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Suzuki2013–2017 Major issues documented

Suzuki Spacia Custom: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used Suzuki Spacia Custom (2013–2017) in New Zealand? We've documented 7 known faults for this model spanning electrical, transmission, fluid leaks, and suspension. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated major. Every one is listed below with its symptoms and repair cost, and each has its own page with where to look and what to ask the seller. Free, no account needed.

A Suzuki Spacia Custom — example photograph; the generation is not established
Suzuki Spacia Custom. An example of the model — the generation is not established, and it is not the car you are looking at. Photo: Allgaeuer via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.

Check this exact Suzuki Spacia Custom

  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

Type the plate for the free basics. The full record is a paid check from $13.49, one car at a time, no subscription.

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7

Documented faults

Major

Most serious

$600–$2,000

Typical repair

5

Systems covered

Start your free check on this Suzuki Spacia Custom

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Suzuki Spacia Custom

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Can't confirm for this car

Suzuki Spacia Custom

Nothing has been narrowed yet, so nothing below is a claim about a particular car. Pick a year and an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

matched on no vehicle context

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Suzuki Spacia Custom before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Costly issue

    Test drive with a cold engine and feel for shudder during take-off.

    See why

    CVT Belt and Pulley Judder on Take-Off

    The CVT develops shudder as the steel push-belt wears the pulley cone surface coating. The problem is most pronounced on cold mornings and under moderate acceleration from rest. Correct CVT fluid (Suzuki CVTF TC or equivalent) is essential — incorrect fluid dramatically accelerates wear.

    What you would notice

    • Rhythmic buzzing or vibration felt through the seat during take-off and light acceleration
    • CVT fluid discoloured brown with a burnt smell under bonnet

    Typically $600–$3,500 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Look for blue smoke from the exhaust during the test drive — most visible on engine braking downhill.

    See why

    R06A Turbo Oil Seal Failure and Blue Smoke

    The R06A 0.66T turbo engine oil seal on the turbocharger wears with age, allowing oil to enter the exhaust system. Blue smoke appears on engine braking (overrun) and startup. Extended oil change intervals accelerate the seal deterioration significantly.

    What you would notice

    • Blue-grey smoke from exhaust on engine braking and startup, especially when cold
    • Oily residue inside the intercooler and charge pipes from oil passing through the turbo

    Typically $600–$2,000 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Inspect ball joint rubber boot for splitting or missing.

    See why

    Front Lower Suspension Arm Ball Joint Wear

    Front lower control arm ball joints wear causing clunking and handling imprecision. Ball joint wear is common on kei cars with small-diameter joints subjected to the full weight of the vehicle.

    What you would notice

    • Clunking from front suspension on rough surfaces and during low-speed cornering
    • Handling imprecision and a feeling of looseness when changing direction

    Typically $300–$700 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    During the test drive, check for pulling under braking.

    See why

    Brake Caliper Slide Pin Seizure

    Front brake caliper slide pins seize from corrosion, causing the caliper to bind and apply uneven pressure to the rotor. This causes rapid pad wear on one side, pulling under braking, and rotor heat damage.

    What you would notice

    • Vehicle pulling to one side under moderate braking force
    • One front brake disc noticeably hotter than the other immediately after stopping

    Typically $200–$600 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Connect a Suzuki-compatible scanner and check for P1B00-series hybrid battery codes.

    See why

    Mild Hybrid 48V Lithium Battery Cell Imbalance

    The MJ55S Spacia mild hybrid uses a 48V lithium-ion battery for the belt-integrated starter generator. Individual cell voltage imbalance degrades overall battery capacity and can trigger hybrid system warnings, reducing fuel economy as the combustion engine compensates for reduced electric assist.

    What you would notice

    • Mild hybrid system warning light on instrument cluster with reduced fuel economy
    • Reduced electric motor assist causing more frequent combustion engine operation on urban trips

    Typically $1,200–$4,000 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Test steering during the test drive at various speeds — consistent assistance at all speeds is correct.

