2003 Hyundai Matrix — MOT failures & pass rate
1,630 MOT tests on the 2003 Hyundai Matrix are in this dataset, and 69.3% of them passed. That is effectively the same as MPVs of a similar age (30.0% fail rate), so the MOT record here is unremarkable in either direction. Failures cluster in suspension, lighting & signalling and brakes.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — suspension (13.1%) and lighting & signalling (12.2%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are joints, rigid brake pipes and headlamp aim — joints alone was recorded 147 times.
Mileage is the strongest signal on the record: 22.6% of 0-30k cars fail, rising to 38.7% once past 150k.
Brakes is the most common advisory, noted on 38.7% of tests — work that passed today but is likely due soon.
The trend is improving — the fail rate fell from 31.3% in 2021 to 26.1% in 2025, as the worst-kept examples leave the fleet.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 13.1% | 214 |
| 2 | Lighting & signalling | 12.2% | 199 |
| 3 | Brakes | 12.0% | 195 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 11.6% | 189 |
| 5 | Visibility | 7.1% | 116 |
| 6 | Tyres | 6.3% | 103 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joints | 147 |
| 2 | Rigid brake pipes | 146 |
| 3 | Headlamp aim | 114 |
| 4 | Component mounting prescribed areas | 95 |
| 5 | Wipers | 90 |
| 6 | Position lamp | 85 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 38.7% | 631 |
| 2 | Suspension | 32.8% | 534 |
| 3 | Tyres | 31.6% | 515 |
| 4 | Emissions & environmental | 25.0% | 408 |
| 5 | Body, structure & corrosion | 21.8% | 355 |
| 6 | Lighting & signalling | 18.3% | 299 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 31 | 22.6% |
| 30-60k | 419 | 22.4% |
| 60-90k | 651 | 32.1% |
| 90-120k | 362 | 36.7% |
| 120-150k | 135 | 34.1% |
| 150k+ | 31 | 38.7% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 1,525 | 30.9% |
| Diesel | 101 | 29.7% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 537 | 31.3% |
| 2022 | 411 | 31.6% |
| 2023 | 295 | 31.2% |
| 2024 | 226 | 30.5% |
| 2025 | 161 | 26.1% |
What to check before buying a 2003 Matrix
The failure pattern for this year is specific enough to inspect against: suspension accounted for 13.1% of tests. Start there.
- Suspension (13.1% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
- Lighting & signalling (12.2% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Brakes (12.0% of tests): Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair: £100–£350 per axle.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2003 Hyundai Matrixs pass their MOT?
69.3% of the 1,630 2003 Hyundai Matrix MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 30.7% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2003 Hyundai Matrix?
Suspension, recorded in 13.1% of tests, followed by lighting & signalling (12.2%).
Does the 2003 Matrix get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 22.6% in the 0-30k band to 38.7% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 1,630 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.