Hyundai i20
Hyundai's tiniest diesel — three cylinders, barely any power reserve, and a sound that takes getting used to. Cheap to run though.
Sensible and forgettable
The i20 GB drives fine without leaving any impression. Reliable, well-screwed-together, forgettable.
Engine Weaknesses 5
Small diesel 1.4 CRDi with mandatory DPF: short trips prevent regeneration. Engine designed for motorway use; unsuitable as a city car due to frequent DPF problems.
Symptoms: DPF warning light, engine limp mode, power loss, increased fuel consumption.
The small turbo of the D3FA runs at very high speeds and is prone to bearing wear with irregular oil changes. Turbo failures on the 1.1L are economically problematic given the engine size vs. repair cost ratio.
Symptoms: Whistling or rattling turbo noise; oil consumption from turbo; power loss; blue smoke plume.
Common-rail injectors in the D3FA wear prematurely due to sulphur-rich fuel and high pressures. Repair costs are disproportionately high relative to vehicle value.
Symptoms: Rough idle; cold start problems; increased fuel consumption; black smoke on acceleration.
The small three-cylinder diesel D3FA is sensitive to coolant loss and can overheat quickly if the thermostat fails. Cylinder head damage is the costly consequence.
Symptoms: Temperature gauge rises into the red; coolant smell; engine power drops; white smoke possible.
The 1.1L three-cylinder diesel D3FA is heavily prone to EGR fouling, especially during short-trip operation. Hyundai has carried out recall campaigns on related CRDi engines for EGR problems.
Symptoms: Check engine light; limp mode; poor throttle response; rough part-throttle running.
Vehicle Weaknesses 10
The i20 GB clutch wears prematurely in city use. With spirited driving or frequent stop-and-go, a shorter service life is to be expected. Clutch slip and judder are typical symptoms.
Rear drum brakes or disc brakes seize on the i20 GB in city-heavy use as they are rarely loaded hard. Inspection reports regularly flag rear brake performance.
Rust forms under the tailgate rubber seals because moisture is trapped there. Typical Hyundai weak point of this generation. Early detection and sealing recommended.
Owners of the i20 GB report uneven tyre wear that can indicate incorrect toe or camber settings.
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.
Rear brakes are barely used in city traffic and can seize as a result. Brake discs and pads can wear prematurely after only 30,000–40,000 km.
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.
Door mirrors on the i20 GB produce creaking and squeaking noises when driving, especially at low temperatures. The cause is plastic clips and rubber seals that become brittle with age.
Low-beam, rear lighting and indicators are flagged more than average at inspection. Bulb failures and incorrectly aimed headlights occur regularly.
Seat upholstery develops waves over time. Door mirrors creak with temperature fluctuations. Screen washer nozzle position is poorly placed.
Reports & Tests
368 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2014–2020). Most reported: Engine (120), Airbags (91), Electrical (54).