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Hyundai i40 Mk1 (VF) (2012-2019) reliability

At a glance

Hyundai i40 Mk1 (VF) built around 2018: about average at the MOT

Hyundai i40 Mk1 (VF) models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Hyundai i40 Mk1 (VF) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

17% of MOT tests on Hyundai i40 Mk1 (VF) models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 16% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Hyundai i40 Mk1 (VF) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Hyundai i40 Mk1 (VF)
average reliability2012-2019SaloonDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 25,004 tests of i40 models registered 2012-2019.

About 1 in 30 i40 Mk1 (VF) MOTs (3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 2,244 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 15 i40 Mk1 (VF) MOTs (5.9%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 2,244 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 (VF) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
21615.3%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
66513.4%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
2,24416.8%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
3,34317.3%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
4,25519.5%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
4,38223.2%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
4,07426.1%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
3,97128.0%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
1,85429.7%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 13 years old.

How the i40 Mk1 (VF) compares

At each age below, see how the i40 Mk1 (VF) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 98,626 tests across 10 Hyundai models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateHyundai average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
21615.3%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
66513.4%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
2,24416.8%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
3,34317.3%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
4,25519.5%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
4,38223.2%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
4,07426.1%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
3,97128.0%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
1,85429.7%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the i40 Mk1 (VF).

  1. 1

    Volkswagen Passat

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.2%
    Dangerous
    5.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    83.2%

    Fewer dangerous faults: 5.3%, against 5.9% for the Hyundai i40 Mk1 (VF).

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    14,646 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Kia Optima

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.2%
    Dangerous
    7.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    82.9%

    More still registered at 10 years: 83%, against 75% for the Hyundai i40 Mk1 (VF).

    3,355 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Toyota Avensis

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.9%
    Dangerous
    4.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    72.2%

    Fewer dangerous faults: 4.3%, against 5.9% for the Hyundai i40 Mk1 (VF).

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    2,026 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Mercedes-Benz CLA

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3%
    Dangerous
    7.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.2%

    More still registered at 10 years: 88%, against 75% for the Hyundai i40 Mk1 (VF).

    8 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    10,369 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

75%of all Hyundai i40 cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

3 recalls in all

All 3 i40 Mk1 (VF) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 3 recalls

Top concerns

  • A potential safety defect has been identified which could occur within the ABS control unit. The ABS control unit within
  • It may be possible to start the vehicle without depresssing the clutch pedal.
  • Certain vehicles may experience a loss of braking assistance and brake performance may be reduced.

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on i40 Mk1 (VF) cars built around 2018

The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 86 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
8%
Emissions
7%
Drivetrain
1%

Wear items

Tyres
22%
Brakes
16%
Lighting
7%
How i40 Mk1 (VF) cars have aged

How i40 Mk1 (VF) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%35791113Age at MOTBuilt around 2019, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 13.4% (372 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2019, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 15.8% (361 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2019, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 15.2% (316 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2019, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 12.8% (282 tests, 2025 data)2019Built around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 14.0% (1,074 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 14.7% (1,038 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 15.0% (945 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.3% (988 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.2% (949 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 14.5% (2,120 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 13.7% (1,935 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.2% (1,880 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.5% (1,751 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.2% (1,707 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 15.7% (2,935 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.5% (2,838 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.7% (2,694 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.0% (2,651 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.7% (2,474 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 19.1% (3,123 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 19.1% (2,954 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 20.1% (2,810 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 22.0% (2,702 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 22.1% (2,505 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 21.9% (3,238 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 22.9% (3,157 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 24.2% (3,036 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 24.3% (2,863 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.4% (2,645 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 24.8% (2,638 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.1% (2,512 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.5% (2,373 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (2,128 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.6% (1,948 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 27.4% (2,718 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.6% (2,514 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (2,295 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (2,059 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (1,854 tests, 2025 data)2012
First registered around 2019First registered around 2018First registered around 2017First registered around 2016
Mk1 (VF) variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Hyundai i40 models of this age

This list covers every Hyundai i40 built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (VF) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    20.7%
    Advisory: 680Fail: 46 (6% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    14.5%
    Advisory: 337Fail: 70 (17% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    9.4%
    Advisory: 226Fail: 48 (18% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    8.6%
    Advisory: 277Fail: 1 (0% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    4.5%
    Advisory: 100Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 2,244 tests

Looking at a Hyundai i40 Mk1 (VF) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Hyundai i40 Mk1 (VF) (2012-2019) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 2,244 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 25,004 MOT tests on Hyundai i40 models first registered between 2012-2019. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.