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Hyundai Tucson Mk3 (TL) (2015-2020) reliability

At a glance

Hyundai Tucson Mk3 (TL) built around 2018: about average at the MOT

Hyundai Tucson Mk3 (TL) models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Hyundai Tucson Mk3 (TL) right now?

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

Key figure

16% of MOT tests on Hyundai Tucson Mk3 (TL) 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 Tucson Mk3 (TL) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Hyundai Tucson Mk3 (TL)
average reliability2015-2020SUVDIESEL / PETROL / UNKNOWN

Based on 135,738 tests of Tucson models registered 2015-2020.

About 1 in 30 Tucson Mk3 (TL) MOTs (2.9%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 29,527 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 Tucson Mk3 (TL) MOTs (6.3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 29,527 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk3 (TL) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
6,44613.0%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
20,13413.5%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
31,04814.4%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
29,52716.0%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
27,63617.9%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
18,88319.6%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
2,06420.8%

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 10 years old.

How the Tucson Mk3 (TL) compares

At each age below, see how the Tucson Mk3 (TL) 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
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
6,44613.0%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
20,13413.5%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
31,04814.4%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
29,52716.0%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
27,63617.9%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
18,88319.6%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
2,06420.8%

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 SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Tucson Mk3 (TL).

  1. 1

    Volkswagen T-Roc

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.9%
    Dangerous
    3.9%

    Lower fail rate: 9.6%, against 16.0% for the Hyundai Tucson Mk3 (TL), both built around 2018.

    9,233 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    7.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.3%
    Dangerous
    2.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.4%

    Lower fail rate: 7.6%, against 16.0% for the Hyundai Tucson Mk3 (TL), both built around 2018.

    1,815 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Lexus NX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    2.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.4%

    Lower fail rate: 9.5%, against 16.0% for the Hyundai Tucson Mk3 (TL), both built around 2018.

    4,706 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Skoda Karoq

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    4.3%

    Lower fail rate: 10.3%, against 16.0% for the Hyundai Tucson Mk3 (TL), both built around 2018.

    8,610 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

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

6 of the 17 Tucson Mk3 (TL) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 6 recalls

Top concerns

  • The side curtain airbag could potentially be assembled in a twisted condition
  • The abs/esc control unit may short circuit
  • IN THE EVENT OF eCall TRIGGER THE VIN NUMBER INFORMATION MAY NOT BE SENT

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

What has gone wrong on Tucson Mk3 (TL) cars built around 2018

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 1,479 cars.

Structural systems

Emissions
4%
Suspension
3%
Drivetrain
1%

Wear items

Brakes
18%
Tyres
18%
Lighting
4%
How Tucson Mk3 (TL) cars have aged

How Tucson Mk3 (TL) 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%345678910Age at MOTBuilt around 2020, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 12.3% (9,412 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2020, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 14.1% (8,985 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2020, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.1% (8,628 tests, 2025 data)2020Built around 2019, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 12.0% (21,609 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2019, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 13.4% (20,603 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2019, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 13.3% (20,020 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2019, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.2% (19,524 tests, 2025 data)2019Built around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 10.7% (20,085 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 13.1% (19,193 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 12.9% (18,196 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.6% (18,094 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.6% (17,875 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 11.3% (18,833 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 13.2% (18,226 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.6% (17,873 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.5% (17,652 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.6% (17,386 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 12.6% (15,622 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 13.4% (15,199 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.7% (15,138 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.5% (14,956 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.1% (14,871 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (2,743 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.8% (2,524 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.6% (2,340 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.4% (2,202 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.8% (2,064 tests, 2025 data)2015
First registered around 2020First registered around 2019First registered around 2018First registered around 2017
How each part holds up as Mk3 (TL) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk3 (TL) cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2017-2020 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 car5 years6 years7 years8 years
Suspension6%4%3%4%
Brakes13%14%18%25%
EmissionsNo figure1%4%10%
Tyres12%15%18%16%
Lighting1%3%4%5%
DrivetrainNo figureNo figure1%No figure
Corrosion0%0%0%0%

Based on petrol cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 567 to 1,836 cars at each age.

Mk3 (TL) variants compared

Tucson Mk3 (TL) variants built around 2018

The fail rate for each Tucson Mk3 (TL) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • TUCSON16.4%17,777 tests

Diesel

  • TUCSON15.4%11,736 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Hyundai Tucsons of this age

This list covers every Hyundai Tucson built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 (TL) 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

    18.2%
    Advisory: 7,676Fail: 906 (11% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    17.5%
    Advisory: 5,499Fail: 1,157 (17% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    12.1%
    Advisory: 5,275Fail: 319 (6% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    6.8%
    Advisory: 2,686Fail: 30 (1% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    5.0%
    Advisory: 1,798Fail: 412 (19% of the times it was found)

Based on 29,527 tests

Looking at a Hyundai Tucson Mk3 (TL) 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 Tucson Mk3 (TL) (2015-2020) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 29,527 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 135,738 MOT tests on Hyundai Tucsons first registered between 2015-2020. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.