    See why

    Electric Power Steering Motor Failure

    The EPS column-mounted motor can fail causing sudden loss of power assistance. Failure can be gradual (increasing effort over months) or sudden (complete loss without warning).

    What you would notice

    • Sudden or gradual loss of power steering assistance with steering warning light
    • Heavy steering requiring significant effort especially at low speeds and during parking

    Typically $600–$2,000 to put right.

See all 7 documented issuesEverything researched for the Suzuki Spacia Custom.
Depends on which engine this Suzuki Spacia Custom has — 7Each of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling1

01CVT Belt and Pulley Judder on Take-Off

Test drive with a cold engine and feel for shudder during take-off.petrol2013 onwardTransmission
Very commonTransmission $600–$3,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The CVT develops shudder as the steel push-belt wears the pulley cone surface coating. The problem is most pronounced on cold mornings and under moderate acceleration from rest. Correct CVT fluid (Suzuki CVTF TC or equivalent) is essential — incorrect fluid dramatically accelerates wear.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rhythmic buzzing or vibration felt through the seat during take-off and light acceleration
  • CVT fluid discoloured brown with a burnt smell under bonnet

What to check

  1. Test drive with a cold engine and feel for shudder during take-off.
  2. A CVT fluid sample that is brown rather than the correct clear red indicates degraded fluid requiring immediate change.
  3. Ask for fluid change history.

Where to look: CVT gearbox in engine bay

Parts involved: CVT belt and pulleys.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the cvt belt and pulley been inspected or repaired?”
Electrical3

01Mild Hybrid 48V Lithium Battery Cell Imbalance

Connect a Suzuki-compatible scanner and check for P1B00-series hybrid battery codes.hybrid2017 onwardElectrical
OccasionalElectrical $1,200–$4,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The MJ55S Spacia mild hybrid uses a 48V lithium-ion battery for the belt-integrated starter generator. Individual cell voltage imbalance degrades overall battery capacity and can trigger hybrid system warnings, reducing fuel economy as the combustion engine compensates for reduced electric assist.

Symptoms to notice

  • Mild hybrid system warning light on instrument cluster with reduced fuel economy
  • Reduced electric motor assist causing more frequent combustion engine operation on urban trips

What to check

  1. Connect a Suzuki-compatible scanner and check for P1B00-series hybrid battery codes.
  2. Note fuel economy — significant decline from the rated figure indicates reduced hybrid assist.
  3. Ask if the mild hybrid warning has ever illuminated.

Where to look: 48V mild hybrid lithium battery under rear seat or boot floor

Parts involved: Starter motor.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the mild hybrid 48v lithium been inspected or repaired?”

02Electric Power Steering Motor Failure

Test steering during the test drive at various speeds — consistent assistance at all speeds is correct.2013 onwardElectrical
OccasionalElectrical $600–$2,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The EPS column-mounted motor can fail causing sudden loss of power assistance. Failure can be gradual (increasing effort over months) or sudden (complete loss without warning).

Symptoms to notice

  • Sudden or gradual loss of power steering assistance with steering warning light
  • Heavy steering requiring significant effort especially at low speeds and during parking

What to check

  1. Test steering during the test drive at various speeds — consistent assistance at all speeds is correct.
  2. Any heavy or notchy feel or warning light warrants investigation.
  3. Scan for EPS fault codes.

Where to look: EPS motor on steering column

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the electric power steering motor been inspected or repaired?”

03Power Sliding Door Cable Fraying and Motor Failure

Test both power sliding doors through multiple full open/close cycles.2013 onwardElectrical
CommonElectrical $400–$1,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The power sliding door cables fray at the guide pulleys after repeated operation, and door motors can fail under increased load from corroded or damaged tracks. Symptoms include slow door operation, intermittent stops mid-travel, and error messages on the instrument cluster.

Symptoms to notice

  • Sliding door moves slowly or stops partway through the open or close cycle
  • Error message or indicator light for sliding door malfunction on instrument cluster

What to check

  1. Test both power sliding doors through multiple full open/close cycles.
  2. Listen for unusual motor noise or grinding.
  3. Check door track for corrosion or debris.
  4. Doors that move slowly or stop mid-travel have degraded cables or motors.

