came first in the 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey with a score of 99.5%.
Is the Suzuki Swift reliable?
The Suzuki Swift is one of the most reliable small cars on the market, as shown by its recent What Car? Reliability Survey results:
2023 - 1st place out of 19 cars - 99.5%
2024 - 7th place out of 15 cars - 95.7%
Though the Swift’s place in the 2024 survey was less impressive, the issues raised were minor. 4% of owners reported problems, mainly related to the interior trim. Any remedial work was finished in a day or less.
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Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Manager. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.