Most Reliable Hyundai Models: Real MOT Data Analysis
We analysed 859,247 real UK MOT tests to reveal which Hyundai models pass most often, which years to buy, and which to avoid entirely.
859,247 MOT tests analysed
Real DVSA data covering every Hyundai model from 1994-2023
Key Findings
Most Reliable Model
Hyundai KONA
89.3% pass rate
Best Single Year
IX20 2018 Petrol
90.2% pass rate
Hyundai vs National Average
73.2% vs 71.4%
+1.8% above average
Proven Durability Champion
I10
+3.1% at 15-17 years
Hyundai sits near the middle of UK manufacturer rankings. We analysed 859,247 real MOT tests from the DVSA database to identify which Hyundai models outperform the brand average and which to avoid.
This isn't survey data or owner opinions. These are actual pass/fail results from UK garages, covering Hyundai models sold in the UK from 2000 to 2023.
How Hyundai Compares to Rivals
Hyundai ranks #118 out of 180 manufacturers with a 73.2% average MOT pass rate. That's above the national average of 71.4%:
| Manufacturer | Pass Rate | Rank | Tests Analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skoda | 76.7% | #102 | 765,656 |
| Kia | 73.9% | #114 | 886,268 |
| Toyota | 73.8% | #115 | 1,637,457 |
| Hyundai | 73.2% | #118 | 859,247 |
| Honda | 72.1% | #126 | 939,496 |
| Mazda | 71.9% | #128 | 534,605 |
| Nissan | 68.6% | #142 | 1,626,183 |
The verdict: Skoda maintains a lead among competitors, while Hyundai sits at #118.
Best Hyundai Models by MOT Pass Rate
Looking at overall reliability across all years, here's how Hyundai's core models rank against the 71.4% national average:
| Model | Pass Rate | vs National (71.4%) | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KONA | 89.3% | +17.8% | 28,960 | 2017-2023 |
| IONIQ | 86.8% | +15.4% | 36,158 | 2016-2023 |
| TUCSON | 82.5% | +11.0% | 121,849 | 2004-2023 |
| I10 | 74.1% | +2.6% | 241,862 | 2007-2023 |
| I20 | 73.7% | +2.2% | 125,129 | 2007-2023 |
| IX20 | 72.9% | +1.5% | 29,230 | 2009-2020 |
| I40 | 72.7% | +1.3% | 22,288 | 2011-2019 |
| IX35 | 67.5% | -3.9% | 52,994 | 2010-2016 |
| SANTA | 66.7% | -4.8% | 34,590 | 2001-2023 |
| I800 | 63.4% | -8.1% | 8,337 | 2008-2020 |
* Compared to overall 71.4% national average across all years. For year-adjusted comparisons that account for newer cars passing more often, see individual model breakdowns below.
Top performer
The KONA leads Hyundai's lineup with an 89.3% pass rate.
Proven Durability Champions: Which Hyundai Models Age Best?
Here's how Hyundai models have performed over 11+ years of real-world MOT testing, compared against the national average for cars of the same age:
High-confidence data: Only vehicles with 11+ years of MOT history and 100+ tests are included in this ranking.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I10 | - | All | +3.1% | 15-17 years | 60.9% |
| AMICA | - | All | +1.6% | 18-20 years | 57.7% |
| I10 | - | All | +1.3% | 11-14 years | 65.9% |
| I20 | - | All | +1.2% | 15-17 years | 59.0% |
| AMICA | - | All | +1.0% | 15-17 years | 58.8% |
| ACCENT | - | All | +0.2% | 18-20 years | 56.4% |
How to read this: A score of "+15%" means the model passes MOTs 15 percentage points more often than the average car of the same age. These are proven results from vehicles that have genuinely aged well.
Early Performers: Strong Start, Unproven Durability
These newer Hyundai models (3-6 years old) show strong early results, but haven't yet proven long-term durability:
Important caveat: Durability NOT yet proven - too early to assess long-term reliability. Older versions of the same model may tell a different story at 11+ years.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TUCSON | - | All | +5.6% | 8-10 years | 81.1% |
| KONA | - | All | +4.5% | 3-7 years | 89.2% |
| I20 | - | All | +3.2% | 8-10 years | 78.7% |
| IX20 | - | All | +2.8% | 3-7 years | 87.6% |
| SANTA | - | All | +2.8% | 8-10 years | 78.2% |
| I20 | - | All | +2.7% | 3-7 years | 87.5% |
| I10 | - | All | +2.1% | 8-10 years | 77.5% |
| IONIQ | - | All | +1.9% | 3-7 years | 86.7% |
What this means: These models are performing well in their early years, but we recommend checking the Durability Champions section above to see how older versions of the same model family have fared over time.
