Hyundai i20 (PB) Common Problems & Reliability
The first UK i20 is a straightforward, honest supermini that usually ages better than period Corsas or Fiestas. Most trouble is wear-and-tear rather than design disaster, but neglected cars still bring steering noise, tired front suspension and diesel emissions headaches.
Select a Model Year Period
Detailed fault breakdown, symptoms, and estimated repair bills by production year.
Most Common Hyundai i20 (PB) Faults & Repair Costs
EPS coupling knock on later cars
Later PB cars can develop the familiar Hyundai steering-column knock as the electric power-steering coupling wears, usually most obvious during parking or tight urban manoeuvres.
Knock through the steering wheel, Graunch or clack at parking speed, Slightly rubbery feel off centre
- Rock the wheel gently left-right while stationary
- Drive slowly over rough side streets
- Check for invoices mentioning steering coupling replacement
DPF and EGR clogging on 1.4 CRDi
The diesel suits motorway use, but repeated short trips clog the EGR and DPF, leading to limp mode, poor economy and expensive catch-up work on cheap town cars.
DPF or engine warning light, Cooling fan running after shutdown, Flat performance, Frequent regeneration attempts
- Ask how the car is used day to day
- Look for EGR, DPF or injector invoices
- Watch for smoke or uneven idle from cold
Front springs, bushes and drop links wearing out
Age and rough UK roads catch the PB at the front axle. Broken spring ends, worn lower-arm bushes and noisy drop links are far more common than serious engine trouble.
Clonk over potholes, Uneven front tyre wear, Car sitting slightly low at one corner
- Inspect the lower coils of the front springs
- Listen over speed bumps with windows down
- Read MOT history for repeat front suspension advisories
Buying a used Hyundai i20 (PB)? Always check for hidden finance and write-off history.
Mechanical problems are only half the battle. Over 1 in 3 UK used cars checked have unpaid finance or accident write-off records that could cause you to lose the car or thousands in value.