Used car guide

2008 Hyundai Tucson: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 Hyundai Tucsons, from 442 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 442 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

442MOT tests in 2025
55%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)
6,300typical miles a year
2×the usual rate for rigid brake pipes

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2008 Hyundai Tucsons than on all cars registered in 2008.

  • Rigid brake pipes2× usual
    Hyundai Tucson
    18.8% All 2008 cars
    9.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 1.5% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

    At 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.

By area

The share of 2008 Hyundai Tucson MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    51% 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
    45% 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
    40% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Tyres
    30% 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.

  • Steering
    15% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    14% 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.

Looking at a Hyundai Tucson?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20231,259Tyres 14%
202221,925Tyres 20%
202116,877Tyres 22%
202013,095Tyres 29%
201926,836Tyres 29%
201825,002Tyres 29%
201723,946Tyres 29%
201620,202Tyres 30%
20154,737Brakes 31%
2010214Suspension 49%
2009510Suspension 53%
2007712Suspension 55%
2006843Suspension 55%
2005776Suspension 60%
2004175Suspension 52%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 Hyundai Tucsons registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score