2016 Hyundai Tucson 1.7L Diesel · CP66 GCU

The 2016 Hyundai Tucson was presented for its most recent MOT on 19 March 2026 and was ultimately passed, though the same visit produced a prior failed outcome on the same day that required rectification before the pass certificate could be issued. The failure contained two Dangerous defects relating to the nearside front tyre, which was both below the 1.6mm tread requirement and had ply or cords exposed, alongside a Major defect for an excessively worn bush on the offside rear lower shock absorber. Two advisories were also recorded on that test for front brake pads wearing thin to the limit and front brake discs showing lipping or wear. Looking back through the history, the early tests from 2021 through early 2024 show a generally stable and clean record with only minor advisory items, whereas the 2025 and 2026 entries show a clear escalation in mechanical concerns, with the most recent test representing the worst single inspection result across the recorded period. This trend suggests that the vehicle is entering a phase of accelerated wear and that a prospective buyer should not treat the current pass as a wholly clean bill of health. Against the vehicle age of approximately ten years, the recorded mileage of 109,651 miles equates to an annual average of around 10,965 miles, which is broadly typical for its age and indicates consistent rather than sporadic use. There are no obvious extended gaps in the MOT history that would suggest long periods of standing, which is positive from the standpoint of avoiding calendar-related degradation of fluids, brakes, and battery, but the mileage is now firmly into the territory where mechanical consumables such as suspension bushes, brake components, tyres, and drivetrain mounts begin to require closer attention. The combination of high mileage for a ten-year-old vehicle and the recent emergence of suspension and brake-related advisories is consistent with normal wear progression and points towards further attention being required in the near term. The recorded defects and advisories from the 2026 test warrant particular scrutiny during a physical inspection and test drive. The dangerously worn nearside front tyre and the offside rear shock absorber bush defect indicate that the suspension and tyre condition should be the first items examined; on a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the rear suspension over bumps, particularly on the offside, and feel for any vagueness or instability through corners that might suggest the bush has allowed unwanted movement. The advisories for front brake pads on the limit and lipped front brake discs mean that immediate replacement of the pads is likely required, and the discs may need either machining or replacement depending on lip severity; on the road, expect to feel brake shudder or vibration through the steering wheel under firm braking, and reduced initial bite if the pads are worn close to the backing plate. The nearside front tyre in particular should be inspected for age-related sidewall cracking or perishing, and all four tyres should be checked for even wear patterns, as uneven wear can indicate tracking, suspension geometry, or worn bushes elsewhere. Beyond the specific items raised at the MOT, a vehicle of this age and mileage warrants a comprehensive set of age- and usage-appropriate checks even where no defect has yet been recorded. Inspect the condition of all suspension bushes, drop links, and anti-roll bar mountings, as these commonly deteriorate on high-mileage examples and are likely to begin appearing at future tests. Verify the condition of the 12V battery, as units of this age frequently hold reduced charge, particularly if the vehicle has seen any short-trip use. Check brake fluid and coolant age in line with manufacturer service intervals rather than purely on mileage, and confirm the timing belt or chain replacement history according to Hyundai's schedule for the diesel or petrol engine fitted, as this is a critical age-based service item. Finally, inspect the underside for any fresh corrosion or fluid leaks from the engine, transmission, or steering rack, and confirm that the service book contains appropriate stamps or evidence of recent major servicing, since a ten-year-old Tucson with this mileage is approaching the stage where proactive replacement of wear items is far more cost-effective than reactive repair after failure.