2014 Hyundai IX35 1.7L Diesel · CV64 JNF

The 2014 Hyundai IX35 presents an interesting case study in modern small SUV roadworthiness where the most recent test result stands in stark contrast to a troubling prior failure. After passing four consecutive MOTs spanning from June 2023 through June 2025 with no recorded defects, the vehicle encountered significant problems in its latest assessment on 2026-06-24, registering multiple dangerous conditions including a severely underperforming parking brake system and critical suspension component wear. The following day, 2026-06-25, the same vehicle achieved a clean pass, indicating the underlying issues were resolved but also raising questions about whether they were temporary or systemic. This single-failure interruption within a otherwise consistent testing history creates uncertainty about the durability of the repairs or the completeness of the resolution work completed before the final test. The recorded mileage of 61,392 miles on a twelve-year-old vehicle represents an unusually low figure given typical usage patterns for this model class, translating to approximately 5,116 miles accumulated annually. While such low mileage might initially suggest minimal wear on engine components and drivetrain parts, the presence of specific failure modes in the last test indicates that some systems may have been under significant stress despite the overall low odometer reading. The gap between the 2026-06-24 failure and 2026-06-25 pass provides a brief window of stability, but the nature of the deficiencies—particularly the excessive wear on the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint and the compromised parking braking performance—warrant close examination regardless of the subsequent passing result. A purchase decision should weigh how much confidence can be placed in the repair quality for items that showed clear deterioration in the pre-pass assessment. The most pressing mechanical concerns stem from three distinct areas identified in the 2026-06-24 failure report. The nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint being "excessively worn" warrants a tactile inspection during test drive, particularly when navigating bumps or uneven surfaces, as this component typically manifests as a clunking or knocking noise through the chassis and potentially affects ride quality and handling. The dual parking brake failures—offside rear and nearside rear—should be verified for full engagement and proper operation across both front and rear axles, as inadequate parking brake efficiency below 50% of required levels compromises safety and could indicate internal wear in the piston assemblies or hydraulic line degradation. Additionally, the nearside front tyres falling below the mandatory 1.6mm tread depth threshold requires visual confirmation of remaining tread versus the legal minimum, as significantly reduced tyre thickness can affect traction and increase the likelihood of hydroplaning in wet conditions. For a prospective buyer, the suspension arm condition demands particular attention during the test drive; listening for any metallic scraping or hollowing sounds when hitting potholes or speed bumps would confirm the extent of the damage to the ball joint housing and associated bushings. The parking brake verification should involve firmly applying the brake while moving and ensuring the vehicle comes to a complete stop without pulling to one side, as asymmetric stopping indicates uneven pad wear or master cylinder issues. Tyre condition should be assessed both visually (measuring remaining tread depth) and functionally (ensuring even wear patterns), as the nearside front tyres appearing below specification could point to alignment issues or differential wear that may have developed over the period since their last professional servicing. Given the vehicle's low mileage combined with these specific failure modes, obtaining a detailed service log from the previous owner regarding the repair of the suspension arm and parking brake systems would provide valuable context for understanding the scope of work performed and the current reliability of those components.