Used car guide · 2010–2016

Hyundai IX35 common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong on a used Hyundai IX35, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 153,756 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.

153,756MOTs done in 2023–2025, all years of this model
53,246on the UK register
2known faults across all years
2016best year at its MOT

Pick the year

Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).

2016201520142013201220112010

What usually goes wrong with a Hyundai IX35?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

  • Diesel fuel leak recall (built Sept to Nov 2011)

    Cars registered 2011–2012 · Diesel, built Sept to Nov 2011

    Some diesels built 1 September to 2 November 2011 could leak fuel, shown by a diesel smell or loss of power.

    At the viewing: Sniff for diesel and ask a Hyundai dealer whether the recall was done.

    Source: What Car?: used Hyundai ix35 (2009-2015) reliability

  • Seatbelt pre-tensioner recall (built Nov 2011 to June 2012)

    Cars registered 2011–2012 · Built Nov 2011 to June 2012

    The driver's seatbelt pre-tensioner might not work in a crash on cars built 17 November 2011 to 8 June 2012.

    At the viewing: Ask a Hyundai dealer whether the recall was done.

    Source: What Car?: used Hyundai ix35 (2009-2015) reliability

Common Hyundai IX35 MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

  • Braking performance

    up to 2.8× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

    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.

  • Brake pads

    up to 1.8× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

    Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

  • Ball joint

    up to 2× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2010, 2011 and 2016.

    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.

  • Track rod ends

    up to 4× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2013 and 2014.

    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.

  • Side repeaters

    up to 3.6× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2010 and 2012.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

  • Anti-roll bar link joints

    up to 2.5× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2010 and 2011.

    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.

Hyundai IX35 MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2016 Hyundai IX35 did best (77% passed first time, 0 points above all 2016 cars) and the 2013 did worst (61%, 6 points below all 2013 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

YearPass first timeAll cars that yearMOT tests
201677%77% +0959
201573%74% -134,634
201470%70% +039,468
201361%67% -630,885
201260%64% -424,447
201157%62% -515,065
201057%60% -38,298

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Hyundai IX35

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

  1. Has the fuel leak recall been done?
  2. Has the seatbelt recall been done?
  3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the Hyundai IX35 as on other cars the same age.)
  4. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the Hyundai IX35 as on other cars the same age.)
  5. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the Hyundai IX35 as on other cars the same age.)
  6. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Hyundai IX35?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score