2021 Hyundai Kona Premium GDI HEV S-A 1.6L Hybrid electric (clean) · M33 ABA

The latest DVSA MOT test on 2026-07-02 resulted in a failure, with two major defects—nearside front wheel bearing roughness and nearside rear tyre wear nearing the legal limit—alongside an advisory for nearside rear tyre edge wear. This follows a previous MOT failure in 2025-07, which included dangerous defects such as offside front tyre failure (exposed cords and tread depth below 1.6mm) and offside rear brake pads worn to below 1.5mm. The 2024 and 2025 MOTs were clean, suggesting a pattern of either inconsistent maintenance or underlying wear issues that surfaced during specific conditions, such as prolonged standing or high-mileage accumulation. The recurring advisories and failures indicate a need for immediate attention to wheel bearing integrity, tyre condition, and brake system health, as these defects are critical to road safety and structural vehicle stability. The recorded mileage of 32,207 miles for a 2021 Hyundai Kona Premium GDI HEV represents a reasonable annual usage rate of approximately 6,441 miles, which is typical for its age and likely reflects a mix of daily commuting and occasional longer trips. However, the lack of a 2025 MOT between the 2024 and 2026 tests raises concerns about potential prolonged periods of inactivity, which can exacerbate wear from standing corrosion, brake binding, and fluid degradation. For example, standing brakes may cause caliper binding or disc corrosion, while long-term idling can lead to fluid contamination or seal failure in the wheel bearings. The 2025 failure also highlighted exposed offside front tyre cords, a sign of severe tread degradation that could worsen with further use, particularly if the vehicle was driven at higher speeds or on rough roads. As a prospective buyer, your first priority should be to verify the vehicle’s recent maintenance history, ensuring that the wheel bearing failure and tyre edge wear were addressed promptly. During a test drive, listen for unusual noises from the nearside rear wheel bearing—such as grinding, humming, or clunking when cornering or accelerating—and check for excessive play or binding in the brakes, particularly on the offside rear. Inspect the offside front tyres for further tread loss or cord exposure, and examine the brake discs for warping, scoring, or excessive thickness reduction. If the bearing and tyre issues are unresolved, the vehicle remains unsafe for road use until these are rectified. Additionally, consider having the brake system flushed and the brake fluid replaced, as standing corrosion can compromise hydraulic efficiency. Beyond immediate defects, conduct a thorough physical inspection for signs of age-related wear and standing-related issues. Check the tyre sidewalls for cracking or perishing, which can indicate long-term exposure to ozone or heat, especially if the vehicle has been stored in a warm environment. Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion and the battery itself for signs of swelling or leakage, as the HEV system may require more frequent attention than a conventional petrol engine. Verify that the service book contains stamps for fluid changes, particularly the brake fluid, differential fluid, and coolant, as these should be replaced at 60,000–80,000 miles or every 5 years, whichever comes first. Lastly, examine the exhaust system for leaks or excessive emissions, as the HEV’s catalytic converter and oxygen sensors may degrade over time, particularly if the vehicle has been driven at high idle or under load. If the vehicle has been in storage, consider a professional inspection to check for structural integrity, such as warping in the chassis or suspension components, which can develop silently over prolonged periods.