IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2004 Suzuki Ignis (Gen 1)

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2004 Suzuki Ignis (Gen 1). 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

3
Known Issues
1
Serious
1
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

Ignition Switch Carbonisation and Smoking Contact

SeriousElectrics & Electronics

A notorious issue affecting first-generation Ignis models produced between 2000 and 2004 is carbonisation of electrical grease inside the ignition switch assembly. Due to contact arcing under electrical load, the lubricating grease inside the switch breaks down, becomes conductive, and overheats. This causes smoke and an acrid electrical burning smell to emit from the steering column shroud, leading to melted switch contacts, intermittent ignition loss, and a serious fire hazard if left unaddressed.

Est. Repair Cost: £110–£260
Warning Signs:

Wisps of white smoke or acrid burning plastic smell coming from the steering column shroud, Key feels unusually warm or hot to the touch after driving, Intermittent loss of electrical accessories, radio cut-outs, or engine stalling while turning the key

What to Inspect:
  • Sniff around the steering column ignition switch for burnt electrical or fishy grease smells
  • Operate the key through Off, Acc, On, and Start to feel for sticky or stiff movement
  • Inspect the plastic ignition switch electrical harness plug for discoloured or melted terminals
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Inner Tie Rod and Steering Rack Knocking

ModerateSteering

The steering gear on the Ignis is susceptible to premature wear in the inner steering tie rod axial ball joints. Road impacts from potholes and aggressive kerbing transmit shock loads directly through the steering rack ends, creating mechanical play within the joint sockets. This results in an audible clunk or knock through the steering wheel when turning from lock to lock while stationary, alongside wandering steering at higher road speeds and MOT test rejection.

Est. Repair Cost: £160–£380
Warning Signs:

Distinct clunking or knocking noise felt through the steering wheel when turning from lock to lock, Vague on-centre steering feel and tendency for the vehicle to wander on straight roads, Uneven feathering or scrub wear on the inner edges of both front tyres

What to Inspect:
  • With the vehicle stationary and engine running, rock the steering wheel briskly from left to right
  • Jack up the front wheels and grasp the tyre at 9 and 3 o'clock to test for horizontal play
  • Inspect steering rack gaiter rubber boots for splits that allow water into the inner joints
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Anti-Roll Bar Bush Squeaking and Drop-Link Wear

MinorSuspension & Chassis

The front suspension on the Ignis utilizes an anti-roll bar connected via rubber mounting D-bushes and drop links. Over time and continuous exposure to UK road grime, the rubber D-bushes dry out, harden, and accumulate grit against the bar. This produces loud squeaking, groaning, or creaking noises when negotiating corners, navigating roundabouts, or traversing road speed humps. Worn ball joints in the drop links also develop loose play that creates a metallic knocking sound.

Est. Repair Cost: £90–£220
Warning Signs:

High-pitched creaking or groaning noise from the front suspension when steering through corners, Dull metallic knocking or rattling over rough road surfaces and sunken manhole covers, Slight vagueness in steering response during sudden lane change transitions

What to Inspect:
  • Drive the car over speed humps and listen for creaking from the front suspension
  • Grasp the front anti-roll bar drop links by hand and check for mechanical play
  • Inspect the anti-roll bar D-bushes for perished, cracked, or displaced rubber
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2004 Suzuki Ignis (Gen 1)

  • Inspect the ignition switch assembly carefully; smoke or burning electrical smells from the steering column require immediate switch replacement.
  • Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock while stationary and listen for knocking or clicking that indicates worn inner tie rods.
  • Drive over speed cushions and listen for creaking or squeaking from the front suspension, indicating dry or worn anti-roll bar D-bushes.
  • On Ignis Sport models, verify the original factory Recaro bucket seats and rear roof spoiler are intact and check for evidence of track abuse.
  • Check the rear chassis legs and sill ends for surface corrosion, especially around the rear wheel arches and jacking points.
20032005–2008
Check a 2004 Suzuki Ignis (Gen 1) by Registration