2021 Hyundai Tucson diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 Hyundai Tucson diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2021 Hyundai Tucson diesel than on all cars registered in 2021.

• Track rod ends30× usual
  Hyundai Tucson

  6% All 2021 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.1% of all 2021 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.

• Wipers2.3× usual
  Hyundai Tucson

  7.8% All 2021 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 2.1% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints5.4× usual
  Hyundai Tucson

  4.3% All 2021 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.1% of all 2021 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 2021 Hyundai Tucson diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2021 Hyundai Tucson diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  22% 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.

• Brakes
  12% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Suspension
  10% 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.

• Seats and seatbelts
  3% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Lights and electrics
  3% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

Known faults on the 2021 Hyundai Tucson diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Warning lights and minor electrical faults

  All engines

  18% of cars in What Car?'s survey had a fault, mostly minor bodywork or electrical, and nearly all were fixed free under warranty.

  At the viewing: Check no warnings stay on and test the electrics, including the boot button.

  Source: What Car?: used Hyundai Tucson (2021 on) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Hyundai Tucson diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 30× as often on the 2021 Hyundai Tucson diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wipers? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2021 Hyundai Tucson diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.4× as often on the 2021 Hyundai Tucson diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?