Hyundai I10: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The I10 has 241,862 tests in our database with an overall 74.1% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Petrol | 88.0% | +0.3% | 6,493 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 85.2% | -1.1% | 18,289 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 84.5% | +0.3% | 21,249 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 83.5% | +1.8% | 23,799 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 80.7% | +2.1% | 22,174 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 78.2% | +2.7% | 22,438 |
| 2014 | Petrol | 73.8% | +2.0% | 23,202 |
| 2013 | Petrol | 66.8% | -1.4% | 20,896 |
| 2012 | Petrol | 65.2% | -0.4% | 20,642 |
| 2011 | Petrol | 66.3% | +3.3% | 17,646 |
| 2010 | Petrol | 65.4% | +4.9% | 19,658 |
| 2009 | Petrol | 61.9% | +2.9% | 20,044 |
| ... | ||||
| 2008 | Petrol | 57.0% | -0.4% | 5,030 |
I10 verdict: Avoid the 2008 petrol (57.0%).
Avoid the 2008 I10
The 2008 petrol I10 has a 57.0% pass rate, well below the national average.
Hyundai I20: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The I20 has 125,129 tests in our database with an overall 73.7% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Petrol | 91.3% | +3.7% | 3,961 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 89.9% | +3.7% | 7,453 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 87.7% | +3.5% | 8,654 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 84.5% | +2.8% | 11,588 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 83.2% | +4.6% | 12,983 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 78.4% | -0.2% | 838 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 81.5% | +6.0% | 11,596 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 75.3% | -0.2% | 1,299 |
| 2014 | Petrol | 72.6% | +0.9% | 12,742 |
| 2013 | Petrol | 64.0% | -4.3% | 11,945 |
| 2013 | Diesel | 57.3% | -11.0% | 829 |
| 2012 | Petrol | 61.9% | -3.7% | 9,566 |
| ... | ||||
| 2013 | Diesel | 57.3% | -11.0% | 829 |
| 2011 | Diesel | 52.2% | -10.8% | 818 |
| 2010 | Diesel | 55.8% | -4.7% | 584 |
I20 verdict: The 2020 petrol model achieves a 91.3% pass rate (20 points above average). Avoid the 2013 diesel (57.3%).
Avoid 2009-2013 I20s
The 2013 diesel I20 has a 57.3% pass rate, well below the national average.
Hyundai TUCSON: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The TUCSON has 121,849 tests in our database with an overall 82.5% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Plug-in Hybrid | 87.2% | -0.4% | 3,336 |
| 2020 | Petrol | 85.6% | -2.1% | 9,939 |
| 2019 | Plug-in Hybrid | 88.5% | +2.3% | 594 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 85.1% | -1.1% | 24,415 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 84.7% | -1.5% | 2,081 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 85.2% | +0.9% | 6,160 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 85.1% | +0.9% | 18,825 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 83.5% | +1.8% | 16,744 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 82.8% | +1.1% | 7,412 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 82.1% | +3.4% | 17,807 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 80.0% | +1.3% | 2,749 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 77.8% | +2.3% | 4,624 |
| ... | ||||
| 2008 | Diesel | 58.7% | +1.3% | 542 |
| 2007 | Diesel | 55.3% | -1.7% | 903 |
| 2006 | Diesel | 51.8% | -4.4% | 987 |
TUCSON verdict: Avoid the 2008 diesel (58.7%).
Avoid 2005-2008 TUCSONs
The 2008 diesel TUCSON has a 58.7% pass rate, well below the national average.
Hyundai IX35: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The IX35 has 52,994 tests in our database with an overall 67.5% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Petrol | 77.1% | +1.6% | 2,648 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 76.1% | +0.7% | 9,166 |
| 2014 | Petrol | 74.1% | +2.4% | 1,624 |
| 2014 | Diesel | 72.6% | +0.9% | 11,862 |
| 2013 | Diesel | 62.6% | -5.6% | 9,207 |
| 2013 | Petrol | 62.5% | -5.8% | 1,427 |
| 2012 | Petrol | 61.4% | -4.2% | 1,372 |
| 2012 | Diesel | 61.0% | -4.6% | 7,110 |
| 2011 | Diesel | 58.2% | -4.8% | 4,825 |
| 2010 | Diesel | 59.4% | -1.1% | 2,614 |
| ... | ||||
| 2011 | Diesel | 58.2% | -4.8% | 4,825 |
| 2010 | Diesel | 59.4% | -1.1% | 2,614 |
IX35 verdict: Avoid the 2011 diesel (58.2%).
Avoid 2011 and 2010 IX35s
The 2011 diesel IX35 has a 58.2% pass rate, well below the national average.
