Used car guide

2005 Hyundai Sonata: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Hyundai Sonata first registered in 2005: we looked at the 263 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 263 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

263MOTs of 2005 cars, done in 2023–2025
61%pass first time (all 2005 cars: 57%)
4,400typical miles a year
43%had brakes flagged

Common 2005 Hyundai Sonata MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Hyundai Sonata MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    43% 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
    42% 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 electrics
    36% 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
    34% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    14% 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.

  • Steering
    12% 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 2005 Hyundai Sonata

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

  1. 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

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2010–Too few tests
2009156Lights and electrics 37%
2008112Brakes 47%
2007285Brakes 44%
2006325Suspension 46%
2004107Suspension 47%
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 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score