Practical Korean supermini with excellent warranty and low running costs. Popular with first-time buyers and city drivers. The 1.2 Kappa engine is generally reliable but watch for premature clutch wear - this is the most widespread issue affecting manual models. Timing chain tensioner can fail prematurely (far earlier than the expected 200,000 km), causing engine damage if ignored. Electric power steering occasionally fails in hot conditions. Air conditioning compressor known to fail between 50,000-70,000 km. Rust appearing on tailgates and door handles on cars from 2011-2015 period despite warranty claims.
Clutch fails at very low mileage - some as low as 3,000-15,000 km · more· less
This is the most common and well-documented problem with the i20 1.2 petrol manual. Forum threads show clutch failures at extremely low mileage - 3,459 miles, 7,000 miles, 15,500 miles are all reported. One owner went through 3-4 clutches in 2 years. The root cause is often an oil leak from the first motion shaft seal contaminating the clutch plate and causing judder. Hyundai recognized this as a known defect. The clutch system design uses poor quality bush material (plastic instead of metal/bronze). Parts alone cost €60-145 depending on brand (Valeo is OEM). Total replacement with labor costs €500-1,050. Hyundai dealers often claim "driving style" despite failures at very low mileage and multiple owners reporting identical issues.
Timing chain tensioner failure€800 - €1,650
Chain can fail as early as 51,000 miles - far earlier than expected 200,000+ km lifespan · more· less
While the 1.2 Kappa engine benefits from a timing chain (no belt replacement needed), the tensioner is the weak point. One i20 1.2 needed a new timing chain set at just 5 years old with 51,000 miles. Forum members confirm this is likely tensioner failure. If the tensioner fails, the chain can skip and cause catastrophic valve/piston contact damage. Cold start rattle is the warning sign. Timing chain kits cost €22-315 for parts. A Hyundai franchise garage quoted £1,400 (approx €1,650) for complete replacement. Independent garages charge €800-1,200. This is not normal - you should expect 200,000+ km from a chain system without replacement. Early failure indicates a design/quality issue with the tensioner.
Electric power steering failure€500 - €2,000
Motor overheats and shuts down causing very heavy steering, especially after repeated maneuvers · more· less
The electric power steering motor switches itself off to prevent overheating and burning out. This is presented as a "safety feature" but is actually a design flaw. Common in driving school vehicles where repeated 3-point turns and reverse parking cause the motor to overheat. After about 5 minutes the system recovers. However, if the motor or control module fails completely, repair costs are substantial. EPS motor replacement costs around €85-600 depending on whether you need just the motor or the full electronic control unit. Full steering rack replacement runs €1,200-2,000. Some cases covered under warranty if still within period, but Hyundai doesn't always cover electrical system failures.
Air conditioning compressor failure€700 - €1,400
Compressor commonly fails between 50,000-70,000 km especially on 2012-2015 models · more· less
The air conditioning system is a known weak point, particularly on cars built 2012-2015. Most complaints concern premature compressor failure after just 50,000-70,000 km. Symptoms include AC not cooling properly, unusual clunking/humming/clicking noises from the compressor area, and warm air from dashboard vents. The compressor typically lasts the lifetime of the car (150,000+ km) but failure rate is higher than average on the i20. Replacement costs €800-1,200 at AutoGuru Australia. In Europe expect €700-1,000 at independent shops, €1,200-1,400 at dealers. Using non-dealer shops can save €400-600. Refrigerant circuit leaks are also common.
Rust on tailgate and door handles€400 - €1,200
Rust bubbling appears on rear tailgate around window and on all door handles, particularly 2011-2015 cars · more· less
Multiple owners report rust on the boot around the bottom of the rear glass, with dealers confirming "the tailgate is a known problem." Rust bubbles also appear underneath door handles on cars less than 3 years old. One owner found rust spots under the rear windscreen with dealer claiming "the rust has been caused by the glass moving and scratching the paint." There's a service bulletin for door handle moldings rubbing through paint on the leading edge. The seams above the rear tailgate can rust through and let in water. Hyundai UK has reportedly distinguished between "rust" and "corrosion," claiming warranty only covers flat areas, not edges/seams. Repair costs €250-300 per affected area (tailgate respray, door handle repair). If multiple areas affected, costs can reach €1,000-1,200. Warranty claims often denied if previous owner didn't take car for yearly inspections.
