2018 Hyundai Santa FE 2.2L Diesel · SC60 COX

A clean pass with no advisories on 27 May 2026 confirms the Hyundai Santa Fe continues to satisfy DVSA roadworthiness standards, capping a five-year MOT sequence of four consecutive passes. The single blip on the record is the 2025 advisory noting cracking on both rear tyres, which is a sidewall age-related defect rather than a wear issue, and otherwise the only flagged items across the documented tests are localised and minor. The 2023 test recorded smearing wipers and modest rear brake disc wear, while the 2022 entry picked up uneven front tyre wear, a nail in an offside front tyre, and a light oil mist on the nearside rear shock absorber. There is no recurrence of any of these items in the subsequent three examinations, which indicates the rear shock has not progressed to a weeping failure and the brake components have remained serviceable. Taken together, the trend is one of stable roadworthiness with only isolated, non-recurring advisories. With 32,996 miles spread across eight years, this Santa Fe has averaged roughly 4,100 miles annually, a notably low accumulation rate for a vehicle of this age and class. The mileage progression between tests is broadly consistent, with no dramatic jumps or unusual gaps that would suggest a prolonged period off the road or an inconsistent odometer reading. Mechanically, this light usage profile means the engine, transmission, drivetrain, and clutch components have experienced relatively few working cycles, reducing wear on internal bearings and friction surfaces. The trade-off is that lightly driven cars can suffer from seized caliper slide pins, dried rubber bushes, and moisture accumulation in the brake fluid, and the annual MOT cadence here will not always pick up such deterioration until it becomes significant. Given the recurring advisory themes, the items most worth scrutinising on a physical inspection are the rear shock absorbers and the rear brake discs. The nearside rear shock was flagged for oil misting in 2022, so on a test drive listen for any clonking over undulations or rear-end float over crests, and look for uneven tyre wear across the rear axle that would point to a weakened damper. The 2023 advisory noted rear brake disc wear that was within limits, but at this age and mileage the discs and pads should be physically measured; any lip on the disc edge or scoring visible on the disc face suggests replacement is imminent. Test the brakes progressively from around 30 mph to confirm firm, even response and no judder through the pedal, and check for any pulling that could indicate a binding caliper, particularly at the rear. The tyre-related advisories across 2022 and 2025 warrant close attention during a walkaround. Cracking on both rear sidewalls in 2025 is a typical age-related deterioration, so inspect the sidewalls of all four tyres, including the front pair, for hairline cracks in the grooves or anywhere rubber meets the wheel rim, as age-cracking can advance quickly on a low-mileage car that may have sat in sunlight. The 2022 advisory noted edge wear on the front tyres, which on a Santa Fe of this generation often points to worn front suspension bushes or droop links; with the engine running, rock the steering wheel gently side to side at a standstill and feel for any notchiness, then turn the wheel fully lock to lock listening for clonks or rubbing from the strut area. Finally, raise each front wheel and check for free play at the wheel bearing and any play in the lower ball joints, as low annual mileage does not prevent rubber components from perishing and any movement here would be consistent with the historical advisory pattern.