Reliability

Is the Hyundai i20 reliable? Honest answer.

Is the Hyundai i20 a reliable car? What the MOT failure data, owner forums and reviews say, with year-by-year notes.

Updated 4th September 2026 DVSA data: Across 131,599 recorded MOT tests, 20.8% failed.

Hyundai i20
Image via Wikipedia, CC-licensed.

TL;DR

The Hyundai i20 is generally reliable, especially models from 2015 to 2018, which have fewer issues. Earlier models (2010-2013) may face electrical and suspension problems, leading to higher repair costs. Overall, the i20 is considered affordable to maintain.

MOT Pass Rates

The Hyundai i20 generally performs well in MOT tests, with pass rates varying by year. Models from 2015 to 2018 often exceed 85% pass rates, while earlier models, particularly from 2010 to 2013, have higher failure rates due to brake and emissions issues.

Common Failure Modes

Common faults reported by owners include electrical problems, especially with central locking and infotainment systems. Suspension components on models from 2010 to 2013 can wear prematurely. Brake issues, such as worn pads and discs, are also frequently mentioned, leading to increased repair costs.

Model Years to Favour

The 2015 to 2018 Hyundai i20 models are generally more reliable, benefiting from improved build quality and updated technology. These models have fewer reported issues compared to their predecessors, making them a safer choice for potential buyers.

Model Years to Avoid

Be cautious with i20 models from 2010 to 2013, as they have higher rates of MOT failures and more frequent reports of electrical and suspension issues. While these models may be cheaper, potential repair costs can outweigh the initial savings.

Repair Costs

Repair costs for common issues can vary.

What people are asking

What is the problem with the Hyundai i20?

Some owners have reported issues with electrical systems and premature wear in suspension parts, particularly in earlier models. These problems can lead to higher maintenance costs if not addressed promptly.

What is the weakness of i20?

The main weaknesses noted by owners include electrical glitches and potential problems with the automatic transmission in certain model years. These issues can affect the overall driving experience and reliability.

Is the Hyundai i20 a reliable car?

Yes, the Hyundai i20 is generally considered a reliable car, particularly the models produced from 2015 to 2018. However, earlier models may have some reliability concerns that potential buyers should be aware of.

Are Hyundai i20 cheap to repair?

Generally, the Hyundai i20 is considered affordable to repair, with many common issues costing less than £500 to fix. This makes it a practical choice for budget-conscious drivers.

What owners say

A common theme is the reliability of the 2015-2018 models, with users praising their performance and lower incidence of faults compared to earlier versions. Owners often mention that these models have fewer electrical issues and better overall build quality. Many owners have shared their experiences regarding the reliability of the Hyundai i20.

However, discussions also highlight concerns about the 2010-2013 models. Owners have reported frequent electrical problems, particularly with the infotainment system and central locking. These issues can be frustrating and may lead to costly repairs, making some owners wary of purchasing these older models.

Many owners find that while some repairs can be pricey, they are generally manageable. The consensus is that the i20 is relatively inexpensive to maintain compared to other vehicles in its class, adding to its appeal for budget-conscious buyers. Another theme is the cost of repairs.

Additionally, there are mentions of specific faults, such as suspension wear and brake issues, particularly in the earlier models. Owners have noted that while these problems can arise, they often do not lead to catastrophic failures, allowing for timely repairs without excessive costs.

Overall, feedback from owners suggests that while the Hyundai i20 has its share of issues, particularly in older models, it remains a reliable choice for many drivers, especially those considering the newer versions.

Hyundai i20 recall record

3 recalls have been issued for the Hyundai i20, between 2021 and 2025.

  1. 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.

    R/2025/272

    Issued 8 September 2025

    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.

    Remedy:The affected vehicles will have the fuel pump replaced as a permanent solution.

    Affects cars built Apr 2021 to Jan 2023

  2. The subject vehicles may experience a transmission malfunction resulting in a loss of drive.

    R/2024/171

    Issued 20 May 2024

    On affected vehicles they may experience a transmission malfunction resulting in a loss of drive

    Remedy:On all affected vehicles the transmission control unit software will be updated

    Affects cars built Mar 2023 to Jan 2024

  3. IN THE EVENT OF eCALL TRIGGER THE VIN NUMBER INFORMATION MAY NOT BE SENT

    R/2021/014

    Issued 22 February 2021

    The vehicle VIN information may not be registered correctly within the eCall unit.

    Remedy:Register the VIN information within the vehicle by resetting the E-call unit and updating.

    Affects cars built Aug 2020 to Dec 2020

A recall applies to a build range, not to every car of this model. Check a registration to see whether one specific vehicle has an outstanding recall.

Hyundai i20 MOT record

From 131,599 recorded MOT tests, 20.8% failed.

MOT pass and failure rates by year of first registration
RegisteredTestsFailedMedian mileage
20233457.0%17,781 mi
20227,45210.2%20,122 mi
20215,8798.4%25,338 mi
20204,1338.8%29,830 mi
20197,26610.6%35,567 mi
20188,56911.7%42,553 mi
201711,57014.5%49,860 mi
201613,63016.4%55,634 mi

Most common reasons for failure

  1. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements27.0%
  2. A tyre seriously damaged23.5%
  3. Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded20.3%
  4. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn14.7%
  5. Brake disc or drum excessively weakened, insecure or fractured14.6%

Figures cover every Hyundai i20 tested in the DVSA dataset, not this specific car. Check a registration for the actual history of one vehicle.

Hyundai i20 official figures

Median across 29 variants on sale, petrol, petrol electric.

Combined economy
51.4 mpg
WLTP median across variants
CO2 emissions
124 g/km
Sets the first-year tax rate

Official figures for new cars. Real economy varies with driving, load and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What are common faults with the Hyundai i20?

Common issues include electrical faults, suspension wear, and brake problems.

Which model years are the most reliable?

Generally, the 2015 to 2018 models show better reliability.

How does the i20 perform in MOT tests?

The i20 has a decent pass rate, but certain years have higher failure rates.

Are there any major recalls for the i20?

Recalls are issued against individual vehicles rather than a model as a whole, so a model-level yes or no would be guesswork. Enter the registration on Honest Car Check and we check the DVSA record for that specific car. Where DVSA holds no status, confirm it with a franchised dealer using the VIN.

What is the problem with the Hyundai i20?

Some owners have reported issues with electrical systems and premature wear in suspension parts, particularly in earlier models.

What is the weakness of i20?

The main weaknesses noted by owners include electrical glitches and potential problems with the automatic transmission in certain model years.

Sources