2002 Hyundai Matrix: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Hyundai Matrix?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Hyundai Matrix than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.6× usual
  Hyundai Matrix

  24.6% All 2002 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 13.9%, against 3.1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Number plates3× usual
  Hyundai Matrix

  22.5% All 2002 cars

  7.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.8% of all 2002 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.

• Sub-frame3.3× usual
  Hyundai Matrix

  14.3% All 2002 cars

  4.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 0.2% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Track rod ends2.2× usual
  Hyundai Matrix

  12.3% All 2002 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 2.4% of all 2002 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.

Common 2002 Hyundai Matrix MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Hyundai Matrix MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  54% 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.

• Brakes
  44% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  35% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  33% 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 joints
  25% 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 leaks
  22% 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 2002 Hyundai Matrix

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

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2002 Hyundai Matrix as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plates? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2002 Hyundai Matrix as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2002 Hyundai Matrix as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?