Most Reliable Hyundai Models: Real MOT Data Analysis
We analysed 858,542 real UK MOT tests to reveal which Hyundai models pass most often, which years to buy, and which to avoid entirely.
858,542 MOT tests analysed
Real DVSA data covering every Hyundai model from 2000-2023
Key Findings
Most Reliable Model
Hyundai KONA
89.2% pass rate
Best Single Year
IX20 2018 Petrol
90.2% pass rate
Hyundai vs National Average
73.3% vs 71.5%
+1.8% above average
Proven Durability Champion
I10 2010
+6.5% at 13+ years
Hyundai has built its reputation on reliability, but does the data back it up? We analysed 858,542 real MOT tests from the DVSA database to find out exactly which Hyundai models live up to the hype and which ones fall short.
This isn't survey data or owner opinions. These are actual pass/fail results from UK garages, covering every Hyundai model sold in the UK from 2000 to 2023.
How Hyundai Compares to Rivals
Hyundai ranks #34 out of 75 manufacturers with a 73.3% average MOT pass rate. That's above the national average of 71.5%:
| Manufacturer | Pass Rate | Rank | Tests Analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skoda | 76.7% | #28 | 764,629 |
| Toyota | 74.0% | #31 | 1,606,300 |
| Kia | 73.9% | #32 | 886,213 |
| Hyundai | 73.3% | #34 | 858,542 |
| Honda | 72.2% | #41 | 927,815 |
| Mazda | 72.2% | #42 | 518,750 |
| Nissan | 68.7% | #50 | 1,612,552 |
The verdict: Skoda maintains a lead among competitors, while Hyundai sits at #34. However, newer Hyundai models significantly outperform this average.
Best Hyundai Models by MOT Pass Rate
Looking at overall reliability across all years, here's how Hyundai's core models rank against the 71.5% national average:
| Model | Pass Rate | vs National (71.5%) | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KONA | 89.2% | +17.7% | 28,406 | 2017-2021 |
| IONIQ | 86.8% | +15.2% | 35,723 | 2016-2022 |
| TUCSON | 82.4% | +10.9% | 120,508 | 2004-2021 |
| I10 | 74.1% | +2.6% | 241,536 | 2008-2020 |
| I20 | 73.6% | +2.1% | 124,677 | 2008-2020 |
| IX20 | 72.9% | +1.4% | 29,188 | 2010-2020 |
| I40 | 72.7% | +1.2% | 22,185 | 2011-2019 |
| IX35 | 67.5% | -4.0% | 52,977 | 2010-2016 |
| SANTA FE | 66.7% | -4.8% | 34,208 | 2002-2020 |
| I30 | 65.9% | -5.6% | 106,647 | 2007-2020 |
Top performer
The KONA dramatically outperforms other Hyundais with an 89.2% pass rate, putting it among the most reliable cars in the database.
Proven Durability Champions: Which Hyundai Models Age Best?
These Hyundai models have proven their durability with 11+ years of real-world MOT data. They're compared against the national average for cars of the same age:
High-confidence data: Only vehicles with 11+ years of MOT history and 500+ tests are included in this ranking.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I10 | 2010 | Petrol | +6.5% | 13+ years | 63.8% |
| I10 | 2009 | Petrol | +4.6% | 13+ years | 61.9% |
| TUCSON | 2009 | Diesel | +4.5% | 13+ years | 61.8% |
| I10 | 2010 | Petrol | +4.0% | 11-12 years | 66.8% |
| I10 | 2011 | Petrol | +3.5% | 11-12 years | 66.3% |
| I20 | 2009 | Petrol | +2.2% | 13+ years | 59.5% |
| AMICA | 2008 | Petrol | +1.8% | 13+ years | 59.1% |
| I20 | 2010 | Petrol | +1.6% | 13+ years | 58.9% |
| AMICA | 2007 | Petrol | +1.4% | 13+ years | 58.7% |
| TUCSON | 2008 | Diesel | +1.4% | 13+ years | 58.7% |
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 - these vehicles have not been tested at older ages. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KONA | 2018 | Petrol | +5.4% | 5-6 years | 86.6% |
| IONIQ | 2018 | Hybrid Electric | +5.1% | 5-6 years | 86.3% |
| IX20 | 2017 | Petrol | +5.0% | 5-6 years | 86.2% |
| IX20 | 2018 | Petrol | +4.9% | 3-4 years | 90.8% |
| IONIQ | 2017 | Hybrid Electric | +4.9% | 5-6 years | 86.1% |
| I20 | 2018 | Petrol | +4.2% | 5-6 years | 85.4% |
| I20 | 2019 | Petrol | +4.1% | 3-4 years | 89.9% |
| I30 | 2017 | Petrol | +3.4% | 5-6 years | 84.6% |
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 241,536 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% | 18,287 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 84.5% | +0.3% | 21,246 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 83.5% | +1.8% | 23,799 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 80.7% | +2.1% | 22,172 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 78.2% | +2.7% | 22,432 |
| 2014 | Petrol | 73.8% | +2.0% | 23,200 |
| 2013 | Petrol | 66.8% | -1.4% | 20,895 |
| 2012 | Petrol | 65.2% | -0.4% | 20,641 |
| 2011 | Petrol | 66.3% | +3.3% | 17,644 |
| 2010 | Petrol | 65.4% | +4.9% | 19,657 |
| 2009 | Petrol | 61.9% | +2.9% | 20,040 |
| ... | ||||
| 2008 | Petrol | 57.0% | -0.4% | 5,030 |
I10 verdict: Avoid the 2008 petrol (57.0%).
