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Hyundai · Supermini · 2014–2020

Hyundai i20 GB

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 5 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

101–120 PS

1.0L T-GDI (Kappa II) Benzin

Sensible and forgettable

Decent
Most Reliable Engine

99–101 PS

1.4L (Kappa) Benzin

5 weaknesses

Good Choice
Problem Engine

101–120 PS

1.0L T-GDI (Kappa II) Benzin

6 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations


Engine Overview

The Hyundai i20 GB is available with 5 engine variants — from 75 to 120 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.1L CRDi (3-Zyl) · Diesel· 75 PS
2014 2018
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
1.4L CRDi · Diesel· 90 PS
2014 2018
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
1.0L T-GDI (Kappa II) · Benziner· 101–120 PS Engine Change
2016 2018
Stay Away! 6 weaknesses
2016 2018
Stay Away! 6 weaknesses
1.2L (Kappa) · Benziner· 75–86 PS Engine Change
2014 2018
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2014 2018
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
1.4L (Kappa) · Benziner· 101 PS
2014 2018
Good Choice 5 weaknesses

The Hyundai 1.1L CRDi (3-Zyl) (Diesel, 75 PS) has the D3FA (1.1L CRDi (3-Zyl)) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Hyundai 1.4L CRDi (Diesel, 90 PS) has the D4FC (1.4L CRDi) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Hyundai 1.0L T-GDI (Kappa II) (Benziner, 101–120 PS) comes with 2 different engines: G3LC (2016–2018, Stay Away!) und G3LC (2016–2018, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.0L T-GDI (Kappa II)!

The Hyundai 1.2L (Kappa) (Benziner, 75–86 PS) comes with 2 different engines: G4LA (2014–2018, Be Careful) und G4LA (2014–2018, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.2L (Kappa)!

The Hyundai 1.4L (Kappa) (Benziner, 101 PS) has the G4LC (1.4L (Kappa)) — rated: "Good Choice", 5 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Headlight and tail light failures

Inspection flags low-beam headlights, rear lights and indicators on the i20 GB regularly. Bulb failures, connector corrosion and deteriorating headlight seals are typical weak points.

Symptoms: Headlight or rear light out, indicator sound changes (rapid flashing), inspection defects
from 60,000 km
Low
iDoor mirrors creak

Like its predecessor, the electric door mirrors creak when adjusting or folding. A typical i20 recurring issue due to plastic play in the mirror housing.

Symptoms: Creaking when folding or electrically adjusting the mirrors
from 50,000 km
Low
iLighting and indicators faulty

Low-beam, rear lighting and indicators are flagged more than average at inspection. Bulb failures and incorrectly aimed headlights occur regularly.

Symptoms: Indicator or rear light failure, headlight dazzles oncoming traffic
from 70,000 km
Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
368 complaints · 2014–2020
Engine
120 ⚠ 1
Airbags
91 ⚠ 27
Electrical
54 ⚠ 1
Other
51 ⚠ 3
Brakes
50 ⚠ 2

Top Reported Issues

Engine (120 complaints)
Airbags (91 complaints)
Electrical (54 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 38 weaknesses have been documented for the Hyundai i20 GB (2014–2020) — 26 engine-related and 12 vehicle-related. One problem engine: G3LC (1.0L T-GDI (Kappa II)). Typical issues affect Electronics, Suspension, Gearbox, Brakes. Considered reliable: G4LC (1.4L (Kappa)).

i20 (D3FA, 2014–2018) — Be Careful: DPF clogging, Turbocharger — premature wear on small diesel, Injector wear — small diesel. Power: 75 PS.

i20 (D4FC, 2014–2018) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch at high mileage, Injector seal blow-by clogs oil circuit, Turbo failure from oil starvation after blocked oil strainer. Power: 90 PS.

i20 (G4LA, 2014–2018) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Sensitivity in Small-Displacement Engine, Intake Valve Carbon Buildup T-GDi, Timing Chain Tensioner Wear. Power: 84–86 PS.

i20 (G4LA, 2014–2018) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Sensitivity in Small-Displacement Engine, Intake Valve Carbon Buildup T-GDi, Timing Chain Tensioner Wear. Power: 75 PS.

i20 (G3LC, 2016–2018) — Stay Away!: Turbocharger sensitivity on small displacement, Timing chain tensioner Kappa T-GDi, Timing chain stretches prematurely. Power: 101 PS.

i20 (G3LC, 2016–2018) — Stay Away!: Turbocharger sensitivity on small displacement, Timing chain tensioner Kappa T-GDi, Timing chain stretches prematurely. Power: 120 PS.

i20 (G4LA, 2018–2020) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Sensitivity in Small-Displacement Engine, Intake Valve Carbon Buildup T-GDi, Timing Chain Tensioner Wear. Power: 84 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 GB have? +
The Hyundai i20 GB has 26 known engine weaknesses and 12 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Hyundai i20 GB? +
faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: G4LC (1.4L (Kappa)). The most reliable engine is the G4LC (1.4L (Kappa)) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the G3LC (1.0L T-GDI (Kappa II)). Problem engine: G3LC (1.0L T-GDI (Kappa II)) — stay away!
Which Hyundai i20 GB engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Hyundai i20 GB. 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 GB engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Hyundai i20 GB — rated: "Decent". {description} The i20 GB drives fine without leaving any impression. Reliable, well-screwed-together, forgettable.
Is the Hyundai i20 GB worth buying used? +
The Hyundai i20 GB requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Hyundai i20 GB? +
The Hyundai i20 GB is available with engine variants from 75 to 120 hp. Petrol: G4LA (1.2L (Kappa)), G3LC (1.0L T-GDI (Kappa II)), G4LC (1.4L (Kappa)). Diesel: D3FA (1.1L CRDi (3-Zyl)), D4FC (1.4L CRDi).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee