2012 Hyundai I40 1.7L Diesel · EJ62 WHH

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a shift toward emerging mechanical wear. While the car passed its most recent test in December 2025 at 71,711 miles, the tester identified slight free play in the steering rack. This represents a departure from the clean records seen in 2022 and 2023, suggesting that components within the steering system are beginning to degrade despite the relatively low annual mileage. At 14 years old, the recorded mileage of 71,711 miles reflects an average of approximately 5,122 miles per year. This low usage typically implies less strain on the drivetrain, but it can lead to the hardening of rubber components and seals due to age. Between November 2023 and October 2024, the vehicle covered 7,179 miles, yet the failure in October 2024 due to legally-thin front tyres and a worn nearside rear brake pad indicates a period where basic consumable maintenance was neglected during that interval. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the steering system to determine if the detected free play is limited to the rack or involves the outer tie rod joints. The failure in 2024 regarding brake pads necessitates a check of the remaining brake discs for uneven wear or pitting, which often occurs on cars that sit for long periods between uses. Given the age of the vehicle, the chassis should also be inspected for structural corrosion on the mounting points, as these areas were not highlighted in the recent advisories but remain common for this model and era.