2006 Hyundai Terracan: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Hyundai Terracan first registered in 2006: we looked at the 869 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Hyundai Terracan?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Hyundai Terracan than on all cars registered in 2006.
- Rigid brake pipes2.1× usualHyundai Terracan28.9% All 2006 cars14%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 2.5% of all 2006 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.
- Track rod ends2.5× usualHyundai Terracan13.5% All 2006 cars5.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 7.5%, against 2.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Wheel bearings3.1× usualHyundai Terracan9.8% All 2006 cars3.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 1.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.
- Chassis rust or damage3.1× usualHyundai Terracan8.6% All 2006 cars2.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.8% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimateAt 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 joints4.7× usualHyundai Terracan5.6% All 2006 cars1.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) CheckatradeAt 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.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 3.3% here, against 10.6% of all 2006 cars. Coil springs: 5.1% here, against 10.6% of all 2006 cars.
Common 2006 Hyundai Terracan MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2006 Hyundai Terracan MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes48% 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.
- Suspension46% 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 electrics35% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres22% 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 leaks18% 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.
- Rust and bodywork17% 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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 Hyundai Terracan
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 2.1× as often on the 2006 Hyundai Terracan as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2006 Hyundai Terracan as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2006 Hyundai Terracan as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Hyundai Terracan?
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 Terracan compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 727 | Brakes 49% |
| 2005 | 1,098 | Brakes 48% |
| 2004 | 798 | Suspension 50% |
| 2003 | 276 | Suspension 46% |
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 Terracan cars first registered in 2006. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score