Hyundai Ix20 MOT Failures
An analysis of 258,985 real DVSA MOT tests on the Hyundai Ix20 — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: IX20_GEN1 (2009–2021).
Where the Hyundai Ix20 fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Hyundai Ix20 is emissions failure — this model is 68 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a major concern for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 258,985 MOT tests, 2.76% of all Hyundai Ix20 tests recorded this as a failure.
Exhaust and emissions failures often point to catalytic converter degradation, lambda sensor faults, or — in diesel models — DPF problems. These can be expensive to fix and will cause an immediate MOT failure.
Other notable weak points include track rod ends worn (33x the fleet average), parking brake inoperative on one side (12x the fleet average), light unit fault (19x the fleet average), and braking effort inadequate at any wheel (16x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Hyundai Ix20's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 5 categories: Exhaust & Emissions, Steering, Brakes, Lights & Electrics, Suspension. If you're inspecting a Hyundai Ix20 before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The Hyundai Ix20's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the Hyundai Ix20 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are emissions failure (68x the average) and restriction in free movement of the braking system (49x). light unit fault (19x) and braking effort inadequate at any wheel (16x) also appear frequently.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the Hyundai Ix20 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are fuel system leaking, or missing or ineffective ... (169x the average) and emissions failure (34x). mandatory tell-tale for main beam headlamp or r... (22x) and front or rear fog lamp switch inoperative or no... (20x) also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
For the Hyundai Ix20 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are track rod ends worn (33x the average) and emissions failure (22x). light unit fault (12x) and service brake efficiency below minimum requirement (9.8x) also appear frequently.
The shift from emissions failure at lower mileages to track rod ends worn at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.
Found a Hyundai Ix20 you like?
Check its dealer service history before you commit.
£6.99 · Full refund if no records found
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Hyundai Ix20 specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Track rod end ball joint wear Dangerous
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. Affects IX20_GEN1; typical independent garage repair cost is £100–£180.
Diesel particulate filter blockage (1.4/1.6 CRDi) Major
The diesel particulate filter (DPF) captures soot particles from the exhaust but requires periodic high-temperature regeneration to burn off accumulated deposits. Affects IX20_GEN1; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£400.
Parking brake mechanism failure Major
The ix20 uses a conventional cable-operated handbrake mechanism that suffers from premature cable stretch and adjuster mechanism wear. Affects IX20_GEN1; typical independent garage repair cost is £120–£250.
Brake system performance degradation Major
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. Affects IX20_GEN1; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£400.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Hyundai Ix20 common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Hyundai Ix20
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Hyundai Ix20:
Exhaust & Emissions — check for emissions failure. Steering — check for track rod ends worn. Brakes — check for parking brake inoperative on one side, braking effort inadequate at any wheel. Lights & Electrics — check for light unit fault, mandatory tell-tale for main beam headlamp or r....
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about track rod end ball joint wear and diesel particulate filter blockage. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £100. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Check this Hyundai Ix20's service history
See every franchised dealer visit, dates, mileage readings, and work done. Know whether the maintenance that prevents these MOT failures was actually done.
£6.99 · Full refund if no records found
Hyundai Ix20 MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Hyundai Ix20?
Based on 258,985 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is emissions failure — at 68x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include track rod ends worn and parking brake inoperative on one side.
Is the Hyundai Ix20 reliable based on MOT data?
The Hyundai Ix20 has 17 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag track rod end ball joint wear as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Hyundai Ix20 most commonly fails on track rod ends worn and emissions failure. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are emissions failure and restriction in free movement of the braking system.
How do I check a Hyundai Ix20's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.