2013 Hyundai IX35 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Hyundai IX35 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Hyundai IX35 diesel than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Track rod ends4× usual
  Hyundai IX35

  17.2% All 2013 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.9%, against 2.2% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Brake pads1.7× usual
  Hyundai IX35

  17% All 2013 cars

  9.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 2.3% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Braking performance2.6× usual
  Hyundai IX35

  11.1% All 2013 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 1.6% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Number plate lights1.7× usual
  Hyundai IX35

  9.4% All 2013 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1.7% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

Common 2013 Hyundai IX35 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Hyundai IX35 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  39% 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.

• Suspension
  37% 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.

• Tyres
  35% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  23% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  8% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  5% 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 2013 Hyundai IX35 diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the 2013 Hyundai IX35 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2013 Hyundai IX35 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2013 Hyundai IX35 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?