Quick Facts — Hyundai i20

Est. On UK Roads
200,000+
Years Made
2008–present
Common Engines
1.0 T-GDi (100ps, 120ps), 1.2 MPI, 1.4 MPI, 1.4 CRDi, 1.6 CRDi

6 Most Common Hyundai i20 Problems

These are the faults most frequently seen on the Hyundai i20 by UK garages — ranked by how commonly they occur and what they cost to fix.

1
DPF Blockage (CRDi Diesel)
High Priority
Diesel i20s on short urban runs develop DPF blockages. The 1.4 CRDi is not well suited to pure city use.
💷 Typical repair cost: £100–£1,000
2
DCT Gearbox Judder (1.0 T-GDi)
Watch
The 7-speed DCT on the 1.0 T-GDi can judder in slow traffic. Software updates from Hyundai usually help.
💷 Typical repair cost: £0–£1,500
3
EGR Valve Failure (CRDi)
Watch
High-mileage diesel i20s develop EGR carbon buildup causing rough running and EML.
💷 Typical repair cost: £150–£450
4
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (T-GDi)
Watch
Direct injection T-GDi engines accumulate carbon on intake valves over time — rough idle and hesitation at low revs.
💷 Typical repair cost: £250–£500
5
Air Con Compressor Failure
Low Priority
AC compressor failures are seen on older i20 models — no cold air and occasional rattling from the front of the engine.
💷 Typical repair cost: £200–£500
6
Electric Window Regulator
Low Priority
Window regulator cable failures are seen on MK2 i20 models — the window drops or stops working.
💷 Typical repair cost: £80–£200

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Hyundai i20 — MOT Tips

DPF warning is an automatic fail on diesel i20s. DCT warning lights are MOT-relevant. Check EML on direct injection petrol models — carbon buildup can trigger a misfire code. Check all four tyres for kerbing damage.

Engine management light on before your MOT? It's an automatic fail. Run a Find Your Problem Now → to get the likely cause and repair cost before booking the test.

Hyundai i20 Tyres

Most Hyundai i20 models run 185/65 R15 or 195/55 R16 or 205/45 R17 depending on trim level and year. Always check the placard inside the driver's door for the exact size for your vehicle.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common problem with the Hyundai i20?

The most frequently reported issue on the Hyundai i20 is DPF Blockage (CRDi Diesel). Diesel i20s on short urban runs develop DPF blockages. The 1.4 CRDi is not well suited to pure city use.

How many Hyundai i20s are on UK roads?

There are an estimated 200,000+ Hyundai i20s currently on UK roads.

What tyres does the Hyundai i20 use?

Most Hyundai i20 models run 185/65 R15 or 195/55 R16 or 205/45 R17 depending on trim level and year. Always check the placard inside the driver's door for the exact size for your vehicle.

Will a warning light fail my Hyundai i20's MOT?

DPF warning is an automatic fail on diesel i20s. DCT warning lights are MOT-relevant. Check EML on direct injection petrol models — carbon buildup can trigger a misfire code. Check all four tyres for kerbing damage.

Similar Issues on Other Models

Kia Rio — air con compressor failure shows up here too Dacia Sandero — air con compressor failure shows up here too

Summary

The i20 is a reliable, well-equipped supermini at competitive prices. The 1.0 T-GDi petrol is the most popular and practical choice. Diesel versions are best avoided for pure city use due to DPF issues. The i20 N is a genuinely excellent hot hatch.

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Other Hyundai Models

Hyundai Tucson → Hyundai i10 → Hyundai Kona → Hyundai Ioniq 5 →