2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Hyundai Matrix MOT pass rate and common faults

168 MOT tests in 2024. 52.4% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

91Well below average
Passed first time52.4%
Failed or needed repairs47.6%
Typical mileage at test78,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 168 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt7.1%
  2. Position lamp: not working4.8%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.2%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded4.2%
  5. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened4.2%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.2%
  7. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play3.6%
  8. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.0%
  9. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.0%
  10. Stop lamp: not working3.0%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics23.8%
  2. Brakes23.2%
  3. Suspension21.4%
  4. Body & chassis14.9%
  5. Tyres10.7%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)10.1%
  7. Emissions & leaks9.5%
  8. Steering6.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded25.0%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine22.0%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm19.0%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.5%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak11.9%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Matrix years2004 Matrix →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Hyundai Matrix?

In 2024, 52.4% of 2003 Hyundai Matrix cars passed their MOT first time, across 168 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Hyundai Matrix?

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; position lamp: not working; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Hyundai Matrix reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 91, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).