2005 Hyundai Tucson: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2005 Hyundai Tucsons, from 776 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 2005 Hyundai Tucsons than on all cars registered in 2005.
- Sub-frame2.5× usualHyundai Tucson16.9% All 2005 cars6.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 0.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.
- Headlights1.7× usualHyundai Tucson24.2% All 2005 cars14.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 4.9% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £40–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints1.8× usualHyundai Tucson18.8% All 2005 cars10.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 2.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
- Number plate lights1.8× usualHyundai Tucson14.8% All 2005 cars8.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 2.2% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £5–£40 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings1.9× usualHyundai Tucson11.3% All 2005 cars6%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 2.7% of all 2005 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.
By area
The share of 2005 Hyundai Tucson MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension60% 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 electrics46% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes40% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks26% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions13% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1,259 | Tyres 14% |
| 2022 | 21,925 | Tyres 20% |
| 2021 | 16,877 | Tyres 22% |
| 2020 | 13,095 | Tyres 29% |
| 2019 | 26,836 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | 25,002 | Tyres 29% |
| 2017 | 23,946 | Tyres 29% |
| 2016 | 20,202 | Tyres 30% |
| 2015 | 4,737 | Brakes 31% |
| 2009 | 510 | Suspension 53% |
| 2007 | 712 | Suspension 55% |
| 2006 | 843 | Suspension 55% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2005 Hyundai Tucsons registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score