Where to look: Power sliding door mechanisms both sides

Ask the seller

  • “Has the power sliding door cable been inspected or repaired?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior2

01Front Lower Suspension Arm Ball Joint Wear

Inspect ball joint rubber boot for splitting or missing.2013 onwardSuspension
CommonSuspension $300–$700 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Front lower control arm ball joints wear causing clunking and handling imprecision. Ball joint wear is common on kei cars with small-diameter joints subjected to the full weight of the vehicle.

The front wheel of a car splayed outward with the lower control arm hanging down after a ball joint separation.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A separated lower ball joint: the control arm has dropped and the wheel has splayed out under the guard.

Elfix · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Clunking from front suspension on rough surfaces and during low-speed cornering
  • Handling imprecision and a feeling of looseness when changing direction

What to check

Inspect ball joint rubber boot for splitting or missing. Any vertical or horizontal play in the joint indicates replacement is needed. If a workshop inspection is possible: With vehicle raised, check front lower ball joints for play by levering the arm.

Where to look: Front lower suspension control arms

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the front lower suspension arm been inspected or repaired?”

02Brake Caliper Slide Pin Seizure

During the test drive, check for pulling under braking.2013 onwardBrakes
CommonBrakes $200–$600 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Front brake caliper slide pins seize from corrosion, causing the caliper to bind and apply uneven pressure to the rotor. This causes rapid pad wear on one side, pulling under braking, and rotor heat damage.

Symptoms to notice

  • Vehicle pulling to one side under moderate braking force
  • One front brake disc noticeably hotter than the other immediately after stopping

What to check

During the test drive, check for pulling under braking. After stopping, feel each front wheel for unusual heat — an exceptionally hot wheel indicates a binding caliper. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove and inspect slide pins for corrosion and restricted movement.

Where to look: Front brake calipers both sides

Parts involved: Brake disc and pads.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the brake caliper slide pin been inspected or repaired?”
Fluid leaks1

01R06A Turbo Oil Seal Failure and Blue Smoke

Look for blue smoke from the exhaust during the test drive — most visible on engine braking downhill.petrol2013 onwardFluid Leaks
CommonFluid Leaks $600–$2,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The R06A 0.66T turbo engine oil seal on the turbocharger wears with age, allowing oil to enter the exhaust system. Blue smoke appears on engine braking (overrun) and startup. Extended oil change intervals accelerate the seal deterioration significantly.

Symptoms to notice

  • Blue-grey smoke from exhaust on engine braking and startup, especially when cold
  • Oily residue inside the intercooler and charge pipes from oil passing through the turbo

What to check

  1. Look for blue smoke from the exhaust during the test drive — most visible on engine braking downhill.
  2. Check oil level — frequent need to top up indicates oil consumption past the turbo seal.
  3. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove the intercooler hose at the throttle body and check for oily residue inside.

Where to look: Turbocharger assembly, driver side of engine

Parts involved: Turbocharger.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the r06a turbo oil seal been inspected or repaired?”

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Suzuki Spacia Custom’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Other Suzuki models

Suzuki Swift41 documented faultsSuzuki Escudo29 documented faultsSuzuki Jimny27 documented faultsSuzuki Stingray7 documented faultsSuzuki Wagon R Solio7 documented faultsSuzuki Alto6 documented faults

Suzuki Spacia Custom buyer questions

Is the Suzuki Spacia Custom reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 7 documented faults for the Suzuki Spacia Custom, the recurring problem areas are electrical, transmission, and fluid leaks. A Suzuki Spacia Custom 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 Spacia Custom?

We've catalogued 7 known faults for the Suzuki Spacia Custom, covering electrical, transmission, and fluid leaks. All 7 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Suzuki Spacia Custom?

Most single repairs on the Suzuki Spacia Custom fall between $600–$2,000 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 7 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 Spacia Custom?

Yes. A Suzuki Spacia Custom 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 $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.