2008 Hyundai Matrix diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Hyundai Matrix first registered in 2008 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 137 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 137 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 2008 Hyundai Matrix diesel?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Hyundai Matrix diesel than on all cars registered in 2008.
- Rigid brake pipes3.7× usualHyundai Matrix34.3% All 2008 cars9.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 1.7% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.
Common 2008 Hyundai Matrix diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2008 Hyundai Matrix diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension55% 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.
- Brakes41% 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.
- Tyres40% 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 electrics38% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Driveshafts and joints19% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
- Steering15% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Hyundai Matrix diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2008 Hyundai Matrix diesel as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Hyundai Matrix?
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 Matrix compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 492 | Tyres 40% |
| 2009 | 899 | Brakes 39% |
| 2007 | 1,807 | Suspension 44% |
| 2006 | 2,126 | Suspension 44% |
| 2005 | 1,829 | Suspension 47% |
| 2004 | 1,132 | Suspension 47% |
| 2003 | 508 | Suspension 49% |
| 2002 | 244 | Suspension 54% |
| 2001 | – | 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 Matrix cars first registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score