2023 Hyundai Santa FE Ultimate HEV Auto 1.6L Hybrid electric · LS23 JVT

The most recent MOT, carried out on 18 March 2026, was passed with no recorded defects or advisories. With only a single MOT entry available, there is insufficient longitudinal data to identify a trend, but the absence of any failures indicates that the vehicle was in a roadworthy condition at the time of testing and that the owner has, at a minimum, kept the car compliant with the statutory safety and emissions standards. At three years old the Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate HEV has logged 24 836 mi, which works out to roughly 8 300 mi per annum. This annual mileage sits comfortably within the normal usage envelope for a family SUV of this age and suggests a moderate level of wear on consumables. There are no evident periods of prolonged inactivity that would raise concerns about corrosion from standing, nor is there any indication of accelerated mileage that might have hastened the depletion of brake pads, clutch components or hybrid battery cooling system. For a vehicle with a clean MOT and moderate mileage, the buyer should give particular attention to age‑related deterioration. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or hardening, especially if the car has spent time on the road in winter conditions; uneven tread wear could point to misaligned suspension bushes or worn coil springs. Examine the 12‑volt auxiliary battery for sulphation and verify that the high‑voltage hybrid battery coolant is at the correct level and free of particulates, as coolant degradation can affect the thermal management of the traction‑motor inverter. Check the brake discs for surface rust or pitting and ensure the calipers move freely without binding, listening for any shudder or pulsation when applying the brakes at moderate speed. Finally, confirm that the service book contains regular oil, filter and coolant changes in line with Hyundai’s recommended intervals, and that any time‑based fluid replacements—such as transmission fluid, brake fluid and the hybrid system’s coolant—have been performed. A visual inspection of the exhaust system for corrosion, the under‑body for rust, and the steering rack for any play will help verify that the vehicle’s structural integrity and steering geometry remain sound. Verifying the operation of hybrid-specific systems, such as the regenerative‑braking switch and the electronic stability control, will give further confidence that the car will remain reliable and compliant beyond the next MOT.