Thinking about buying a used Suzuki S-Cross (2013–2021) in New Zealand? We've documented 5 known faults for this model spanning engine and transmission. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
5
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$700–$4,500
Typical repair
2
Systems covered
Known Suzuki S-Cross faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01K14C Boosterjet Timing Chain Stretch
CriticalOccasionalEngine $2,000–$5,000 to fix
The K14C 1.4T Boosterjet engine fitted to later petrol S-Cross models shares the same documented timing chain stretch issue found in the Vitara LY. Chain and guide rail wear from 100,000–150,000km produces cold-start rattling. As an interference engine, a jumped or snapped chain causes piston-to-valve contact and total engine loss. Oil change discipline is the primary preventive measure.
Symptoms to notice
Cold-start metallic rattle from the front of the engine
Rattle clears as oil pressure builds after 30–60 seconds
Timing-related check engine codes
Engine hesitation or running rough when cold in advanced cases
What to check
Cold-start the engine and listen to the front timing cover area before oil has circulated. Time how long any rattle persists. Scan for P0016/P0017 variable valve timing fault codes. Review service history for oil change frequency and viscosity compliance — this engine is sensitive to neglected intervals.
Where to look: Front of engine block, timing chain cover
Ask the seller
“Has the timing chain or tensioner been replaced or inspected?”
“What has been the oil change interval throughout the vehicle's life?”
021.6 DDiS EGR valve carbon sticking rough idle
MajorCommonEngine $400–$1,400 to fix
The 1.6 DDiS diesel engine (Fiat-Suzuki co-developed D16AA Multijet unit) recirculates exhaust gases through the EGR system to reduce NOx emissions. Hot, soot-laden exhaust gases deposit carbonaceous material on the EGR valve pintle, butterfly, and bore over time. When sufficient carbon accumulates, the valve sticks in a partially open or partially closed position. A stuck-open EGR valve dilutes the intake charge with exhaust gas at idle and light load, causing rough or lumpy idle, hesitation under light throttle, and increased visible smoke. Short-trip urban driving, which prevents the engine reaching full operating temperature, dramatically accelerates carbon accumulation rate. Cleaning intervals of 50,000-60,000km are recommended but rarely performed by owners.
Symptoms to notice
Rough or lumpy idle particularly when fully warmed up
Black or grey smoke under acceleration
MIL light with EGR fault codes P0400, P0401, or P0403
Hesitation or stumble under light throttle at low RPM
Noticeably poor fuel economy relative to specification
What to check
Run the engine to full operating temperature and assess idle quality - it should be smooth and stable. Inspect the EGR valve and intake manifold port for visible carbon deposits if accessible with a small inspection mirror or torch. Confirm whether the vehicle has been used predominantly for short urban trips. If a workshop inspection is possible: Connect an OBD-II scanner and check for stored EGR fault codes including pending codes.
Where to look: EGR valve on left bank of engine near intake manifold, connected to exhaust manifold via EGR cooler pipe
Ask the seller
“Has the EGR valve ever been cleaned, removed, or replaced?”
“Has the vehicle been used mainly for short trips under 15 minutes?”
“Are there any stored warning lights or emission-related fault codes?”
“Has the intake manifold ever been cleaned of carbon deposits?”
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
3 more documented faults on the Suzuki S-Cross
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 5 documented faults for the Suzuki S-Cross, the recurring problem areas are engine and transmission. A Suzuki S-Cross with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Suzuki S-Cross?
+
We've catalogued 5 known faults for the Suzuki S-Cross, covering engine and transmission. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Suzuki S-Cross?
+
Most single repairs on the Suzuki S-Cross fall between $700–$4,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 5 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Suzuki S-Cross?
+
Yes. A Suzuki S-Cross inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.