Avoid early I10 models
The 2008 petrol I10 has a 57.0% pass rate, failing MOTs more often than passing.
Hyundai I20: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The I20 has 124,677 tests in our database with an overall 73.6% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Petrol | 91.3% | +3.6% | 3,928 |
| 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 90.8% | +3.1% | 119 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 89.9% | +3.7% | 7,453 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 87.7% | +3.4% | 8,654 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 84.5% | +2.8% | 11,587 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 82.6% | +0.9% | 138 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 83.2% | +4.6% | 12,983 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 78.4% | -0.2% | 838 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 81.5% | +6.0% | 11,594 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 75.3% | -0.2% | 1,298 |
| 2014 | Petrol | 72.6% | +0.9% | 12,741 |
| 2014 | Diesel | 58.4% | -13.3% | 476 |
| ... | ||||
| 2014 | Diesel | 58.4% | -13.3% | 476 |
| 2013 | Diesel | 57.3% | -11.0% | 829 |
| 2012 | Diesel | 59.5% | -6.1% | 326 |
I20 verdict: The 2020 petrol model achieves an excellent 91.3% pass rate. Avoid the 2014 diesel (58.4%).
Avoid early I20 models
The 2014 diesel I20 has a 58.4% pass rate, failing MOTs more often than passing.
Hyundai TUCSON: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The TUCSON has 120,508 tests in our database with an overall 82.4% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Plug-in Hybrid | 89.5% | -1.3% | 124 |
| 2021 | Petrol | 84.9% | -5.9% | 126 |
| 2020 | Plug-in Hybrid | 87.1% | -0.6% | 3,172 |
| 2020 | Petrol | 85.6% | -2.1% | 9,939 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 85.1% | -1.1% | 24,415 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 84.8% | -1.4% | 2,071 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 85.2% | +0.9% | 6,159 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 85.1% | +0.9% | 18,824 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 83.5% | +1.8% | 16,740 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 82.8% | +1.1% | 7,411 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 82.1% | +3.4% | 17,807 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 80.0% | +1.3% | 2,749 |
| ... | ||||
| 2010 | Diesel | 54.1% | -6.4% | 231 |
| 2008 | Diesel | 58.7% | +1.3% | 542 |
| 2008 | Petrol | 49.1% | -8.3% | 173 |
TUCSON verdict: Avoid the 2010 diesel (54.1%).
Avoid early TUCSON models
The 2010 diesel TUCSON has a 54.1% pass rate, failing MOTs more often than passing.
Hyundai I30: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The I30 has 106,647 tests in our database with an overall 65.9% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Diesel | 88.3% | +0.6% | 154 |
| 2020 | Petrol | 87.7% | +0.0% | 1,252 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 88.4% | +2.2% | 3,840 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 85.8% | -0.5% | 323 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 85.7% | +1.4% | 6,258 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 83.2% | -1.1% | 1,154 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 84.6% | +2.9% | 4,332 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 80.3% | -1.4% | 2,515 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 77.9% | -0.8% | 3,682 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 72.6% | -6.0% | 5,987 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 73.8% | -1.7% | 4,885 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 70.5% | -5.0% | 8,955 |
| ... | ||||
| 2013 | Diesel | 58.3% | -10.0% | 6,431 |
| 2012 | Diesel | 55.7% | -9.9% | 5,371 |
| 2011 | Petrol | 58.0% | -5.0% | 4,407 |
I30 verdict: Avoid the 2013 diesel (58.3%).
