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Hyundai · Compact · 2007–2012

Hyundai i30 FD

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.5 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

136–143 PS

2.0L (Beta II) Benzin

First-gen i30, does the basics

Decent
Problem Engine

90–101 PS

1.4L (Gamma) Benzin

7 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Body Variants

The Hyundai i30 FD is available as Schrägheck and Kombi — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Generations


Engine Overview

The Hyundai i30 FD is available with 4 engine variants — from 90 to 143 hp. 3 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.6L CRDi · Diesel· 90–116 PS Engine Change
2007 2010
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2007 2010
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
1.4L (Gamma) · Benziner· 99–109 PS Engine Change
2007 2010
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
2007 2012
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
1.6L (Gamma) · Benziner· 115–122 PS Engine Change
2007 2010
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2007 2010
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2.0L (Beta II) · Benziner· 143 PS
2007 2010
Be Careful 5 weaknesses

The Hyundai 1.6L CRDi (Diesel, 90–116 PS) comes with 2 different engines: D4FB (2007–2010, Be Careful) und D4FB (2007–2010, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.6L CRDi!

The Hyundai 1.4L (Gamma) (Benziner, 99–109 PS) comes with 2 different engines: G4FA (2007–2010, Stay Away!) und G4FA (2007–2012, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.4L (Gamma)!

The Hyundai 1.6L (Gamma) (Benziner, 115–122 PS) comes with 2 different engines: G4FC (2007–2010, Be Careful) und G4FC (2007–2010, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.6L (Gamma)!

The Hyundai 2.0L (Beta II) (Benziner, 143 PS) has the G4GC (2.0L (Beta II)) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!High defect rate on FD generation

The i30 FD has one of the highest defect rates in its class according to inspection data. Pay particular attention to the bodywork, lighting and brakes.

Symptoms: Various defects at inspection, rust on body panels
from 80,000 km
Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
2,428 complaints · 2007–2012
Steering
621 ⚠ 29
Airbags
391 ⚠ 115
Electrical
328 ⚠ 10
Brakes
306 ⚠ 32
Engine
299 ⚠ 11

Top Reported Issues

Steering (621 complaints)
Airbags (391 complaints)
Electrical (328 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 i30 FD (2007–2012) — 23 engine-related and 15 vehicle-related. One problem engine: G4FA (1.4L (Gamma)). Typical issues affect Body, Rust, Gearbox, Suspension.

i30 (D4FB, 2007–2010) — Be Careful: EGR cooler coolant leak, VGT turbocharger premature failure, Timing chain stretch. Power: 90 PS.

i30 (D4FB, 2007–2010) — Be Careful: EGR cooler coolant leak, VGT turbocharger premature failure, Timing chain stretch. Power: 116 PS.

i30 (D4FB, 2010–2012) — Be Careful: EGR cooler coolant leak, VGT turbocharger premature failure, Timing chain stretch. Power: 110 PS.

i30 (G4FA, 2007–2010) — Stay Away!: Timing chain tensioner failure, Timing chain guide rail wears, Timing chain jumps. Power: 109 PS.

i30 (G4FA, 2007–2012) — Stay Away!: Timing chain tensioner failure, Timing chain guide rail wears, Timing chain jumps. Power: 99 PS.

i30 (G4FC, 2007–2010) — Be Careful: Timing chain tensioner wear, Elevated oil consumption, Valve stem seals: oil consumption. Power: 122 PS.

i30 (G4FC, 2007–2010) — Be Careful: Timing chain tensioner wear, Elevated oil consumption, Valve stem seals: oil consumption. Power: 115 PS.

i30 (G4GC, 2007–2010) — Be Careful: CVVT phaser failure from oil quality, Timing chain stretch from 150,000 km, Oil consumption from piston ring wear. Power: 143 PS.

i30 (G4FC, 2010–2012) — Be Careful: Timing chain tensioner wear, Elevated oil consumption, Valve stem seals: oil consumption. Power: 120–129 PS.

What to watch out for with the Hyundai i30? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Hyundai i30 FD have? +
The Hyundai i30 FD has 23 known engine weaknesses and 15 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Hyundai i30 FD? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: G4FC (1.6L (Gamma)), G4GC (2.0L (Beta II)), D4FB (1.6L CRDi). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the G4GC (2.0L (Beta II)). Problem engine: G4FA (1.4L (Gamma)) — stay away!
Which Hyundai i30 FD engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Hyundai i30 FD — rated: "Decent". {description} The i30 FD is a practical compact that does the basics well. No sporting ambitions, just honest daily-driver qualities.
Is the Hyundai i30 FD worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Hyundai i30 FD — 1 of 4 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Hyundai i30 FD? +
The Hyundai i30 FD is available with engine variants from 90 to 143 hp. Petrol: G4FA (1.4L (Gamma)), G4FC (1.6L (Gamma)), G4GC (2.0L (Beta II)). Diesel: D4FB (1.6L CRDi).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee