2022 Hyundai Tucson Ultimate T-GDI HEV Auto 1.6L Hybrid electric (clean) · AV71 XDP

At approximately four years old, this Tucson's MOT narrative is brief but instructive, with three recorded events since early 2025 rather than the six or seven you might expect from an annual testing schedule. The latest test on 15 January 2026 returned a clean pass with no advisories, and the 6 January 2025 retest also recorded a pass with no defects. However, sandwiched between those passes is a failure dated 3 January 2025 where the vehicle was prohibited from driving away due to two dangerous tyre defects at the rear, with the nearside and offside rear tyres both recorded as having ply or cords exposed through cuts, alongside an advisory for front tyres worn low. The absence of any structural, braking, suspension, or corrosion advisories in the recorded tests is a positive indicator, but the dangerous tyre failure is a serious item that warrants scrutiny, as exposed cords at both rear wheels simultaneously can indicate prolonged neglect of tyre condition or driving on seriously compromised rubber before presentation. The recorded mileage of 55,622 against an age of roughly four years produces an annual accumulation of approximately 13,900 miles, which is notably high for a vehicle in this class. Three recorded tests over what should be a four-year MOT history suggests there are gaps in the documented record, although as a relatively new vehicle it would only have required its first MOT test three years after registration, so the gap between 2023 and 2025 is normal. The high annual mileage carries mechanical implications: brake discs and pads, suspension bushes, coil springs, wheel bearings, and drivetrain components such as the hybrid transmission and battery cooling system will have accumulated wear commensurate with motorway and commuter use rather than gentle weekend driving. Tyres in particular would be expected to have been replaced at least once or twice given this usage, making the January 2025 failure particularly relevant to assess. Given the dangerous tyre failure, a prospective buyer should physically inspect the current set of tyres with care, confirming they are a matched set of reputable brand, checking the DOT date codes on the sidewalls for age, measuring tread depth across the full width of each tyre with a proper gauge rather than relying on the central tread blocks alone, and looking for uneven wear patterns that might indicate an underlying geometry, inflation, or suspension issue such as worn tie bar bushes or top mounts. The advisory for worn front tyres should also be verified as rectified, and any new tyres should be examined for inner shoulder wear which can betray misalignment following the replacement. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocking from the front suspension over uneven roads, as high-mileage Tucsons can suffer from anti-roll bar link and lower arm bush wear, and pay attention to brake pedal feel for any judder or pulling that could indicate warped front discs given the usage pattern. With the hybrid powertrain in mind and given the elevated mileage, the test drive should also include extended steady-state driving where possible to confirm smooth transitions between the petrol engine and electric motor, with particular attention to any warning lights on the dashboard, irregular vibrations from the transmission tunnel, or unusual noises from under the bonnet. The absence of any recorded advisories relating to brake pipes, underbody corrosion, exhaust integrity, or fluid leaks is reassuring for a vehicle of this age and mileage, but a thorough underside inspection on a ramp remains advisable to check for any developing corrosion around the rear axle, subframe mounting points, and suspension turrets which are not visible during a standard MOT test. Confirm that the hybrid system has been routinely checked by a Hyundai dealer or specialist, as the 12V auxiliary battery and high-voltage battery cooling system are not specifically examined during MOT testing but are critical to long-term reliability.