IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2018 Hyundai i20 (GB)

The facelift brought a cleaner nose, updated infotainment and more safety kit, but it did not change the main used-buy priorities: steering noises, brakes and town-driven diesel after-treatment still matter.

What changed for 2018

  • •GB facelift reached the UK
  • •Updated infotainment and safety equipment became more common

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Front suspension bushes
  • !Rear brake imbalance
  • !Headlamp aim or bulb faults
3
Known Issues
0
Serious
1
Moderate
2
Minor

All Known Issues

DPF and EGR clogging on 1.1 CRDi

ModerateExhaust & Emissions

The smaller CRDi is economical but dislikes repeated cold starts and school-run use. When regeneration is interrupted too often, DPF and EGR faults quickly follow.

Est. Repair Cost: £180–£900
Warning Signs:

DPF or engine warning light, Cooling fan running after shutdown, Flat performance, Frequent regeneration attempts

What to Inspect:
  • Ask about typical trip length
  • Look for recent EGR, DPF or injector work
  • Check exhaust smoke and idle quality from cold
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

EPS flex-coupling and steering-column knock

MinorSteering

The electric power-steering motor coupling can wear and produce a distinct knock or graunch through the wheel, especially at low speed or when shuffling into parking spaces.

Est. Repair Cost: £100–£240
Warning Signs:

Knock through steering wheel, Noise when rocking wheel left and right, Feels worse when parking

What to Inspect:
  • Turn the wheel gently off-centre while stationary
  • Drive slowly over rough surfaces
  • Check for replacement-coupling history
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Air-conditioning condenser leaks

MinorCooling System

Stone damage and corrosion at the front condenser are common enough to turn a seemingly tidy i20 into an air-con repair bill, particularly on motorway-used cars.

Est. Repair Cost: £220–£420
Warning Signs:

Weak air conditioning, Compressor cycles but cabin stays warm, Recent regas that did not last

What to Inspect:
  • AC output on a warm day
  • Condenser fins for stone damage
  • Pipe unions for oily residue
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2018 Hyundai i20 (GB)

  • A tidy GB should feel refined rather than flimsy, so knocks from the steering or front suspension are worth pricing properly
  • The 1.2 petrol is the safest ownership bet; diesel cars only make sense if they have covered enough A-road or motorway miles
  • Check air conditioning and radiator area carefully because the nose is exposed to stone damage
  • Use the MOT record to spot repeat advisories for front bushes, brake imbalance or weak headlamp output
2015–20172019–2020
Check a 2018 Hyundai i20 (GB) by Registration