2021 Hyundai Tucson: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Hyundai Tucson first registered in 2021: we looked at the 16,877 MOTs these cars had during 2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2021 Hyundai Tucson MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2021 Hyundai Tucson MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres22% 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.
- Brakes9% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors5% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts3% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Suspension2% 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 electrics2% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
Known faults on the 2021 Hyundai Tucson
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.
- Hybrid
Hybrid power loss and software faults
A few hybrid owners report intermittent loss of power needing dealer work, and hybrids have more software and electronics issues.
At the viewing: Drive it properly and watch for warnings.
Source: What Car?: used Hyundai Tucson (2021 on) reliability
- All engines
Warning lights and minor electrical faults
18% of cars in What Car?'s survey had a fault, mostly minor bodywork or electrical, and nearly all were fixed free under warranty.
At the viewing: Check no warnings stay on and test the electrics, including the boot button.
Source: What Car?: used Hyundai Tucson (2021 on) reliability
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Hyundai Tucson
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
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
Every year of the Hyundai Tucson compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 1,259 | Tyres 14% |
| 2022 | 21,925 | Tyres 20% |
| 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% |
| 2010 | 214 | Suspension 49% |
| 2009 | 510 | Suspension 53% |
| 2008 | 442 | Suspension 51% |
| 2007 | 712 | Suspension 55% |
| 2006 | 843 | Suspension 55% |
| 2005 | 776 | Suspension 60% |
| 2004 | 175 | Suspension 52% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2025, counting the MOTs of Hyundai Tucson cars first registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score