Hyundai IONIQ: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The IONIQ has 36,158 tests in our database with an overall 86.8% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Electric | 91.0% | +0.1% | 879 |
| 2021 | Hybrid Electric | 87.7% | -3.1% | 1,427 |
| 2020 | Electric | 87.9% | +0.2% | 2,814 |
| 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 83.5% | -4.2% | 5,011 |
| 2019 | Hybrid Electric | 87.2% | +1.0% | 9,643 |
| 2018 | Hybrid Electric | 86.8% | +2.6% | 8,373 |
| 2017 | Hybrid Electric | 86.1% | +4.4% | 5,608 |
IONIQ verdict: The 2021 electric model achieves a 91.0% pass rate (20 points above average).
Hyundai Hybrids vs Petrol vs Diesel
Reliability varies by fuel type for Hyundai. Here's how each performs:
| Fuel Type | Average Pass Rate | vs National | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | 90.1% | +18.6% | 11,207 |
| Plug-in Hybrid | 87.7% | +16.3% | 4,366 |
| Hybrid Electric | 86.9% | +15.5% | 36,856 |
| Petrol | 73.5% | +2.1% | 581,419 |
| Diesel | 69.2% | -2.2% | 225,342 |
The hybrid advantage: Hyundai hybrids pass MOTs 13% more often than petrols and 18% more often than diesels.
Hyundai Models to Avoid
Not all Hyundais are reliable. These specific model/year combinations have failure rates well above average:
| Model | Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I800 | 2018 | Diesel | 66.5% | 1,182 |
| I800 | 2019 | Diesel | 68.9% | 1,819 |
| I800 | 2016 | Diesel | 62.3% | 1,072 |
| I800 | 2017 | Diesel | 67.2% | 1,360 |
| IX20 | 2011 | Diesel | 50.7% | 714 |
| I20 | 2013 | Diesel | 57.3% | 829 |
| I20 | 2011 | Diesel | 52.2% | 818 |
| I30 | 2013 | Diesel | 58.3% | 6,431 |
| I30 | 2012 | Diesel | 55.7% | 5,371 |
| IX20 | 2013 | Diesel | 58.4% | 550 |
Pattern to avoid
Early 2016-2019 diesel I800s, 2011-2013 diesel IX20s, 2011-2013 diesel I20s are the models that drag down Hyundai's average. The COUPE performs 10% worse than the average car of the same age at 21+ years - this is proven poor durability. These are the weakest performers in the lineup.
What Goes Wrong on Hyundais?
When Hyundais fail MOTs, these are the most common causes:
| Failure Category | Total Failures |
|---|---|
| 1. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 86,864 |
| 2. Brakes | 72,125 |
| 3. Tyres | 50,534 |
| 4. Visibility | 47,739 |
| 5. Suspension | 47,649 |
| 6. Steering | 18,033 |
| 7. Body, chassis, structure | 14,833 |
Pre-MOT checklist for Hyundai owners:
- Check all bulbs (number plate lights are commonly missed)
- Check brake pad thickness and disc condition
- Ensure tyres meet 1.6mm tread requirement
- Clean windscreen and check wiper blade condition
- Inspect suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Buying Recommendations
Best If Buying Nearly New
2019-2023 models with highest early pass rates
- KONA 2019 Electric: 91% pass rate
- I20 2019 Petrol: 90% pass rate
- KONA PREMIUM SE GDI HEV S-A 2020 Hybrid Electric: 91% pass rate
- IX20 2019 Petrol: 89% pass rate
Note: Long-term durability not yet proven for these newer models
Best If Buying Used (Proven)
11+ years of proven durability data
- Limited proven durability data available
Hyundai Models to Avoid (Proven Poor)
Proven below average at 11+ years - not just old, genuinely problematic
- COUPE (21+ years): -7% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average at 21+ years)
- GETZ (21+ years): -7% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average at 21+ years)
- SANTA (11-14 years): -7% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average at 11-14 years)
- I30 (11-14 years): -6% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average at 11-14 years)
About This Data
This analysis uses real MOT test results from the DVSA database, covering 859,247 tests on Hyundai vehicles between 2000 and 2023.
Year-Adjusted Scoring (v2.1): In year-by-year breakdowns, each vehicle is compared against the national average for vehicles of the same model year. This removes the natural bias where newer cars pass more often, allowing fair comparisons across eras.
Evidence-Tiered Durability: We separate "proven durability" (vehicles tested at 11+ years old) from "early performers" (3-6 years old). Only vehicles with proven long-term data are used for durability claims. Age-band comparisons use weighted national averages.
Minimum thresholds: 100 tests for proven durability rankings, 100 tests for early performer rankings. Pass rates are calculated as first-time passes, excluding retests.
The overall national average MOT pass rate is 71.44% based on 32,300,000 tests across all manufacturers. Year-specific averages range from ~59% (2009 vehicles) to ~88% (2020 vehicles).
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