73 AUTO

MOT performance

Ford Puma vs Hyundai Kona: MOT pass rates compared

In 2023–2024, 90.5% of 87,338 Ford Puma MOT tests and 87.8% of 73,144 Hyundai Kona tests passed first time — 2.6 points in favour of the Ford Puma. Once age, mileage and fuel are allowed for, the Ford Puma fails less often than the Hyundai Kona: 0.76× against 0.97× the national rate for comparable cars.

87,338 Ford Puma and 73,144 Hyundai Kona MOT tests, 2023–2024

Check a specific car's MOT history and running costs

At a glance

Ford Puma vs Hyundai Kona MOT results
FigureValueBasis
Ford Puma: first-time pass rate90.5%±0.2 pts (95%), n = 87,338
Hyundai Kona: first-time pass rate87.8%±0.2 pts (95%), n = 73,144
Ford Puma: failures vs similar cars-24%same age, mileage and fuel = 1.00
Hyundai Kona: failures vs similar cars-3%same age, mileage and fuel = 1.00
Ford Puma: dangerous defect2.7%n = 87,338
Hyundai Kona: dangerous defect4.0%n = 73,144
Average age at test3.6 vs 3.3 yearsFord Puma vs Hyundai Kona

Why the raw pass rates can mislead

The Ford Puma was tested at an older average age (3.6 years against 3.3), and older cars fail more often whatever they are. That is why the table above also shows failures against cars of the same age, mileage and fuel: it compares the models, not their fleets.

Failure areas side by side

Share of MOT tests that failed on each area, and in brackets how that compares with cars of the same age, mileage and fuel (1.00 = national average). The clearest difference is seat belts and airbags, where the Ford Puma fails 3.6 times as often on an adjusted basis.

Ford Puma vs Hyundai Kona MOT failures by area
AreaFord PumaHyundai Kona
Brakes1.9% (-13%)1.7% (+13%)
Steering0.1% (-50%)0.0% (-77%)
Suspension1.3% (+8%)0.5% (-51%)
Tyres2.9% (-34%)4.9% (-12%)
Road wheels0.1% (-26%)0.1% (-65%)
Lights, reflectors and electrical2.4% (-23%)2.6% (Same)
Body, chassis and structure0.7% (+19%)0.2% (-45%)
Driver's view of the road1.8% (-39%)3.6% (+28%)
Noise, emissions and leaks0.7% (Same)0.4% (+11%)
Seat belts and airbags0.6% (+31%)0.1% (-64%)
Registration plates and VIN0.1% (-30%)0.1% (-47%)
Speedometer and driving controls0.0% (+63%)0.0% (+133%)

Pass rate at the same age

Comparing cars of the same age removes most of the fleet-age effect from the raw rates.

Ford Puma vs Hyundai Kona MOT pass rate by age at test
Age at testFord PumaHyundai Kona
3-4 years91.8% (n = 38,183)87.9% (n = 38,215)

Most common failure item

  • Ford Puma · condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (1.12% of tests)
  • Hyundai Kona · wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.00% of tests)

MOT results reflect how cars are maintained as well as how they are built, so a gap between two models is a difference in test performance, not proof that one is more reliable. For one car, its own MOT history says more than any average.

Check a specific car

Enter a UK registration to see that car's own MOT history and what it is likely to cost to own. Your first check is free and shows the vehicle summary and its headline ownership cost. The category-by-category breakdown is part of a paid check.

UK number plate or 17-character VIN

About this data. These are MOT test results, not a measure of mechanical reliability: a car's MOT outcome reflects its condition on the day, which depends on how it has been maintained and driven as well as how it was built. Figures cover class 4 vehicles (cars and light vans), normal tests only (retests excluded), outcomes pass, fail and pass after rectification at the station; vehicles at least 2.5 years old at test. Tests from 2023-01-01 to 2024-12-30. “Compared with similar cars” means compared with the national rate for cars of the same age, mileage band and fuel. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Makes and models are matched to 73 Auto's vehicle catalogue; tests that can't be matched are left out rather than guessed. See how the MOT figures are produced.