Hyundai i20 problems, reliability and years to avoid
If you are considering buying a used Hyundai i20, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 5 known faults for this model, 3 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.
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Is the Hyundai i20 reliable?
The Hyundai i20 has 5 known faults in our database, 3 of them rated high severity. The most serious are gearbox (oil leaks from the gearbox, specifically from the gearbox shaft seal) and fuel system (failure of multiple fuel injectors on the 1.4 CRDI engine). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.
That is a count of the faults we hold, not a reliability score. Popular cars get written about more, and a newer generation has had less time to show its faults.
Which Hyundai i20 years should you avoid?
No year is a write-off on its own. What matters is which serious faults a given year and engine can have, and whether the car in front of you has had them fixed.
Years and engines with a serious known fault
2009 to 2015, Manual gearbox: oil leaks from the gearbox, specifically from the gearbox shaft seal
2011, 1.4 CRDI 90PS: failure of multiple fuel injectors on the 1.4 CRDI engine
2015 to 2023, 1.0 T-GDI / 1.4 with 7-speed dry dual-clutch (7DCT): the 7-speed dry dual-clutch automatic suffers low-speed judder
Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.
Generation 1 of 15 known faults · 14 owner reports · 12 good notes
Hyundai i20 Mk1 (2009 to 2015) problems
Transmission/ClutchMedium severity📝 Editorial
Premature clutch wear and judder, in many cases caused by an oil leak from the first motion shaft (input shaft) seal contaminating the clutch plate. Failures are documented well under 40,000 miles, and dealers frequently blame driving style rather than the leaking seal, leaving owners with a 500-900 pound clutch and seal bill. What Car? notes clutches wear remarkably rapidly on many i20s; 2012-2016 cars show the highest rate of reports
Rough guide
£500-900
Typical symptoms
juddering or shuddering when pulling away, especially uphill
clutch slip - revs rise without the car accelerating
burning smell after town driving
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.2 / 1.4 Petrol manual (Kappa / Gamma)
Typical mileage:
15000-70000 miles
10 more owner reports back this up
January 2020The clutch on an August 2019 Hyundai i20 was slipping soon after delivery, requiring a clutch and flywheel replacement at 3,000 miles.
October 2018A 2016 Hyundai i20 experienced clutch juddering in first and reverse gears at 26,600 miles, after two previous clutch replacements.
November 2017A 2009 Hyundai i20 experienced clutch slipping when driving uphill at 27,000 miles, indicating premature wear.
November 2017The clutch failed on a 2014 Hyundai i20 at 18,000 miles, with the owner suspecting an oil leak from the input shaft seal.
June 2017A 2016 Hyundai i20 at 12,000 miles had a flat spot between first and second gear, with hesitation and power loss, despite a clutch replacement.
October 2016A 2010 Hyundai i20 experienced clutch failure at 30,000 miles, with the replacement costing £600.
August 2014A Hyundai i20 had a 'heavy clutch' at 26,000 miles; the warranty claim was refused, and replacement was quoted at £575.
April 2014A 2012 Hyundai i20 1.2 experienced a second clutch failure at 47,000 miles, requiring replacement.
July 2013A two-year-old Hyundai i20 had clutch failure at 17,000 miles; the manufacturer contributed £125, leaving a £354 bill.
August 2011Clutch failures are reported to be unusually common on this model of Hyundai i20.
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The 7-speed dry dual-clutch automatic suffers low-speed judder, clutch overheating in stop-start traffic (transmission temperature warning, drive temporarily disabled), and mechatronic unit failures causing jerky shifts, harsh downshifts or complete loss of drive. UK gearbox specialists report replacement transmissions running to 3,500 pounds when the mechatronic and clutches are both gone. Hyundai extended warranty on some units but coverage is inconsistent
Rough guide
£1200-3500
Typical symptoms
shudder or judder pulling away and at crawling speeds
transmission temperature high warning in slow traffic
hesitation or flat spot between 1st and 2nd gear
harsh downshifts or refusal to engage gear
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.0 T-GDI / 1.4 with 7-speed dry dual-clutch (7DCT)
Typical mileage:
30000-90000 miles
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Transmission/ClutchHigh severity💬 2 owner reports, 2012 to 2014
Oil leaks from the gearbox, specifically from the gearbox shaft seal and differential seal, are reported. This can lead to clutch contamination and premature failure.
