Family SUV · 2004–2021 cars
Hyundai Tucson reliability
The Hyundai Tucson fails 17.5% of first MOT tests, 3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 367,877 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Hyundai Tucson before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 17.5%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 3% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 367,877
- 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 Tucson is a fair buy, not a standout. Its first-time MOT fail rate is 17.5%, against 28.4% for all cars. Against cars of the same age and mileage, it has 3% fewer MOT fails, and it ranks 37 of 59 models in its category. Model year matters a lot. The 2016 cars did best, with 16% fewer fails than comparable cars. The 2020 cars were weakest, with 15% more.
Brakes are the weak point, with 68% more fails than comparable cars, so check them closely. Look for brake pads worn below 1.5mm. Also check tyre tread below 1.6mm, tyre cuts reaching the ply or cords, and wiper blades that do not clear the windscreen. A good buy comes down to these checks, so ask for the MOT history and inspect the car before you commit.
MOT fail rate by age
How the Hyundai Tucson ages
Each point is the share of Hyundai Tucsons of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Hyundai Tucson | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 13.7% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 14.5% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 15% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 17.4% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 19.4% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 22% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 26.8% | 28.8% |
| 12 | 39% | 37.3% |
| 13 | 39.8% | 39.5% |
| 14 | 43.9% | 41.1% |
| 15 | 45% | 42.3% |
| 16 | 48.8% | 42.9% |
| 17 | 47.4% | 43.4% |
| 18 | 50.4% | 43.5% |
| 19 | 47.5% | 43.4% |
By year
The best and worst Hyundai Tucson years
2016 cars come out best and 2020 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tucson | 7,765 | 11.6% | 1% fewer fails | 25,853 |
| 2020 Tucson | 24,013 | 14.3% | 15% more fails | 28,720 |
| 2019 Tucson | 71,876 | 14.3% | 7% more fails | 31,734 |
| 2018 Tucson | 83,960 | 14.7% | 1% fewer fails | 37,170 |
| 2017 Tucson | 78,746 | 16.8% | 6% fewer fails | 47,324 |
| 2016 Tucson | 66,563 | 17.7% | 16% fewer fails | 56,387 |
| 2015 Tucson | 15,807 | 22% | 7% fewer fails | 64,047 |
| 2010 | 873 | 40.4% | 3% more fails | 91,463 |
| 2009 Tucson | 2,220 | 40.2% | 1% fewer fails | 97,263 |
| 2008 Tucson | 2,201 | 42.8% | 1% more fails | 102,083 |
| 2007 Tucson | 3,740 | 46.6% | 7% more fails | 108,582 |
| 2006 Tucson | 4,800 | 50% | 13% more fails | 108,319 |
| 2005 Tucson | 4,161 | 47.8% | 8% more fails | 106,811 |
| 2004 Tucson | 1,118 | 47.2% | 5% more fails | 110,796 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Hyundai Tucson
Its weak spot is brakes: 68% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Brakes6.1%68% above avg
- Tyres4.6%15% below avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.5%28% above avg
- Lights and electrics3.3%36% below avg
- Suspension2.1%38% below avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.1%19% below avg
- Steering0.7%10% above avg
- Body, chassis and structure0.7%36% below avg
- Seat belts and airbags0.4%6% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.86% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 2
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.57% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 3
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.1% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 4
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 0.8% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 5
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 0.77% of tests
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
- 6
Parking brake lever excessive movement 0.63% of tests
Too much lever travel means the handbrake needs adjusting or repair, and it may not hold the car properly.
- 7
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.59% of tests
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
- 8
Headlamp aim set too high 0.58% of tests
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Hyundai Tucson's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit12.15%
- Brake pads wearing thin10.69%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking9.81%
- Brake disc pitted or scored4.95%
- Child seat limits belt inspection3.77%
- Brake discs showing some wear2.5%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Hyundai Tucson
- 1
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 2
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.
- 3
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 4
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 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 Tucson 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
- Petrol51.3%
- Diesel45.4%
- Hybrid3.2%
- LPG0%
Most common colours
Grey, Black, White, Blue, Silver
Average engine size: 1.7 litres.
Compare
How the Hyundai Tucson compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Audi Q5 | 15.3% | 38% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Audi Q3 | 15.5% | 29% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| BMW X3 | 19.9% | 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Volvo XC60 | 19.5% | 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Toyota RAV4 | 25.3% | 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Land Rover Discovery Sport | 16.5% | 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Hyundai Tucson | 17.5% | 3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every family suv ranked in the family suv reliability index, or all Hyundai models.
Questions
Hyundai Tucson questions, answered
Is the Hyundai Tucson reliable?
On MOT results, the Hyundai Tucson is about average: it fails 17.5% of first MOT tests, 3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 37 of 59 family suv models in our index.
What fails most on a Hyundai Tucson MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Hyundai Tucson are wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.86% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (2.57% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.1% of tests). By area, brakes fails 6.1% of its tests.
Which Hyundai Tucson year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2016 cars do best (16% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2020 cars do worst (15% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Hyundai Tucson do a year?
A typical Hyundai Tucson 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 Tucson 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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