2004 Hyundai Sonata: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Hyundai Sonata first registered in 2004: we looked at the 107 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 107 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2004 Hyundai Sonata MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2004 Hyundai Sonata MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension47% 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.
- Brakes44% 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 electrics39% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks28% 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.
- Tyres28% 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 joints19% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Hyundai Sonata
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Hyundai Sonata?
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 Sonata compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | – | Too few tests |
| 2009 | 156 | Lights and electrics 37% |
| 2008 | 112 | Brakes 47% |
| 2007 | 285 | Brakes 44% |
| 2006 | 325 | Suspension 46% |
| 2005 | 263 | Brakes 43% |
| 2003 | – | Too few tests |
| 2002 | – | Too few tests |
| 2001 | – | Too few tests |
| 2000 | – | Too few tests |
| 1999 | – | Too few tests |
| 1998 | – | 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 Sonata cars first registered in 2004. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score