Hyundai i20 Problems: Common Issues and Repair Costs
The Hyundai i20 is one of the UK’s most popular small hatchbacks, known for reliability, low running costs, and practical features. However, it’s not without faults—especially in earlier generations and diesel variants. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common Hyundai i20 problems, their warning signs, and the average repair costs across the UK.
1. Clutch Wear and Juddering
Affected Models: Manual 1.2 and 1.4 petrol (2009–2017)
Symptoms:
- Clutch slipping or juddering
- High biting point
- Burning smell under load
Cause:
- Premature clutch wear due to urban driving
- Weak clutch friction plates on early models
Repair Cost:
- £350 – £500
2. Engine Misfire & Coil Pack Failure
Affected Models: All petrol engines
Symptoms:
- Engine shaking or hesitation
- Engine warning light
- Poor fuel economy
Cause:
- Failing ignition coils or worn spark plugs
Repair Cost:
- Coil pack: £90 – £150
- Spark plugs: £50 – £100
3. Timing Chain or Belt Wear
Affected Models: 1.2 and 1.4 petrol (timing chain); 1.1 and 1.4 CRDi (timing belt)
Symptoms:
- Rattling noise from engine
- Engine misfire or rough idle
- Check engine light
Repair Cost:
- Timing chain (petrol): £600 – £900
- Timing belt + water pump (diesel): £350 – £500
4. Rear Brake Binding or Squealing
Affected Models: Mk1 (2009–2014)
Symptoms:
- Rear wheels hot after driving
- Squealing noise
- Poor handbrake hold
Cause:
- Seized caliper or corroded brake linkage
Repair Cost:
- Rear brake service: £100 – £180
- Caliper replacement: £150 – £250
5. Suspension Knocks and Creaks
Affected Models: Mk1 & Mk2 (2009–2019)
Symptoms:
- Knocking when driving over bumps
- Steering feels loose
- Uneven tyre wear
Cause:
- Worn drop links, bushes, or top mounts
Repair Cost:
- Drop links: £90 – £130
- Full front suspension refresh: £400 – £600
6. Air Conditioning or Heater Faults
Affected Models: All years
Symptoms:
- No cold air
- Fan only works on one setting
- Clicking noise behind dashboard
Cause:
- Blower motor resistor failure
- Low refrigerant
- Blend motor fault
Repair Cost:
- Blower resistor: £100 – £150
- AC regas: £60 – £100
- Blend flap motor: £150 – £250
7. Gearbox Notchy or Stiff
Affected Models: 5-speed and 6-speed manuals
Symptoms:
- Difficulty engaging gears
- Notchy or rough changes
- Whining in higher gears
Cause:
- Low gearbox oil or internal bearing wear
Repair Cost:
- Gearbox oil change: £100 – £150
- Manual gearbox rebuild: £700 – £1,000
8. Power Steering Motor Failure
Affected Models: Mk1 (early models)
Symptoms:
- Heavy steering
- Intermittent assistance
- Steering warning light
Cause:
- Faulty EPS motor or torque sensor
Repair Cost:
- EPS motor replacement: £400 – £700
9. Infotainment & Electrical Glitches
Affected Models: Mk2 and Mk3
Symptoms:
- Frozen screen or no audio
- Bluetooth not connecting
- Dashboard warning lights
Cause:
- Software bugs or faulty battery
Repair Cost:
- Software update: £80 – £120
- Battery replacement: £120 – £180
Hyundai i20 Repair Cost Summary (UK)
Fault Area | Typical Repair Cost |
---|---|
Clutch replacement | £350 – £500 |
Ignition coil/spark plugs | £50 – £150 |
Timing belt/chain repairs | £350 – £900 |
Rear brake service | £100 – £250 |
Suspension repairs | £90 – £600 |
Air con/blower issues | £60 – £250 |
Gearbox issues | £100 – £1,000 |
EPS motor replacement | £400 – £700 |
Infotainment/battery fault | £80 – £180 |
How to Avoid Common Hyundai i20 Repairs
- Stick to your service intervals: especially spark plugs, timing belt, and brake fluid
- Use high-quality fuel and oil: avoids carbon buildup and misfires
- Listen for suspension knocks: early intervention is cheaper
- Test the air conditioning before summer
- Check for recalls on steering and brakes (particularly older models)
Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection
If you’re buying a used Hyundai i20, avoid surprises with a professional inspection from CarExamer.com.
Their mobile service includes:
- 300+ mechanical and diagnostic checks
- Suspension, brakes, gearbox, electrics & engine
- Photos + instant report
- Same-day appointments, UK-wide
Final Thoughts
The Hyundai i20 is a dependable and low-cost supermini, but like all cars, it has known weak points—particularly in older models. Clutch wear, brake binding, and suspension noise are the most common faults. Fortunately, most are relatively affordable to fix in the UK.
Whether you’re maintaining one or planning to buy, knowing the common Hyundai i20 problems and repair costs puts you in control.
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