2008 Hyundai Matrix — MOT failures & pass rate
The 2008 Hyundai Matrix passed 71.6% of its 3,361 recorded MOT tests. MPVs of a similar age fail at 28.2%, so the 2008 Matrix sits squarely on the average. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, suspension and body, structure & corrosion.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — lighting & signalling (11.8%) and suspension (11.3%) 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 300 times.
Mileage is the strongest signal on the record: 15.8% of 0-30k cars fail, rising to 36.1% once past 150k — 2.3× the risk.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: brakes was flagged on 33.6% of tests without failing them.
The trend is worsening — 27.2% of tests failed in 2021 against 31.3% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 11.8% | 397 |
| 2 | Suspension | 11.3% | 381 |
| 3 | Body, structure & corrosion | 9.3% | 313 |
| 4 | Brakes | 9.2% | 309 |
| 5 | Tyres | 6.5% | 217 |
| 6 | Visibility | 6.3% | 210 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joints | 300 |
| 2 | Rigid brake pipes | 226 |
| 3 | Headlamp aim | 222 |
| 4 | Ball joint | 186 |
| 5 | Headlamp | 170 |
| 6 | SRS malfunction indicator lamp | 134 |
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 | 33.6% | 1,129 |
| 2 | Tyres | 29.9% | 1,004 |
| 3 | Suspension | 25.3% | 851 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 18.0% | 605 |
| 5 | Lighting & signalling | 17.5% | 589 |
| 6 | Other defects | 12.1% | 406 |
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 | 146 | 15.8% |
| 30-60k | 918 | 20.6% |
| 60-90k | 1,275 | 30.3% |
| 90-120k | 778 | 33.7% |
| 120-150k | 183 | 39.9% |
| 150k+ | 61 | 36.1% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 2,942 | 27.5% |
| Diesel | 419 | 35.3% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 842 | 27.2% |
| 2022 | 745 | 27.5% |
| 2023 | 666 | 26.3% |
| 2024 | 609 | 31.4% |
| 2025 | 499 | 31.3% |
What to check before buying a 2008 Matrix
On a 2008 Matrix, lighting & signalling is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 11.8% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Lighting & signalling (11.8% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (11.3% 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 (9.3% 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 2008 Hyundai Matrixs pass their MOT?
71.6% of the 3,361 2008 Hyundai Matrix MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 28.4% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2008 Hyundai Matrix?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 11.8% of tests, followed by suspension (11.3%).
Does the 2008 Matrix get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 15.8% in the 0-30k band to 36.1% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 3,361 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.