Used car guide

2006 Hyundai Sonata diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the diesel Hyundai Sonata first registered in 2006 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 106 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 106 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

106MOTs of 2006 diesel cars, done in 2023–2025
57%pass first time (all 2006 cars: 56%)
5,200typical miles a year
55%had suspension flagged

Common 2006 Hyundai Sonata diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Hyundai Sonata diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    55% 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
    48% 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.

  • Tyres
    39% 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
    38% 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
    19% 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
    17% 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 2006 Hyundai Sonata diesel

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%
2005263Brakes 43%
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 2006. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score