2004 Hyundai Terracan: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Hyundai Terracan?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Hyundai Terracan than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Wheel bearings3.4× usual
  Hyundai Terracan

  12.8% All 2004 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 1.4% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Chassis rust or damage3.4× usual
  Hyundai Terracan

  12.2% All 2004 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints5.2× usual
  Hyundai Terracan

  8.8% All 2004 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.4% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Track rod ends2× usual
  Hyundai Terracan

  13.3% All 2004 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.9%, against 3% of all 2004 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.

• Suspension arm2.9× usual
  Hyundai Terracan

  9.8% All 2004 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 0.4% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Common 2004 Hyundai Terracan MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Hyundai Terracan MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  50% 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
  49% 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
  44% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Rust and bodywork
  22% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  20% 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.

• Tyres
  19% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Hyundai Terracan

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

1. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2004 Hyundai Terracan as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2004 Hyundai Terracan as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.2× as often on the 2004 Hyundai Terracan as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?