Rough guide
£400-800
Typical symptoms
Oil stains under the car
Burning oil smell
Clutch judder or slip (if contaminated)
Low gearbox oil level
Affected vehicles
Engines:
Manual gearbox
Typical mileage:
10000-50000 miles
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BrakesMedium severity💬 2 owner reports, 2013 to 2014
Rear brake calipers are prone to seizing, leading to premature brake wear, reduced fuel economy, and potential MOT failure. This was reported as an increasingly common repair.
Rough guide
£200-400 per side
Typical symptoms
Excessive brake dust on rear wheels
Car pulling to one side under braking
Reduced fuel economy
Burning smell from rear brakes
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All models
Typical mileage:
30000-70000 miles
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Fuel SystemHigh severity💬 1 owner report, 2017
Failure of multiple fuel injectors on the 1.4 CRDI engine, leading to diesel dumping into the sump and requiring expensive replacement.
Rough guide
£1400-2000
Typical symptoms
Sluggish starting
Engine cutting out when cold
Oil level rising on dipstick (due to diesel dilution)
Engine warning lights
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.4 CRDI 90PS
Typical mileage:
100000-120000 miles
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What owners report on the Mk1
14 single reports, unconfirmed
One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.
Bodywork · July 2019A 2017 Hyundai i20 sustained hailstone damage to its roof, while adjacent cars remained unaffected, suggesting a potential weakness.
Brakes · February 2019Corroded front and rear brake discs were reported on a 2016 Hyundai i20, indicating premature wear.
Engine · October 2017A 2012 Hyundai i20 1.2 suffered engine failure at 75,000 miles, with a cylinder running at low pressure requiring a potential engine replacement.
General · January 2017The jack supplied with a 2012 Hyundai i20 collapsed while the owner was changing a wheel, but caused no injuries.
Engine · December 2016A 2010 i20 1.25 petrol had an engine management light on at 27,000 miles, showing an intermittent misfire on all cylinders.
Engine · December 2016High oil consumption of one litre per 1,000 miles was reported on an April 2016 Hyundai i20.
Gearbox and clutch · September 2016The clutch on a 2014 Hyundai i20 required pumping to engage reverse gear, possibly due to air in the hydraulic system.
Bodywork · June 2016The passenger door of a 2009 Hyundai i20 3-door became stuck in the locked position, possibly due to moisture affecting the lock servo.
Engine · February 2016A 2009 Hyundai i20 entered limp home mode at 78,247 miles due to exhaust valve issues, with repairs quoted at £702.
Bodywork · October 2015Fine rust appeared on the white painted panels of a 2010 Hyundai i20, particularly around the wheel arches.
Electrics · October 2015The battery in a 2013 Hyundai i20 came loose, severing the earth cable and causing a complete loss of power and lights.
Exhaust · February 2015A September 2013 Hyundai i20 Blue Drive experienced DPF problems at 15,000 miles, requiring multiple forced regenerations and a sensor replacement.
Gearbox and clutch · May 2012Resonance at 3,250rpm in post-facelift automatic i20s can be resolved by fitting a damper to the longer driveshaft.
Bodywork · May 2012A front tyre blowout on an i20 can cause significant damage to the front valence, radiator, and lower suspension wishbone.
What owners like about the Mk1
12 notes
An entry-level i20 was predicted to retain 47 percent of its original value after three years and 30,000 miles, outperforming rivals.
The 2009 i20 achieved a five-star NCAP rating, scoring 88 per cent for adult occupant protection and 41 points for child protection.
The Hyundai i20 was rated the fourth safest car in Europe by NCAP, ahead of several larger vehicles.
The Hyundai i20 was awarded a 'Which?' Best Buy in 2011 and ranked sixth in its class for reliability.
The 4-speed torque converter automatic transmission in this model includes a transmission dipstick for fluid checks.
The i20 Coupe features sporty aesthetics that effectively distinguish it from the five-door hatchback model.
A straightforward trim structure ensures all i20 Coupes come equipped with essential features like air conditioning.
Despite its sloping roofline, the i20 Coupe offers ample space in the rear for both luggage and passengers.
The Hyundai i20 offers a comfortable and relaxing driving experience, suitable for various journeys.
The cabin of the Hyundai i20 is well-constructed, featuring the use of quality materials throughout.
The i20 is practical and spacious, providing a large boot and generous legroom for rear passengers.
The Hyundai i20 received a four-star Euro NCAP rating in 2015, demonstrating strong scores for occupant and pedestrian protection.
