Hyundai Tucson MOT pass rate and common problems
86.8% of 210,169 Hyundai Tucson MOT tests pass.
The Tucson passes its MOT 86.8% of the time — well above the average across all Hyundai models, which sits at 79.7%.
The Hyundai Tucson passes its MOT 86.8% of the time — well above the national average for cars, which sits at 79.2%.
Own this Hyundai Tucson?
This is the average across every Hyundai Tucson 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 drops sharply with age: the Hyundai Tucson tested at 0–3 years pass 93.8% of the time, compared with just 59.9% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 93.8% | 23,789 | 25,022 miles |
| 3–6 years | 89.2% | 94,715 | 37,348 miles |
| 6–10 years | 84.2% | 84,542 | 61,176 miles |
| 10–15 years | 65.4% | 826 | 101,897 miles |
| 15+ years | 59.9% | 6,297 | 109,620 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Hyundai Tucson
The most common reason the Hyundai Tucson fails its MOT is brakes — present in 44.4% of failed tests, most often logged as "Less than 1.5 mm thick".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 44.4% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Tyres | 29.2% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Visibility | 22.7% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 20.1% | Too high |
| Suspension | 13.4% | Pin or bush excessively worn |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 7.6% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Steering | 4.2% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Body, chassis, structure | 3.7% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 1.7% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.1% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
Buying a used Hyundai Tucson: what to check
These checks follow the Hyundai Tucson’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.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Hyundai Tucson comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 84.2% to 65.4%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 60,000–90,000 mi to 90,000–120,000 mi: 81.0% down to 72.6%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Brakes
Recorded in 44.4% of failed Hyundai Tucson MOTs. 25.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 0.7% at 0–3 years.
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.
2. Tyres
Recorded in 29.2% of failed Hyundai Tucson MOTs. 7.2% of tests at 15+ years failed on tyres, against 2.7% at 0–3 years.
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.
3. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 22.7% of failed Hyundai Tucson MOTs.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
4. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 20.1% of failed Hyundai Tucson MOTs. 27.8% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 1.2% at 0–3 years.
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.
5. Suspension
Recorded in 13.4% of failed Hyundai Tucson MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 35.2% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension.
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.
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 i10 — 79.2% pass rate
- Hyundai i20 — 79.3% pass rate
- Hyundai i30 — 72.3% pass rate
- Hyundai Ioniq — 91.1% pass rate
- Hyundai IX35 — 71.3% pass rate
- Hyundai Kona — 91.4% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Hyundai Tucson?
- 86.8% of Hyundai Tucson MOT tests pass, based on 210,169 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Hyundai Tucson?
- The most common reason the Hyundai Tucson fails its MOT is brakes — present in 44.4% of failed tests, most often logged as "Less than 1.5 mm thick".
- What are the common problems with the Hyundai Tucson?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Hyundai Tucson are brakes; tyres; windscreen and wipers. 25.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 0.7% at 0–3 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Hyundai Tucson?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: brakes; tyres; windscreen and wipers; lights and electrics; suspension. 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 Tucson'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.