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Hyundai · Supermini · 2009–2014

Hyundai i20 PB

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.7 / 5.0 · Based on 6 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

95–136 PS

1.6L CRDi Diesel

Dependable daily, zero thrills

Decent
Problem Engine

90–101 PS

1.4L (Gamma) Benzin

7 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations


Engine Overview

The Hyundai i20 PB is available with 5 engine variants — from 75 to 136 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.4L CRDi · Diesel· 75–90 PS Engine Change
2010 2012
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2010 2012
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
1.6L CRDi · Diesel· 116–128 PS Engine Change
2009 2012
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2010 2012
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
1.2L (Kappa) · Benziner· 77 PS
2009 2012
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
1.4L (Gamma) · Benziner· 101 PS
2009 2012
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
1.6L (Gamma) · Benziner· 126 PS
2009 2010
Be Careful 5 weaknesses

The Hyundai 1.4L CRDi (Diesel, 75–90 PS) comes with 2 different engines: D4FC (2010–2012, Be Careful) und D4FC (2010–2012, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.4L CRDi!

The Hyundai 1.6L CRDi (Diesel, 116–128 PS) comes with 2 different engines: D4FB (2009–2012, Be Careful) und D4FB (2010–2012, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.6L CRDi!

The Hyundai 1.2L (Kappa) (Benziner, 77 PS) has the G4LA (1.2L (Kappa)) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Hyundai 1.4L (Gamma) (Benziner, 101 PS) has the G4FA (1.4L (Gamma)) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.

The Hyundai 1.6L (Gamma) (Benziner, 126 PS) has the G4FC (1.6L (Gamma)) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
iSeat upholstery worn prematurely

The seat upholstery on the i20 PB shows wear ripples early from getting in and out. The fabric loses its shape relatively quickly, especially on the driver's seat.

Symptoms: Waves and creases in seat upholstery, misshapen driver's seat
from 50,000 km
Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
593 complaints · 2009–2014
Brakes
143 ⚠ 8
Engine
109
Airbags
86 ⚠ 42
Electrical
76 ⚠ 2
Hydraulic
57

Top Reported Issues

Brakes (143 complaints)
Engine (109 complaints)
Airbags (86 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 45 weaknesses have been documented for the Hyundai i20 PB (2009–2014) — 33 engine-related and 12 vehicle-related. One problem engine: G4FA (1.4L (Gamma)). Typical issues affect Interior, Electronics, Suspension, Steering.

i20 (D4FB, 2009–2012) — Be Careful: EGR cooler coolant leak, VGT turbocharger premature failure, Timing chain stretch. Power: 116 PS.

i20 (D4FC, 2010–2012) — 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: 75 PS.

i20 (D4FC, 2010–2012) — 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 (D4FB, 2010–2012) — Be Careful: EGR cooler coolant leak, VGT turbocharger premature failure, Timing chain stretch. Power: 128 PS.

i20 (D3FA, 2012–2014) — Be Careful: DPF clogging, Turbocharger — premature wear on small diesel, Injector wear — small diesel. Power: 75 PS.

i20 (G4LA, 2009–2012) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Sensitivity in Small-Displacement Engine, Intake Valve Carbon Buildup T-GDi, Timing Chain Tensioner Wear. Power: 77 PS.

i20 (G4FA, 2009–2012) — Stay Away!: Timing chain tensioner failure, Timing chain guide rail wears, Timing chain jumps. Power: 101 PS.

i20 (G4FC, 2009–2010) — Be Careful: Timing chain tensioner wear, Elevated oil consumption, Valve stem seals: oil consumption. Power: 126 PS.

i20 (G4LA, 2012–2014) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Sensitivity in Small-Displacement Engine, Intake Valve Carbon Buildup T-GDi, Timing Chain Tensioner Wear. Power: 84–86 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 PB have? +
The Hyundai i20 PB has 33 known engine weaknesses and 12 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Hyundai i20 PB? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: G4LA (1.2L (Kappa)), G4FC (1.6L (Gamma)), D3FA (1.1L CRDi (3-Zyl)), D4FC (1.4L CRDi), D4FB (1.6L CRDi). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the D4FB (1.6L CRDi). Problem engine: G4FA (1.4L (Gamma)) — stay away!
Which Hyundai i20 PB engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Hyundai i20 PB — rated: "Decent". {description} The i20 PB handles well enough but has zero emotional content. Solid, not stirring.
Is the Hyundai i20 PB worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Hyundai i20 PB — 1 of 6 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Hyundai i20 PB? +
The Hyundai i20 PB is available with engine variants from 75 to 136 hp. Petrol: G4LA (1.2L (Kappa)), G4FA (1.4L (Gamma)), G4FC (1.6L (Gamma)). Diesel: D3FA (1.1L CRDi (3-Zyl)), D4FC (1.4L CRDi), D4FB (1.6L CRDi).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee