Hyundai Matrix MOT pass rate and common problems
59.4% of 5,231 Hyundai Matrix MOT tests pass.
The Matrix passes 59.4% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the average across all Hyundai models (79.7%).
The Hyundai Matrix passes 59.4% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Hyundai Matrix?
This is the average across every Hyundai Matrix in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Hyundai’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate stays relatively stable with age: 60.5% at 10–15 years versus 59.2% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 6–10 years | too few tests (3) | 3 | no reading |
| 10–15 years | 60.5% | 448 | 82,076 miles |
| 15+ years | 59.2% | 4,780 | 81,082 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Hyundai Matrix
The most common reason the Hyundai Matrix fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 46.8% of failed tests, most often logged as "Projected beam image is obviously incorrect".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 46.8% | Projected beam image is obviously incorrect |
| Suspension | 46.7% | Ball joint excessively worn |
| Brakes | 43.5% | Excessively corroded |
| Body, chassis, structure | 30.9% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Tyres | 20.1% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Visibility | 20.1% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 11.8% | Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 11.3% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Steering | 9.9% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.4% | Inscription illegible |
Buying a used Hyundai Matrix: what to check
These checks follow the Hyundai Matrix’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 60,000–90,000 mi to 90,000–120,000 mi: 63.0% down to 48.2%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 46.8% of failed Hyundai Matrix MOTs.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
2. Suspension
Recorded in 46.7% of failed Hyundai Matrix MOTs.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 43.5% of failed Hyundai Matrix MOTs.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
4. Bodywork and corrosion
Recorded in 30.9% of failed Hyundai Matrix MOTs.
Look underneath and along the sills for corrosion, especially near suspension and seat-belt mountings. Uneven panel gaps or mismatched paint can indicate accident repair.
5. Tyres
Recorded in 20.1% of failed Hyundai Matrix MOTs.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Hyundai service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Hyundai models
- Hyundai Coupe — 58.9% pass rate
- Hyundai Amica — 65.3% pass rate
- Hyundai Tucson SE Connect — 91.7% pass rate
- Hyundai i20 SE Connect — 91.8% pass rate
- Hyundai Veloster — 69.0% pass rate
- Hyundai Kona SE Connect — 90.9% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Hyundai Matrix?
- 59.4% of Hyundai Matrix MOT tests pass, based on 5,231 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Hyundai Matrix?
- The most common reason the Hyundai Matrix fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 46.8% of failed tests, most often logged as "Projected beam image is obviously incorrect".
- What are the common problems with the Hyundai Matrix?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Hyundai Matrix are lights and electrics; suspension; brakes.
- What should I check when buying a used Hyundai Matrix?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; suspension; brakes; bodywork and corrosion; tyres. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Hyundai Matrix's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Hyundai service history guide for how to check and keep one.