2018 Hyundai Ioniq 1.6L Hybrid electric · AV05 CAB

The 2018 Hyundai Ioniq presents a mixed but broadly stable MOT history, with the most recent test on 8 June 2026 resulting in a pass with no recorded defects, although the same date also shows a prior failure that was subsequently rectified. That failure was due to a rear brake imbalance of 39 percent across an axle, accompanied by an advisory for an offside rear service brake binding slightly but not excessively. The earlier test in August 2025 also flagged a front brake imbalance that was only just within requirements, indicating that brake balance has been a recurring concern. While the vehicle has consistently passed its tests and there is no evidence of structural corrosion or major component failure, the brake-related advisories and imbalance figures suggest the braking system has been operating at the lower end of acceptable performance and warrants close attention. Overall, the maintenance trend is stable rather than deteriorating, but the braking system is the principal area showing wear and would benefit from further evaluation. The recorded mileage of 53,349 miles over approximately eight years equates to around 6,669 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a privately used car of this age. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record or indications of extended standing periods, and the mileage progression between tests appears steady and consistent with regular usage. This pattern is favourable from a mechanical standpoint, as it suggests the vehicle has not been left idle for prolonged periods, which can otherwise lead to brake disc corrosion, caliper seizure, and battery degradation. However, the mileage is now sufficient that certain consumable items, including brake discs, pads, tyres, and suspension components, will be approaching the middle of their expected service life, particularly given the front-wheel-drive configuration and hybrid powertrain layout typical of this model. The recurring brake imbalance advisories are the most significant item to scrutinise. A 39 percent imbalance on the rear axle, even after being addressed, suggests either uneven pad wear, a partially seized caliper slider, or hydraulic imbalance within the system. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for any scraping or grinding from the rear brakes, feel for the vehicle pulling to one side under braking, and check whether the handbrake holds the vehicle firmly on an incline. It would also be prudent to inspect the rear brake discs for lipping, ridging, or hot spots, and verify that the calipers release cleanly without the wheels remaining hot after a short drive. Given the repeated front brake imbalance advisory in 2025, the front discs and pads should similarly be examined for uneven wear, as this can indicate a sticking caliper or a worn guide pin. The tyre history merits careful inspection, as multiple advisories across several years point to cracking on the nearside rear and offside rear tyres, with sidewall perishing first noted in 2021 on tyres bearing a 2017 dot code. This suggests a history of tyres being run until they begin to deteriorate from age rather than purely from tread wear, and at eight years old the current set should be checked closely for sidewall cracking, particularly in the shoulder and tread groove areas. Front tyres have also repeatedly shown outer shoulder wear, which is commonly indicative of incorrect wheel alignment, worn suspension bushes, or weak coil springs, so a check of the tracking and a physical inspection of the front suspension components for perished bushes or play in the wheel bearings would be worthwhile. Additionally, although the MOT record shows no advisories in this area, age-related items such as the 12-volt auxiliary battery, hybrid system cooling system, brake fluid, and coolant should be verified for recent replacement, and the service book should be examined to confirm that the manufacturer-recommended hybrid system health checks have been carried out at the correct intervals.