2004 Hyundai Matrix — MOT failures & pass rate
3,332 MOT tests on the 2004 Hyundai Matrix are in this dataset, and 68.8% of them passed. MPVs of a similar age fail 30.1% of the time, so this is 1.1pp worse than the group it competes with. Failures cluster in suspension, brakes and lighting & signalling.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — suspension (13.2%) and brakes (12.5%) 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 position lamp — joints alone was recorded 323 times.
A 150k+ example is materially riskier than a 0-30k one: 45.8% versus 15.3%.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: brakes was flagged on 35.5% of tests without failing them.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 13.2% | 441 |
| 2 | Brakes | 12.5% | 416 |
| 3 | Lighting & signalling | 12.0% | 400 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 11.4% | 380 |
| 5 | Tyres | 7.4% | 248 |
| 6 | Visibility | 6.5% | 218 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joints | 323 |
| 2 | Rigid brake pipes | 288 |
| 3 | Position lamp | 222 |
| 4 | Headlamp aim | 153 |
| 5 | Wipers | 152 |
| 6 | Component mounting prescribed areas | 150 |
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 | 35.5% | 1,184 |
| 2 | Suspension | 32.6% | 1,086 |
| 3 | Tyres | 29.0% | 966 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 20.3% | 678 |
| 5 | Lighting & signalling | 15.7% | 524 |
| 6 | Other defects | 13.2% | 441 |
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 | 72 | 15.3% |
| 30-60k | 753 | 21.5% |
| 60-90k | 1,244 | 31.7% |
| 90-120k | 960 | 36.8% |
| 120-150k | 253 | 37.5% |
| 150k+ | 48 | 45.8% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 3,182 | 31.3% |
| Diesel | 150 | 27.3% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,039 | 32.4% |
| 2022 | 787 | 30.8% |
| 2023 | 611 | 29.9% |
| 2024 | 510 | 30.4% |
| 2025 | 385 | 31.4% |
What to check before buying a 2004 Matrix
On a 2004 Matrix, suspension is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 13.2% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Suspension (13.2% 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.
- Brakes (12.5% 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.
- Lighting & signalling (12.0% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
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 2004 Hyundai Matrixs pass their MOT?
68.8% of the 3,332 2004 Hyundai Matrix MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 31.1% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2004 Hyundai Matrix?
Suspension, recorded in 13.2% of tests, followed by brakes (12.5%).
Does the 2004 Matrix get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 15.3% in the 0-30k band to 45.8% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 3,332 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.