2007 Hyundai Accent: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Hyundai Accent?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Hyundai Accent than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Braking performance2.4× usual
  Hyundai Accent

  16.4% All 2007 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.7%, against 2.7% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Ball joint1.9× usual
  Hyundai Accent

  11.9% All 2007 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 3.1% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2007 Hyundai Accent MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 Hyundai Accent MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  51% 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.

• Suspension
  46% 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 electrics
  42% 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
  37% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  16% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  10% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2007 Hyundai Accent

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

1. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2007 Hyundai Accent as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2007 Hyundai Accent as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?