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

Got a Hyundai i20 Fault?
Find Out What It Is — £1.99

Describe your symptoms and MotorLoom cross-references known Hyundai i20 fault data — giving you likely causes, UK repair costs and MOT risk instantly.

Run My Diagnostic — £1.99 →
60 seconds · One-time payment · Instant report

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 MotorLoom diagnostic for £1.99 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.

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.

If your Hyundai i20 has a warning light on or a symptom you can't identify, a MotorLoom diagnostic report for £1.99 gives you likely fault causes, UK repair cost estimates and MOT risk — instantly.

Hyundai i20 Warning Light On?
Get Your Report — £1.99

Instant fault analysis, UK repair costs and MOT risk for your exact Hyundai i20.

Run My Diagnostic →
One-time £1.99 · No subscription · Instant results

Other Hyundai Models

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