2003 Hyundai Accent: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Hyundai Accent first registered in 2003: we looked at the 349 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 349 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Hyundai Accent?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Hyundai Accent than on all cars registered in 2003.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints3.4× usualHyundai Accent22.3% All 2003 cars6.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 10.3%, against 2.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
Common 2003 Hyundai Accent MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2003 Hyundai Accent MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes48% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Suspension38% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics34% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres27% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Driveshafts and joints23% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
- Oil and fluid leaks21% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Hyundai Accent
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2003 Hyundai Accent as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Hyundai Accent?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Hyundai Accent compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | – | Too few tests |
| 2008 | 325 | Brakes 47% |
| 2007 | 636 | Brakes 51% |
| 2006 | 639 | Suspension 46% |
| 2005 | 766 | Brakes 46% |
| 2004 | 507 | Suspension 52% |
| 2002 | 701 | Brakes 50% |
| 2001 | 368 | Brakes 53% |
| 2000 | 286 | Brakes 49% |
| 1999 | 177 | Brakes 51% |
| 1998 | 141 | Brakes 52% |
| 1997 | – | Too few tests |
| 1996 | – | Too few tests |
| 1995 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Hyundai Accent cars first registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score