Generations
PB — PB (2008-2014)
2008–2014
1.0 T-GDi, 1.1 CRDi, 1.2 MPI, 1.25 MPI, 1.4 MPI, 1.4 CRDi
GB — GB (2014-2020)
2014–2020
1.0 T-GDi, 1.1 CRDi, 1.2 MPI, 1.25 MPI, 1.4 MPI, 1.4 CRDi
Top issues to watch for
The most serious Hyundai I20 problems ranked by severity. We track 7 known issues — here are the ones you need to know about first.
Dangerous
Brake pipe corrosion (PB/GB)
Brake pipes on the i20 corrode at 52.0 times the national fleet average, with brake hose ferrules showing 26.2 times higher corrosion rates. The failure pattern worsens over time and affects all engine variants from low mileage. Corrosion typically affects steel brake lines where they pass through the rear beam area and connection points to flexible hoses. This represents a critical safety defect that can cause brake system pressure loss without warning.
What happens if ignoredCorroded brake pipes can fail catastrophically, resulting in partial or complete brake system failure. Emergency repair costs £200-600 depending on which pipes require replacement. The car is unsafe to drive with visibly corroded brake pipes.
Independent garage
£200–£600
Specialist
£250–£700
Main dealer
£350–£900
Parts only
£80–£200
Major
Suspension bush and joint wear (PB/GB)
The i20 shows 15.4 times higher suspension component wear compared to the fleet average, with dust cover failures at 190.6 times the average rate. The pattern is worsening over time and affects bushes, joints, and protective covers across all engine variants. Front suspension components typically wear first, followed by rear beam bushes on higher mileage examples.
What happens if ignoredWorn suspension components affect handling, tyre wear patterns, and MOT compliance. Replacement typically involves multiple components simultaneously. Costs range £300-800 for comprehensive front suspension refresh depending on which components require replacement.
Independent garage
£300–£600
Specialist
£350–£700
Main dealer
£450–£800
Parts only
£120–£300
Major
DPF issues (PB/GB)
The 1.4 CRDi diesel engine suffers DPF (diesel particulate filter) blockage, confirmed by MOT data showing smoke opacity failures at Short urban journeys prevent proper DPF regeneration cycles, leading to complete blockage. The issue affects vehicles from 50,000 miles onwards and can render the car uneconomical to repair if the DPF requires replacement.
What happens if ignoredBlocked DPF causes reduced power, increased fuel consumption, and MOT failure. DPF cleaning costs £200-400. Complete DPF replacement costs £800-1500. Removal is illegal and causes MOT failure. The vehicle may enter limp mode and become undriveable.
Independent garage
£200–£800
Specialist
£300–£1,000
Main dealer
£500–£1,500
Parts only
£400–£900
Major
Injector failure (PB/GB)
The 1.4 CRDi engine experiences fuel injector failures from 80,000 miles, typically caused by contaminated fuel or carbon build-up from DPF issues. Failed injectors cause rough running, increased emissions, and can damage other injectors if not replaced promptly. The high-pressure fuel system means injector work requires specialist knowledge and equipment.
What happens if ignoredFailed injectors cause rough running, increased emissions, and possible MOT failure. Individual injector replacement costs £200-400 but multiple injectors often fail together. Complete set replacement can cost £800-1200. Continuing to drive with failed injectors risks damaging the fuel system.
Independent garage
£200–£800
Specialist
£300–£1,000
Main dealer
£400–£1,200
Parts only
£150–£600
3 more known issues tracked
Including wear items, electrical niggles, and generation-specific problems.
MOT failure hotspots
Based on DVSA MOT test data. These are the items where the Hyundai I20 fails at a significantly higher rate than the average car.
Emissions failure
Exhaust & Emissions · 40-60k miles
MOT failure rate: 27x the fleet average
Sample: 6,250 tests
Light unit fault
Lights & Electrics · 0-20k miles
MOT failure rate: 27x the fleet average
Sample: 18,804 tests
Brake on any wheel grabbing severely
Brakes · 80-100k miles
MOT failure rate: 19x the fleet average
Sample: 4,743 tests
Free play in the steering, measured at the rim ...
Steering · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 17x the fleet average
Sample: 13,735 tests
Stop lamp switch with a delay in operation
Lights & Electrics · 40-60k miles
MOT failure rate: 16x the fleet average
Sample: 81,138 tests
Brake hoses perished or damaged
Brakes · 60-80k miles
MOT failure rate: 16x the fleet average
Sample: 6,528 tests
Looking at a specific Hyundai I20?
Check its dealer service history to see if the maintenance that prevents these problems was actually done.
£6.99 · Full refund if no records found
Related
- Hyundai I20 buyer's guide
- Hyundai I20 service history check
- Hyundai I20 service schedule & costs
- Hyundai I20 MOT failure rates
- Hyundai I20 price guide
- How to check Hyundai service history
- Buying a car without service history
- Hyundai I20 car check £7.49
- Free car faults check
- Free MOT failure rate check
- Free car check
Hyundai I20 reliability FAQs
What are the most common problems with the Hyundai I20?
The Hyundai I20 has 7 known issues across 4 severity levels. The most serious are: Brake pipe corrosion (PB/GB).
Is the Hyundai I20 reliable?
The Hyundai I20 has 1 dangerous and 3 major known issues. Most can be avoided with a thorough pre-purchase check and full service history.
How much does it cost to fix Hyundai I20 problems?
Repair costs range widely. The most significant issue (Brake pipe corrosion (PB/GB)) costs £200–£600 at an independent garage. Minor issues can be under £200. Always get a full inspection before buying.
Which Hyundai I20 generation is most reliable?
The PB (2008–2014) has the fewest dangerous issues (0). However, condition and service history matter more than generation — a well-maintained earlier car can be more reliable than a neglected newer one.