Other years0 known faults · 3 good notes
Other Hyundai i20 years: owner reports
What owners like
3 notes
The latest Hyundai i20 model comes equipped with a generous amount of standard features.
The Hyundai i20 features large and responsive infotainment screens, enhancing the user experience.
The new i20 offers a spacious back seat and a roomy boot, providing practical interior volume.
Sellers rarely admit these faults outright
We track 13 specific phrases sellers use in adverts to soft-pedal these exact issues. Paste any Hyundai i20 advert and we check it in seconds.
Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. These are the 3 DVSA recalls for the i20, newest first. They do not tell you whether this particular car has had the work: for that, put the registration into the free GOV.UK MOT history check, which shows a recall status where the manufacturer shares it, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN.
🏛️ September 2025Cars built April 2021 to January 2023
The vehicle fuel pump may have an internal malfunction which may fail over time. In case of a fuel pump malfunction the instrument cluster warning light may illuminate and if ignored the vehicle may lose motive power.
The vehicle fuel pump may have an internal malfunction which may fail over time. In case of a fuel pump malfunction the instrument cluster warning light may illuminate and if ignored the vehicle may lose motive power.
Put right by: The affected vehicles will have the fuel pump replaced as a permanent solution.
DVSA R/2025/27217,084 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2024Cars built March 2023 to January 2024
The subject vehicles may experience a transmission malfunction resulting in a loss of drive.
On affected vehicles they may experience a transmission malfunction resulting in a loss of drive
Put right by: On all affected vehicles the transmission control unit software will be updated
DVSA R/2024/171770 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2021Cars built August 2020 to December 2020
IN THE EVENT OF eCALL TRIGGER THE VIN NUMBER INFORMATION MAY NOT BE SENT
The vehicle VIN information may not be registered correctly within the eCall unit.
Put right by: Register the VIN information within the vehicle by resetting the E-call unit and updating.
DVSA R/2021/0141,879 vehicles affected in the UK
Recall data published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency under the Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall listed here may not apply to every car of this model: the build dates and the registration check are what decide it.
Hyundai i20 timing chain, and service intervals
A timing chain has no change interval, which is not the same as lasting for ever. Listen for it on a used i20, and check the oil has been changed on time. These are the figures UK specialists work to.
Timing chainChain
G3LA, 1.0 KAPPA
No fixed replacement interval
The Kappa 1.0 three-cylinder is chain driven: Hyundai describes the silent-type chain as maintenance free, so there is no scheduled replacement. A start-up rattle on oil-neglected cars means chain and tensioner wear. Note that at least one belt-or-chain database wrongly lists the early i10 G3LA as belt; parts catalogues and Hyundai's own engine description confirm a chain.
Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.
Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: September 2026
Hyundai i20 buying questions
What are the most common Hyundai i20 problems?
Three stand out. Gearbox: oil leaks from the gearbox, specifically from the gearbox shaft seal and differential seal (typically 10000 to 50000 miles). Fuel system: failure of multiple fuel injectors on the 1.4 CRDI engine (typically 100000 to 120000 miles). Gearbox: the 7-speed dry dual-clutch automatic suffers low-speed judder (typically 30000 to 90000 miles). The full list above is grouped by generation, with typical mileage and a rough repair cost for each.
Which Hyundai i20 years should I avoid?
No Hyundai i20 year is a write-off, but the Mk1 (2009 to 2015) carries the most serious faults: gearbox and fuel system. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.
What should I check when viewing a used Hyundai i20?
Ask the seller about the gearbox and fuel system faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for oil stains under the car, sluggish starting and shudder or judder pulling away and at crawling speeds. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 5 known faults before you travel. Check a Hyundai i20 advert →
Are there any recalls on the Hyundai i20?
The DVSA lists 3 safety recalls for the Hyundai i20 issued between 2021 and 2025. The most recent, from September 2025, is "The vehicle fuel pump may have an internal malfunction which may fail over time. In case of a fuel pump malfunction the instrument cluster warning light may illuminate and if ignored the vehicle may lose motive power". Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. This list is by model, so it cannot tell you whether one particular car has had the work: the free GOV.UK MOT history check shows a recall status from the registration where the manufacturer shares it, and a franchised dealer can check the VIN.
What is the real MPG of a Hyundai i20?
Owners report 47.2 mpg on average across the Hyundai i20 engines with data, about 83% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 946 owner submissions. Hyundai i20 Real MPG by engine →
If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the Hyundai i20 owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.
Knowing what a Hyundai i20 goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.