2013 Hyundai I40: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Hyundai I40?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Hyundai I40 than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Track rod ends3.2× usual
  Hyundai I40

  13.6% All 2013 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.5%, against 2.2% of all 2013 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.

• Rigid brake pipes2.7× usual
  Hyundai I40

  11.1% All 2013 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.6% of all 2013 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.

• Braking performance2.3× usual
  Hyundai I40

  10.1% All 2013 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.6% of all 2013 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.

• Number plate lights1.8× usual
  Hyundai I40

  10.2% All 2013 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.7% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Steering rack8.5× usual
  Hyundai I40

  3.4% All 2013 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.2% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2013 Hyundai I40 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Hyundai I40 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  38% 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.

• Tyres
  34% 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.

• Suspension
  33% 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
  23% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  9% 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
  9% 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.

Known faults on the 2013 Hyundai I40

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.

• Footwell water leak

  All engines

  Some cars leak into the passenger front footwell because of a broken seal.

  At the viewing: Feel the passenger-side carpet for damp.

  Source: Auto Express: used Hyundai i40 review

• Mirror motors, sat nav and steering wheel wear

  All engines

  Door mirror motors fail (the whole mirror has to be replaced), the sat nav can fail after an update, and the steering wheel covering can peel.

  At the viewing: Fold and adjust both mirrors, test the sat nav and look at the steering wheel.

  Source: Auto Express: used Hyundai i40 review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 Hyundai I40

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 3.2× as often on the 2013 Hyundai I40 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2013 Hyundai I40 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2013 Hyundai I40 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?