Electric window motor failure€200 - €650
Window motors fail prematurely causing windows to move slowly or not at all · more· less
There are known issues with i20 electric window motors failing prematurely. If a window doesn't move up and down smoothly, the motor is usually the cause. Tapping the motor lightly with a small hammer while operating the window switch can temporarily get it moving - confirming motor failure. The issue can also be the window regulator motor or the main switch on the driver's door (which is more common). For a similar-sized Hyundai Elantra, window regulator motor replacement costs $592-654 USD. For the i20 expect around €200-400 for parts and labor at independent shops. If the motor is integrated into the regulator that fails, both must be replaced together, increasing costs to €400-650. Start diagnosis by checking P/WDW fuses in the dash fusebox.
Battery drain / electrical issues€120 - €400
Battery drains if car not driven regularly, display doesn't turn off fully, parasitic drains from alarm/systems · more· less
Multiple owners report battery going flat after just a few days parked. Common causes: display not turning off completely (on 2010 models go to neutral, depress clutch, push key in more and turn towards you to fully shut off display), parasitic drains from alarm and Bluelink systems, faulty door switches leaving dome light on, faulty wiring. The OEM battery is reportedly poor quality - one owner solved issues by replacing with higher-grade Exide battery for £117 (€140) which "completely transformed the car." Regular short trips prevent full recharging - need at least 20-minute drives to maintain charge. Battery replacement recommended every 3-5 years, sooner in temperature extremes. Diagnosis: check dome light shuts off when doors close, check for trunk/tailgate release switch stuck on, verify 14.4V when engine running. Keeping car on a battery optimizer when parked helps prevent drain. New battery costs €120-180, higher-quality units €180-250. Electrical fault diagnosis can add €50-150.
Fuel pump failure€320 - €600
Fuel pump can fail causing stalling, difficulty starting, or sudden loss of power · more· less
Some i20s experience fuel pump failures leading to stalling, difficulty starting, or sudden power loss while driving. Early warning signs: when going over rumble strips/bumpers or deep potholes, a beep and odometer flash briefly appears (no error lights). Main symptoms include whining noise from fuel tank area, stalling that restarts after several minutes, lack of power, engine sputtering at high speeds, reduced power when accelerating, slight vibration at high speeds. High pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure throws engine into limp mode limiting revs to 3,000 rpm max. This issue has particularly affected turbo-petrol i20 N-Line models with reports of multiple cars being towed, though no official recall exists. Replacement costs £320-500 in UK (€375-600 in Europe). High pressure fuel pump replacement alone costs around $600 (€550) for parts. Regular fuel pump typically lasts car's lifetime but i20 has higher than average failure rate.
Key fob failure€100 - €400
Folding key design is notoriously fragile and falls apart easily · more· less
The folding key fob on the i20 is known for poor design that causes it to fall apart far too easily. No repairs can fix the structural issue - replacement is the only option. Repair services exist for €70+VAT that can fix internal issues (micro switches, resoldering circuit board, new battery, new case) but won't help if the key blade mechanism itself breaks. Full replacement options: KeyNOW charges from €115 (£99) for fully programmed key - saving up to 60% vs dealers. Aftermarket OEM key fobs cost up to 80% less than dealer prices. Local locksmiths can program new fob and cut blank for around €105 ($90). Some owners buy fobs on eBay for under €60 ($50) and have Hyundai program for €120 ($100). Dealer quotes can reach €400+ ($500+) for key fob and emergency key, plus separate programming fee. In worst cases with key and programming total is €700+ ($750+).
Infotainment screen freezing€0 - €200
Screen freezes on startup, Android Auto disconnects, system becomes unresponsive · more· less
Infotainment glitches are common, including screen freezing and Android Auto disconnecting. Note that Android Auto requires USB cable connection - it won't work via Bluetooth alone. The Android Auto icon appears greyed out unless connected via USB. Not all post-2021 i20s have wireless Android Auto despite having CarPlay/Android Auto as standard. Solutions: soft reset by pressing and holding on/off switch for 10 seconds. Hard reset by plugging USB keyboard into car's USB port and pressing control-alt-delete (useful for stuck updates). Pull "stunt fuse" for hard reset. Factory reset via settings (erases all saved data). Try replacing USB cable - cable problems cause random disconnections. Keep software updated. If these don't work, dealer visit needed - certified technicians can diagnose electrical/software issues and perform system reinstallation. Most cases resolved with free resets/cable replacement. Dealer diagnosis/repair costs €100-200 if out of warranty.
