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Hyundai Tucson Mk1 (JM) (2004-2009) reliability

At a glance

Hyundai Tucson Mk1 (JM) built around 2006: more dangerous faults than average

Testers find a dangerous fault on Hyundai Tucson Mk1 (JM) models built around 2006 more often than on similar cars the same age. Look closely at the suspension on any car you view. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Hyundai Tucson Mk1 (JM) right now?

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

Key figure

11% of MOT tests on Hyundai Tucson Mk1 (JM) models built around 2006 found a fault the tester marked as dangerous, against 7% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Hyundai Tucson Mk1 (JM) models built around 2006 involves the suspension.

Hyundai Tucson Mk1 (JM)
No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2004-2009SUVDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 4,662 tests of Tucson models registered 2004-2009.

About 1 in 9 Tucson Mk1 (JM) MOTs (11.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2006 (19 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,250 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 9 Tucson Mk1 (JM) MOTs (11.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2006 (19 years old).

Based on 1,250 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 (JM) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
27830.6%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
63531.6%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
79632.7%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,08234.3%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,25034.7%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
62132.7%

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 19 years old.

How the Tucson Mk1 (JM) compares

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

Based on 9,542 tests across 8 Hyundai models, built around 2006 (19 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateHyundai average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
27830.6%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
63531.6%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
79632.7%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,08234.3%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,25034.7%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
62132.7%

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.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

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

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

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 SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Tucson Mk1 (JM).

  1. 1

    Porsche Cayenne

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    7.7%
    Dangerous
    4.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    84.8%

    Lower fail rate: 21.7%, against 34.7% for the Hyundai Tucson Mk1 (JM), both built around 2006.

    1,231 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  2. 2

    Land Rover Defender

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    26%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    10.7%
    Dangerous
    5.1%

    Lower fail rate: 26.0%, against 34.7% for the Hyundai Tucson Mk1 (JM), both built around 2006.

    6 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    5,369 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  3. 3

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    26.4%

    Lower fail rate: 26.4%, against 34.7% for the Hyundai Tucson Mk1 (JM), both built around 2006.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,442 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  4. 4

    BMW X3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9%
    Dangerous
    6.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.6%

    Lower fail rate: 28.1%, against 34.7% for the Hyundai Tucson Mk1 (JM), both built around 2006.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    2,867 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

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

88%of all Hyundai Tucson cars first registered in 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% · About 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

17 recalls in all

2 of the 17 Tucson Mk1 (JM) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 recalls

Top concerns

  • Brake lights may malfunction
  • Parking brake may not engage

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

What has gone wrong on Tucson Mk1 (JM) cars built around 2006

The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 244 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
72%
Emissions
23%
Bodywork
14%
Steering
10%
Drivetrain
6%

Wear items

Lighting
61%
Brakes
61%
Tyres
40%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 22% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

How Tucson Mk1 (JM) cars have aged

How Tucson Mk1 (JM) 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%1214161820Age at MOTBuilt around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (748 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (665 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (559 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (512 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (401 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (846 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.3% (776 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.3% (620 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.3% (498 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (376 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 32.0% (1,424 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 34.2% (1,242 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.5% (971 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.5% (760 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.2% (556 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 34.2% (2,011 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 35.7% (1,638 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 35.7% (1,264 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 35.6% (930 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (634 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 35.3% (1,436 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (1,065 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.8% (862 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 34.0% (638 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (439 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 34.5% (258 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.5% (164 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (96 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (53 tests, 2024 data)2004
First registered around 2009First registered around 2008First registered around 2007First registered around 2006
How each part holds up as Mk1 (JM) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk1 (JM) cars age

The share of diesel cars built 2005-2008 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension69%69%72%74%
Brakes54%67%61%68%
Emissions22%18%23%19%
Tyres42%35%40%36%
Lighting51%54%61%65%
DrivetrainNo figure4%6%6%
Bodywork14%16%14%13%
Steering8%9%10%8%
Corrosion33%37%22%29%

Based on diesel cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 83 to 265 cars at each age.

Mk1 (JM) variants compared

Tucson Mk1 (JM) variants built around 2006

The fail rate for each Tucson Mk1 (JM) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • TUCSON33.9%840 tests

Petrol

  • TUCSON36.3%410 tests
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Hyundai Tucsons of this age

This list covers every Hyundai Tucson built around 2006, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (JM) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    29.6%
    Advisory: 482Fail: 143 (23% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    25.8%
    Advisory: 424Fail: 46 (10% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    22.8%
    Advisory: 306Fail: 4 (1% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    19.6%
    Advisory: 352Fail: 49 (12% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    16.5%
    Advisory: 278Fail: 9 (3% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,250 tests

Looking at a Hyundai Tucson Mk1 (JM) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2006 (19 years old), the Hyundai Tucson Mk1 (JM) (2004-2009) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,250 19-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 4,662 MOT tests on Hyundai Tucsons first registered between 2004-2009. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.