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2018 Hyundai i20 problems

A 2018 Hyundai i20 is now 8 years old, so an average example has covered around 108,000 miles. A mid-run car · most launch faults had been addressed by this point, and wear items are the main risk at this age. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2018 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.

Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team

Quick answer

The 2018 Hyundai i20 is 8 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 108,000 miles. At that mileage 5 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.

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Faults a 2018 example has usually reached

Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~108k miles an average 2018 car has covered.

EngineMedium

1.0 T-GDi carbon build-up and misfire

Typically appears
70,000+ miles
What to inspect
Check idle quality and engine light history
SuspensionLow

Front drop links knocking

Typically appears
60,000+ miles
What to inspect
Listen over speed bumps
SteeringMedium

Clicking or clunking noise from the steering column

Typically appears
40,000-70,000 miles
What to inspect
With the engine running and the vehicle stationary, rock the steering wheel rapidly left and right. Listen for a distinct clunking sound indicating a worn EPS flexible coupling.
EngineHigh

Metallic rattling on cold start (1.2 MPI Kappa engine)

Typically appears
60,000-80,000 miles
What to inspect
Open the bonnet and perform a completely cold start. Listen closely to the right-hand side of the engine for a sharp metallic rattle that lasts 3-5 seconds, indicating timing chain stretch.
Hybrid SystemMedium

Whining or belt squeal during start-stop operation (Mk3 48V MHEV)

Typically appears
30,000-50,000 miles
What to inspect
Start the engine, engage Eco mode, and trigger a stop-start cycle. Listen for belt slip or bearing whine from the Belt Starter Generator (alternator area) when the engine restarts.

Faults that appear at any mileage

Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.

ElectricalLow

Infotainment, Bluetooth and camera faults

Typically appears
Age-related
What to inspect
Test full infotainment functionality
BrakesLow

Rear disc corrosion on low-mileage cars

Typically appears
Age-related
What to inspect
Inspect rear discs for lipping
BodyLow

Tailgate refuses to open

Typically appears
5-8 years
What to inspect
Lock and unlock the vehicle using the central locking fob, then press the exterior rubber release switch on the boot lid to confirm the electronic lock actuator engages and opens smoothly.

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Turn this car's known weak points into a step-by-step viewing plan · what to inspect, what a bad result means and what to ask the seller.

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Hyundai i20 · frequently asked questions

Is the i20 reliable?

Broadly yes, it is a low-drama retail car with good warranty history.

What should I price in?

Rear discs on cars that have stood, and tyres.

Which trim moves?

Premium and Ultimate cars with the larger screen.

Do the engines use a timing belt or a timing chain?

Both the 1.2 MPI four-cylinder and the 1.0 T-GDi three-cylinder engines utilise a timing chain. While designed to be maintenance-free, they are highly sensitive to oil degradation. Ensure the service book shows regular, on-time oil changes to prevent premature chain stretch and costly tensioner failures.

What should I look out for on the Mk3 48V mild-hybrid models?

The Mk3's 48V system uses a Belt Starter Generator and a lithium-ion battery under the boot floor. Check that the start-stop system engages seamlessly without hesitation or belt squeal. Also, ensure the boot floor area is completely dry, as water ingress can permanently damage the expensive 48V battery unit.

Which automatic transmission is fitted, and are they problematic?

Mk2 1.4 models use a traditional, robust four-speed torque converter. Later Mk2 and Mk3 1.0 T-GDi models feature a seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission. The DCT can exhibit slight hesitation at low speeds, but aggressive juddering when pulling away indicates worn clutch packs requiring an expensive replacement.

Other i20 model years

202520212014

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