2012 Hyundai I40: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Hyundai I40s, from 2,803 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2012 Hyundai I40s than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Track rod ends2.6× usualHyundai I4012.6% All 2012 cars4.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 2.4% of all 2012 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.
- Anti-roll bar link joints2.7× usualHyundai I408.7% All 2012 cars3.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Rigid brake pipes2× usualHyundai I4010.8% All 2012 cars5.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 0.8% of all 2012 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.
- Braking performance2× usualHyundai I409.6% All 2012 cars4.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
- Steering rack7.5× usualHyundai I404.5% All 2012 cars0.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.3% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
Exhaust system: 1% here, against 5.5% of all 2012 cars.
By area
The share of 2012 Hyundai I40 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension45% 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.
- Brakes36% 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.
- Tyres34% 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 electrics25% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks12% 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.
- Steering9% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1,130 | Tyres 30% |
| 2017 | 2,456 | Tyres 32% |
| 2016 | 3,355 | Tyres 30% |
| 2015 | 3,366 | Brakes 33% |
| 2014 | 3,371 | Brakes 36% |
| 2013 | 2,474 | Brakes 39% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2012 Hyundai I40s registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score