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Hyundai · Supermini · 2020–2026

Hyundai i20 BC3

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.7 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

204 PS

1.6L T-GDI (N Performance) Benzin

Best hot hatch bang for buck

Legendary!
Most Reliable Engine

78–84 PS

1.2L (Smartstream) Benzin

5 weaknesses

Good Choice

Generations

Engine Overview

The Hyundai i20 BC3 is available with 4 engine variants — from 78 to 204 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.0L T-GDI (Smartstream) · Benziner· 101 PS
2020 2023
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.2L (Smartstream) · Benziner· 84 PS
2020 2023
Good Choice 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
i20 N · Benziner· 204 PS
2021 2023
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.0L T-GDI (Smartstream) · Benziner Mild-Hybrid· 101–120 PS Engine Change
2020 2023
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2020 2023
Be Careful 5 weaknesses

The Hyundai 1.0L T-GDI (Smartstream) (Benziner, 101 PS) has the G3LE (1.0L T-GDI (Smartstream)) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Hyundai 1.2L (Smartstream) (Benziner, 84 PS) has the G4LF (1.2L (Smartstream)) — rated: "Good Choice", 5 known weaknesses.

The Hyundai i20 N (Benziner, 204 PS) has the G4FP (1.6L T-GDI (N Performance)) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Hyundai 1.0L T-GDI (Smartstream) (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 101–120 PS) comes with 2 different engines: G3LE (2020–2023, Be Careful) und G3LE (2020–2023, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.0L T-GDI (Smartstream)!

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
●Steering wheel clear coat peeling

The steering wheel clear coat on the i20 BC3 starts peeling from around 20,000 km. Warranty claims have been rejected multiple times in forum reports as no mechanical defect was classified.

Symptoms: Peeling clear coat on steering wheel rim, grip area feels rough, unsightly appearance
from 20,000 km
Ad Steering wheel Hyundai i20 BC3Steering wheel cover i20 2020 2021
 Low
iInterior rattles and creaks

Owners of the i20 BC3 report rattling noises on the driver and passenger side as well as occasional squealing from the rear brakes — acknowledged by Hyundai as a known issue.

Symptoms: Rattling noises from instrument area, rear brake squeal
from 30,000 km
Ad Interior insulation i20 BC3
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
43 complaints · 2020–2026
Seat Belts
11 ⚠ 1
Engine
9
Electrical
8
Wheels
6
Steering
5 ⚠ 1

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Seat Belts (11 complaints)
⚠ Engine (9 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (8 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 24 weaknesses have been documented for the Hyundai i20 BC3 (2020–2026) — 15 engine-related and 9 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Interior, Other, Gearbox, Electronics. Considered reliable: G4LF (1.2L (Smartstream)).

i20 (G3LE, 2020–2023) — Be Careful: Turbo oil supply Smartstream, GDI valve carbon buildup Smartstream, Timing chain wear Smartstream T-GDi. Power: 101 PS.

i20 (G4FP, 2021–2023) — Be Careful: Head gasket failure under high-performance use, Connecting rod bearing wear from track use, GDI intake valve carbon buildup. Power: 204 PS.

i20 (G3LE, 2020–2023) — Be Careful: Turbo oil supply Smartstream, GDI valve carbon buildup Smartstream, Timing chain wear Smartstream T-GDi. Power: 101 PS.

i20 (G3LE, 2020–2023) — Be Careful: Turbo oil supply Smartstream, GDI valve carbon buildup Smartstream, Timing chain wear Smartstream T-GDi. Power: 120 PS.

What to watch out for with the Hyundai i20? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Hyundai i20 BC3 have? +
The Hyundai i20 BC3 has 15 known engine weaknesses and 9 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Hyundai i20 BC3? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: G4LF (1.2L (Smartstream)). The most reliable engine is the G4LF (1.2L (Smartstream)) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the G4FP (1.6L T-GDI (N Performance)).
Which Hyundai i20 BC3 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Hyundai i20 BC3. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 5 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Hyundai i20 BC3 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Hyundai i20 BC3 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} The i20 N is what the Fiesta ST always wanted to be: a genuine track weapon in a small-car body. Mechanical LSD, 204 hp, no wheelspin on corner exit — just pure grin. No adaptive dampers, no electronic trickery, just honest chassis tuning that lets the driver feel everything.
Is the Hyundai i20 BC3 worth buying used? +
The Hyundai i20 BC3 is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Hyundai i20 BC3? +
The Hyundai i20 BC3 is available with engine variants from 78 to 204 hp. Petrol: G4LF (1.2L (Smartstream)), G3LE (1.0L T-GDI (Smartstream)), G4FP (1.6L T-GDI (N Performance)).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee