Hyundai i20 Problems Common Issues and Repair Costs
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Hyundai i20 Problems: Common Issues and Repair Costs

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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.

Book inspection

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 AreaTypical 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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