Hyundai i40 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 22,288 MOT tests on the Hyundai i40 carried out in 2023. 27% failed at the first attempt, which is roughly in line with the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 i40s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2011 to 2019. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2016 models did best (79% passed, +0.8 points against the average for 7-year-old cars), while 2018 models fared worst (81%, −2.9 points). Tested cars had covered 90,125 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was brakes, found on 8.6% of tests (slightly above the 6.8% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "less than 1.5 mm thick", on 4.3% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 22,288
- First-time pass rate
- 73%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +1.3 points
- Average mileage at test
- 90,125
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular i40?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
i40 MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 483 | 84% | 86% | −2.6 points | 50,067 |
| 2018 | 1,184 | 81% | 84% | −2.9 points | 68,149 |
| 2017 | 2,633 | 82% | 82% | +0.5 points | 72,046 |
| 2016 | 3,623 | 79% | 79% | +0.8 points | 83,057 |
| 2015 | 3,693 | 75% | 75% | −0.9 points | 88,557 |
| 2014 | 3,752 | 69% | 72% | −2.2 points | 95,132 |
| 2013 | 2,925 | 65% | 68% | −2.9 points | 103,904 |
| 2012 | 3,386 | 64% | 66% | −2.0 points | 105,844 |
| 2011 | 609 | 62% | 63% | −0.6 points | 109,910 |
Why the Hyundai i40 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | i40 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 8.6% | 6.8% |
| Lights and electrics | 7.8% | 11.3% |
| Tyres | 7.1% | 6.3% |
| Steering | 5.0% | 1.8% |
| Suspension | 4.9% | 8.9% |
| Visibility | 3.4% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.3% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 0.9% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.5% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.4% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1less than 1.5 mm thick4.3%
- 2ball joint has excessive play3.7%
- 3not working on dipped beam2.7%
- 4tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.6%
- 5excessively binding1.8%
- 6does not clear the windscreen effectively1.6%
- 7has ply or cords exposed1.4%
- 8has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.4%
- 9ball joint excessively worn1.3%
- 10fractured or broken1.3%
Common i40 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used i40, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 19.2% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 12.5% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 9.3% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 7.0% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 4.4% |
| excessively binding | Brakes | 4.1% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.5% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 3.0% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 2.9% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 2.8% |
Tips to help your i40 pass
Based on where i40s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Brakes · 8.6% of i40 tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Lights and electrics · 7.8% of i40 tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Steering · 5.0% of i40 tests
Feel for play in the steering
Clunks or play in the steering wheel, uneven tyre wear or a split steering rack gaiter are all reasons to book an inspection before the test.
Compare with other models
Is the i40 ULEZ compliant? See the Hyundai i40 ULEZ check, or view all Hyundai models.
Other Hyundai models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 22,288 first MOT tests of the Hyundai i40 carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 22,288 first MOT tests of the Hyundai i40.
What is the Hyundai i40 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 27% of 22,288 first MOT attempts on the Hyundai i40 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Hyundai i40 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were brakes (8.6% of tests), lights and electrics (7.8% of tests), tyres (7.1% of tests).
Which i40 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2016 cars performed best: 79% passed first time, +0.8 points against the average for 7-year-old cars. The weakest was 2018, at 81% (−2.9 points).
How many miles had a typical Hyundai i40 covered at its MOT?
The average was 90,125 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2019 cars averaged 50,067 miles and 2011 cars 109,910.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Hyundai i40?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 19.2% of tests, in the tyres area. 7.1% of i40s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific i40's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 22,288 i40s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 62% to 84% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
Check any i40's MOT history
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