Family SUV · 2010–2017 cars
Hyundai ix35 reliability
The Hyundai ix35 fails 32.5% of first MOT tests, 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 173,156 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Hyundai ix35 before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 32.5%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 6% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 173,156
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 8,500
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
What this means for buyers
The Hyundai ix35 is a below-average buy on MOT results. Its first-time fail rate is 32.5%, against 28.4% for all cars. Against cars of the same age and mileage, it has 6% more MOT fails. It ranks 47 of 59 family SUV models. Brakes are the weak spot, with 95% more fails there than comparable cars. The 2013 cars are weakest, with 16% more MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage. The 2014 cars are about average.
That doesn't rule out the ix35. A well-kept example can still be a good buy if you check the right things. Check the car for these common MOT failures: tyre tread below 1.6mm, parking brake efficiency below minimum, a position lamp not working, and brake pads worn below 1.5mm. Given the brake record, ask for the MOT history and check the brakes first.
MOT fail rate by age
How the Hyundai ix35 ages
Each point is the share of Hyundai ix35s of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Hyundai ix35 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 21% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 23.9% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 27.3% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 31.5% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 36% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 38.9% | 34.6% |
| 12 | 41.1% | 37.3% |
| 13 | 43.8% | 39.5% |
| 14 | 44.5% | 41.1% |
By year
The best and worst Hyundai ix35 years
2014 cars come out best and 2013 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 ix35 | 1,038 | 22.8% | 12% more fails | 51,172 |
| 2015 ix35 | 38,674 | 24.7% | 0% fewer fails | 64,736 |
| 2014 ix35 | 44,454 | 27.7% | 2% fewer fails | 73,515 |
| 2013 ix35 | 35,132 | 36.5% | 16% more fails | 80,811 |
| 2012 ix35 | 27,487 | 38.2% | 11% more fails | 87,117 |
| 2011 ix35 | 17,054 | 40.8% | 9% more fails | 95,968 |
| 2010 ix35 | 9,311 | 41.1% | 3% more fails | 101,132 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Hyundai ix35
Its weak spot is brakes: 95% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Brakes13.1%95% above avg
- Lights and electrics11%6% below avg
- Tyres8%14% above avg
- Suspension8%19% below avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.7%5% above avg
- Steering3.7%76% above avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.1%62% below avg
- Body, chassis and structure0.9%71% below avg
- Number plates and VIN0.3%0% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.66% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 2
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 3.22% of tests
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
- 3
Position lamp not working 3.19% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 4
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 3.19% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 5
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.98% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 6
Service brake excessively binding 1.95% of tests
A brake that drags when released can overheat, wear quickly and waste fuel, so it needs prompt inspection.
- 7
Coil spring fractured or broken 1.86% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 8
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 1.82% of tests
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Hyundai ix35's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit16.82%
- Brake pads wearing thin12.12%
- Brake disc pitted or scored11.84%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking9.04%
- Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear4.44%
- Child seat limits belt inspection3.97%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Hyundai ix35
- 1
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 2
Parking brake efficiency below minimum
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
- 3
Position lamp not working
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 4
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Hyundai ix35 covers about 8,500 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Diesel84.4%
- Petrol15.6%
- Electric0%
- Other0%
Most common colours
White, Black, Silver, Grey, Blue
Average engine size: 1.8 litres.
Compare
How the Hyundai ix35 compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Jaguar F-Pace | 13.4% | 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Skoda Yeti | 20.9% | 19% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mazda CX-5 | 18% | 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Vauxhall Grandland | 13.6% | about average for its age |
| Kia Sorento | 30.2% | about average for its age |
| Hyundai ix35 | 32.5% | 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Renault Kadjar | 20.8% | 19% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every family suv ranked in the family suv reliability index, or all Hyundai models.
Questions
Hyundai ix35 questions, answered
Is the Hyundai ix35 reliable?
On MOT results, the Hyundai ix35 is about average: it fails 32.5% of first MOT tests, 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 47 of 59 family suv models in our index.
What fails most on a Hyundai ix35 MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Hyundai ix35 are tyre tread below 1.6mm (3.66% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (3.22% of tests), position lamp not working (3.19% of tests). By area, brakes fails 13.1% of its tests.
Which Hyundai ix35 year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2014 cars do best (about average for its age) and 2013 cars do worst (16% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Hyundai ix35 do a year?
A typical Hyundai ix35 covers about 8,500 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Hyundai ix35 before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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