Avoid early I30 models
The 2013 diesel I30 has a 58.3% pass rate, failing MOTs more often than passing.
Hyundai IX35: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The IX35 has 52,977 tests in our database with an overall 67.5% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Diesel | 85.8% | +7.2% | 176 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 75.5% | -3.1% | 151 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 77.1% | +1.6% | 2,647 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 76.1% | +0.6% | 9,164 |
| 2014 | Petrol | 74.1% | +2.4% | 1,624 |
| 2014 | Diesel | 72.6% | +0.8% | 11,860 |
| 2013 | Diesel | 62.6% | -5.6% | 9,207 |
| 2013 | Petrol | 62.5% | -5.8% | 1,427 |
| 2012 | Petrol | 61.4% | -4.3% | 1,372 |
| 2012 | Diesel | 61.0% | -4.6% | 7,106 |
| 2011 | Petrol | 61.2% | -1.8% | 479 |
| 2011 | Diesel | 58.2% | -4.8% | 4,821 |
| ... | ||||
| 2011 | Diesel | 58.2% | -4.8% | 4,821 |
| 2010 | Diesel | 59.5% | -1.0% | 2,611 |
| 2010 | Petrol | 55.7% | -4.8% | 332 |
IX35 verdict: Avoid the 2011 diesel (58.2%).
Avoid early IX35 models
The 2011 diesel IX35 has a 58.2% pass rate, failing MOTs more often than passing.
Hyundai Hybrids vs Petrol vs Diesel
Hyundai's fuel type comparison shows clear differences in reliability:
| Fuel Type | Average Pass Rate | vs National | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | 89.9% | +18.4% | 10,817 |
| Plug-in Hybrid | 87.4% | +15.9% | 3,456 |
| Hybrid Electric | 86.7% | +15.2% | 35,732 |
| Petrol | 73.6% | +2.1% | 578,294 |
| Diesel | 69.3% | -2.2% | 223,165 |
The hybrid advantage: Hyundai hybrids pass MOTs 13% more often than petrols and 17% 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% (-18.2% vs same-age) | 1,182 |
| I800 | 2019 | Diesel | 68.9% (-17.6% vs same-age) | 1,819 |
| I800 | 2016 | Diesel | 62.3% (-17.9% vs same-age) | 1,072 |
| I800 | 2017 | Diesel | 67.2% (-14.9% vs same-age) | 1,360 |
| IX20 | 2011 | Diesel | 50.7% (-15.8% vs same-age) | 714 |
| I20 | 2013 | Diesel | 57.3% (-13.9% vs same-age) | 829 |
| I20 | 2011 | Diesel | 52.2% (-14.3% vs same-age) | 818 |
| I30 | 2013 | Diesel | 58.3% | 6,431 |
| I30 | 2012 | Diesel | 55.7% (-13.7% vs same-age) | 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 IX20 2011 performs 12% worse than the average car of the same age at 11-12 years - this is proven poor durability. These vehicles fail MOTs more often than they pass.
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 | 85,923 |
| 2. Brakes | 71,426 |
| 3. Tyres | 50,110 |
| 4. Visibility | 47,282 |
| 5. Suspension | 46,983 |
| 6. Steering | 17,857 |
| 7. Body, chassis, structure | 14,431 |
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
Note: Long-term durability not yet proven for these newer models
Best If Buying Used (Proven)
11+ years of proven durability data
- I10 2009-2012: +4% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
Hyundai Models to Avoid (Proven Poor)
Proven below average at 11+ years - not just old, genuinely problematic
- IX20 2011: -12% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average durability at 11-12 years)
- I20 2011: -11% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average durability at 11-12 years)
- TUCSON 2006: -10% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average durability at 13+ years)
- SANTA FE 2006-2011: -9% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average durability at 11-12 years)
About This Data
This analysis uses real MOT test results from the DVSA database, covering 858,542 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: 500 tests for proven durability rankings, 1,000 tests for early performer rankings. Pass rates are calculated as first-time passes, excluding retests.
The overall national average MOT pass rate is 71.51% based on 32.3 million tests across all manufacturers. Year-specific averages range from ~59% (2009 vehicles) to ~88% (2020 vehicles).
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