Reasonably reliable but clutch and timing chain need monitoring
The i20 1.2 ranks 4th out of 21 in its class for reliability according to What Car? survey. The clutch premature wear issue is widespread and well-documented with failures as low as 3,000 miles - this is the biggest concern. Timing chain tensioner can fail much earlier than expected. Most other issues are typical wear items, though some occur at lower than average mileage. Parts are readily available and generally affordable. Independent garages can service the car maintaining warranty. The 5-year unlimited mileage warranty is excellent if buying nearly new.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify oil changes at correct intervals (every 10,000 km or 12 months).
Tires
Check tread depth, age, uneven wear patterns. Lifespan typically 15,000-30,000 km.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for timing chain rattle in first 30 seconds.
Body condition
Check for rust on tailgate (around rear window), door handles, wheel arches.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds. Test air conditioning effectiveness.
Specific for this vehicle
Clutch operation (manual)
Test clutch feel - should be smooth with no juddering, slipping, or unusual noise. Check if it bites at normal height. Ask owner about any previous clutch replacements and at what mileage. High mileage examples with original clutch are actually reassuring - shows the car got a good clutch from factory.
Cold start timing chain rattle
THIS IS CRITICAL. Start the engine completely cold and listen carefully for the first 30-60 seconds. Any rattling from the engine bay indicates timing chain tensioner failure. A few seconds of rattle is borderline; anything over 5 seconds is concerning. Walk away if significant rattle present.
Electric power steering test
During test drive, do several 3-point turns and reverse parking maneuvers. The steering should remain light throughout. If steering becomes very heavy, the EPS motor is overheating (known issue). Also check for unusual noise from steering column over bumps.
Air conditioning performance
Test AC on maximum cold setting. Should blow cold air within 30 seconds. Listen for unusual clicking, clunking or humming from compressor area. Weak cooling or strange noises indicate compressor issues (expensive repair €700-1,400).
Rust inspection - tailgate and doors
Carefully inspect bottom edge of rear window/tailgate for rust bubbling. Check all four door handles - look for rust bubbling underneath the handles and around edges. Also check rear window seams and wheel arches. Even small rust spots are concerning as they spread. 2011-2015 models most susceptible.
Electric windows operation
Test all four windows multiple times. They should move smoothly up and down at consistent speed. Slow movement or jerky operation indicates motor failure. Also test that windows auto-up/auto-down functions work (if equipped).
Battery and electrical check
Ask owner if battery has been replaced - if not, budget for replacement. Check that all electrical systems work: lights, infotainment, power windows, central locking. Check infotainment doesn't freeze during test drive. For older cars, ask if battery goes flat when parked.
Key fob condition
Inspect the folding key fob mechanism. Does it open/close smoothly or is it loose/wobbly? Test remote locking/unlocking works reliably. If key feels fragile or partially broken, factor in replacement cost €100-400.
Check for oil leaks
Look under the car for oil spots. Check around the clutch bell housing for oil - oil leaks can contaminate the clutch causing the juddering issue. Also check general engine bay for oil seepage.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
eCall unit VIN registration (Aug-Dec 2020)Verify completed
Contact Hyundai dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed. The eCall unit recall affects cars manufactured August-December 2020. Fuel injector replacement is a service campaign (not safety recall) for 1.0T-GDI engines, work done free of charge. Note: Europe doesn't have unified recall checking system - check by country or contact dealer directly with VIN.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty5 years unlimited km
Roadside assistance5 years (UK)
Anti-perforation warranty8 years (excludes surface rust)
Hyundai's 5-year unlimited mileage warranty is excellent - you'll get what remains when buying used. Important: warranty distinguishes between "rust" (surface) and "corrosion" (perforation). Surface rust and edge/seam rust often NOT covered despite being within 8-year anti-perforation period. Oil leaks also commonly excluded. If previous owner didn't take car for yearly warranty inspections, claims may be denied. Can service at independent garages using Hyundai parts and maintain warranty.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.