2005 Hyundai Matrix — MOT failures & pass rate
Across 5,216 MOT tests, the 2005 Hyundai Matrix recorded a 69.7% pass rate. 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 lighting & signalling, suspension and body, structure & corrosion.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — lighting & signalling (12.9%) and suspension (12.6%) 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 542 times.
Mileage is the strongest signal on the record: 16.5% of 0-30k cars fail, rising to 33.3% once past 150k — 2.0× the risk.
Brakes is the most common advisory, noted on 35.1% of tests — work that passed today but is likely due soon.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 12.9% | 672 |
| 2 | Suspension | 12.6% | 656 |
| 3 | Body, structure & corrosion | 12.0% | 628 |
| 4 | Brakes | 11.3% | 588 |
| 5 | Visibility | 7.4% | 385 |
| 6 | Tyres | 6.7% | 350 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joints | 542 |
| 2 | Rigid brake pipes | 376 |
| 3 | Headlamp aim | 309 |
| 4 | Wipers | 258 |
| 5 | Headlamp | 256 |
| 6 | Position lamp | 254 |
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 | 35.1% | 1,829 |
| 2 | Suspension | 31.8% | 1,656 |
| 3 | Tyres | 31.0% | 1,617 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 20.8% | 1,083 |
| 5 | Lighting & signalling | 17.2% | 899 |
| 6 | Other defects | 15.7% | 818 |
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 | 133 | 16.5% |
| 30-60k | 1,126 | 24.6% |
| 60-90k | 2,123 | 30.4% |
| 90-120k | 1,363 | 34.6% |
| 120-150k | 385 | 36.1% |
| 150k+ | 81 | 33.3% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 5,060 | 30.4% |
| Diesel | 156 | 26.9% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,543 | 30.3% |
| 2022 | 1,249 | 30.1% |
| 2023 | 1,011 | 30.3% |
| 2024 | 801 | 30.7% |
| 2025 | 612 | 30.7% |
What to check before buying a 2005 Matrix
The failure pattern for this year is specific enough to inspect against: lighting & signalling accounted for 12.9% of tests. Start there.
- Lighting & signalling (12.9% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (12.6% 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.
- Body, structure & corrosion (12.0% of tests): The one to take seriously on older cars — corrosion to structural areas can be costly and is an MOT failure. Typical repair: £200–£1,500+.
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 2005 Hyundai Matrixs pass their MOT?
69.7% of the 5,216 2005 Hyundai Matrix MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 30.3% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2005 Hyundai Matrix?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 12.9% of tests, followed by suspension (12.6%).
Does the 2005 Matrix get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 16.5% in the 0-30k band to 33.3% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 5,216 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.