The quiet achiever families keep coming back to
The Hyundai ix20 is a compact MPV produced from 2010 to 2019 that slots between supermini and family hatchback, offering the footprint of an i20 with the cabin space of a Ford Focus. It appeals to small families and older drivers who want easy access, a high seating position, and practical space without a large car. Backed by Hyundai's five-year warranty, it built a reputation as a reliable, sensible alternative to the Honda Jazz.
We track 5 known issues across the Hyundai IX20 range, including 1 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Hyundai IX20? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
IX20_GEN1 (2009–2021) — Petrol options included the 1.4 Petrol, 1.6 Petrol, with 1.4 CRDi, 1.6 CRDi on the diesel side. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Track rod end ball joint wear (£100–£180 to address).
The ix20 steering system uses track rod end ball joints that wear prematurely, with MOT data showing failure rates up to 80.8 times the fleet average. The failures range from excessive play to complete detachment risk, with 298 cases reaching the 'serious risk of detachment' category. This represents a direct safety hazard as steering connection loss can cause complete loss of directional control. The issue affects both petrol variants primarily and appears related to the steering geometry or component specification.
Track rod end failure can cause complete loss of steering control, creating an immediate safety hazard. Even with excessive wear short of failure, the car may not track straight, suffer rapid tyre wear, and feel unstable in emergency manoeuvres. This is an MOT failure and the vehicle should not be driven if serious wear is suspected.
During the test drive, check the steering for excessive play, vibration or pulling to one side. Listen for groaning or whining when turning the wheel at low speed. Power steering fluid level and condition should be checked on hydraulic systems.
The diesel particulate filter (DPF) captures soot particles from the exhaust but requires periodic high-temperature regeneration to burn off accumulated deposits. Short urban journeys prevent the exhaust reaching regeneration temperature, causing progressive DPF blockage. This is the most significant reliability concern for diesel variants and makes them unsuitable for predominantly urban use.
Complete DPF blockage causes the engine to enter limp mode with severely restricted power. Professional DPF cleaning costs £200-400. DPF replacement costs £1200-2000. Continued driving with a blocked DPF can damage the turbocharger and engine due to excessive back-pressure.
Ask about the car's typical usage — short urban journeys prevent DPF regeneration. Check for DPF warning lights and ask about any previous regeneration issues. A forced regeneration at a garage costs far less than a DPF replacement.
The ix20 uses a conventional cable-operated handbrake mechanism that suffers from premature cable stretch and adjuster mechanism wear. MOT data shows parking brake failures at up to 284.5 times the fleet average across all engine variants, with 54 recorded failures. The mechanism fails to provide adequate holding force on slopes, creating a safety risk. This affects all variants equally and appears to be a design weakness rather than wear-related failure.
Inadequate parking brake holding force creates a safety risk on slopes and may cause the vehicle to roll away when parked. Complete adjustment or cable replacement is required. The issue is MOT-testable and will result in test failure if not addressed.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
The ix20 brake system experiences premature caliper binding and brake performance issues, with MOT data showing braking inadequacy failures at 284.5 times the fleet average on 1.4 petrol variants. The failures suggest seized brake caliper pistons or contaminated brake fluid causing uneven braking force. This can result in increased stopping distances and unpredictable braking behaviour, particularly dangerous in emergency situations.
Poor brake performance significantly compromises safety and will result in MOT failure. Seized calipers can cause brake disc warping and premature pad wear. Complete brake system inspection and caliper overhaul or replacement may be required, with typical costs reflecting the safety-critical nature of the repair.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
The ix20 suspension system uses rubber dust covers to protect ball joints and bushings from contamination, but these covers deteriorate prematurely. MOT data shows dust cover failures at up to 154.2 times the fleet average, with over 3,000 failures recorded across all variants. While not immediately dangerous, failed dust covers allow dirt and moisture to accelerate wear of the underlying suspension joints, leading to more serious and expensive failures later. This is a characteristic weakness of the platform.
Failed dust covers allow contamination of suspension joints, accelerating wear and leading to expensive ball joint or suspension arm replacement within 12-24 months. While the covers themselves are inexpensive, accessing them often requires suspension disassembly. Early replacement prevents more serious suspension failures.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Hyundai IX20 common problems page.
Based on 152k real DVSA MOT tests, the Hyundai IX20 fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is fuel system leaking, or missing or ineffective ... at 169x the fleet average, followed by emissions failure (68x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Hyundai IX20 MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 10k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
See the full Hyundai IX20 service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Hyundai IX20 has some well-documented weak points, including 1 safety-critical issue that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable. 2014 and 2017-2019 models are considered best. The 2014 has an excellent reliability record with very few reported issues, while 2017-2019 models benefit from cumulative refinements and the most mature version of the platform.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Hyundai IX20, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Hyundai IX20 issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.