2010 Hyundai Matrix — MOT failures & pass rate
1,129 MOT tests on the 2010 Hyundai Matrix are in this dataset, and 74.3% of them passed. That is effectively the same as MPVs of a similar age (25.8% fail rate), so the MOT record here is unremarkable in either direction. Failures cluster in suspension, lighting & signalling and body, structure & corrosion.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — suspension (9.4%) and lighting & signalling (8.6%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are joints, tread depth and rigid brake pipes — joints alone was recorded 96 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 18.4% in the 0-30k band and 41.5% in the 120-150k band, a 23.1-point spread — more than double.
Tyres is the most common advisory, noted on 32.0% of tests — work that passed today but is likely due soon.
The trend is worsening — 21.8% of tests failed in 2021 against 30.9% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 9.4% | 106 |
| 2 | Lighting & signalling | 8.6% | 97 |
| 3 | Body, structure & corrosion | 8.2% | 92 |
| 4 | Brakes | 7.3% | 82 |
| 5 | Tyres | 6.4% | 72 |
| 6 | Visibility | 6.1% | 69 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joints | 96 |
| 2 | Tread depth | 50 |
| 3 | Rigid brake pipes | 45 |
| 4 | Wipers | 43 |
| 5 | Track rod end | 36 |
| 6 | Sub-frame | 36 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 32.0% | 361 |
| 2 | Brakes | 27.2% | 307 |
| 3 | Suspension | 20.3% | 229 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 16.1% | 182 |
| 5 | Other defects | 11.1% | 125 |
| 6 | Emissions & environmental | 8.3% | 94 |
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 | 87 | 18.4% |
| 30-60k | 328 | 21.6% |
| 60-90k | 438 | 26.9% |
| 90-120k | 200 | 27.0% |
| 120-150k | 65 | 41.5% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 929 | 25.1% |
| Diesel | 200 | 28.5% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 252 | 21.8% |
| 2022 | 237 | 23.2% |
| 2023 | 233 | 25.8% |
| 2024 | 219 | 28.3% |
| 2025 | 188 | 30.9% |
What to check before buying a 2010 Matrix
The failure pattern for this year is specific enough to inspect against: suspension accounted for 9.4% of tests. Start there.
- Suspension (9.4% 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 (8.6% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Body, structure & corrosion (8.2% 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 2010 Hyundai Matrixs pass their MOT?
74.3% of the 1,129 2010 Hyundai Matrix MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 25.7% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2010 Hyundai Matrix?
Suspension, recorded in 9.4% of tests, followed by lighting & signalling (8.6%).
Does the 2010 Matrix get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 18.4% in the 0-30k band to 41.5% in the 120-150k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 1,129 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.