Small car · 2009–2020 cars
Hyundai ix20 reliability
The Hyundai ix20 fails 26.9% of first MOT tests, 24% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 88,986 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Hyundai ix20 before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 26.9%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 24% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 88,986
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 5,500
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
MOT fail rate by age
How the Hyundai ix20 ages
Each point is the share of Hyundai ix20s of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Hyundai ix20 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 11.5% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 10.4% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 13% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 15.9% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 19.7% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 27% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 34.4% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 39.2% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 41.5% | 34.6% |
| 12 | 43.8% | 37.3% |
| 13 | 45.3% | 39.5% |
By year
The best and worst Hyundai ix20 years
2018 cars come out best and 2013 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 ix20 | 3,814 | 10.3% | 2% fewer fails | 18,059 |
| 2018 ix20 | 6,911 | 10.7% | 9% fewer fails | 21,448 |
| 2017 ix20 | 12,254 | 14% | 2% fewer fails | 27,442 |
| 2016 ix20 | 11,249 | 18.2% | 7% more fails | 34,858 |
| 2015 ix20 | 10,078 | 21.3% | 8% more fails | 39,822 |
| 2014 ix20 | 10,833 | 30.8% | 35% more fails | 45,787 |
| 2013 ix20 | 10,590 | 38.1% | 44% more fails | 54,420 |
| 2012 ix20 | 10,952 | 41.3% | 40% more fails | 61,149 |
| 2011 ix20 | 11,042 | 41.4% | 27% more fails | 67,250 |
| 2010 ix20 | 1,074 | 42.1% | 16% more fails | 80,288 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Hyundai ix20
Its weak spot is steering: 375% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics11%52% above avg
- Brakes9.8%126% above avg
- Steering5.3%375% above avg
- Suspension4.6%22% below avg
- Tyres4.5%13% below avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.2%12% above avg
- Body, chassis and structure0.9%48% below avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.7%56% below avg
- Seat belts and airbags0.4%14% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 4.33% of tests
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
- 2
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 3.7% of tests
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
- 3
Stop lamp not working 3.51% of tests
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
- 4
Position lamp not working 2.82% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 5
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.6% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 6
Parking brake inoperative on one side 2.26% of tests
The parking brake does not work on one side, so the car may not hold on a slope and needs repair.
- 7
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.76% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 8
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.36% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Hyundai ix20's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit11.98%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking9.34%
- Brake pads wearing thin9.33%
- Brake disc pitted or scored6.75%
- Brake discs showing some wear2.54%
- Track rod ball joint slight play2.52%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Hyundai ix20
- 1
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
- 2
Parking brake efficiency below minimum
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
- 3
Stop lamp not working
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
- 4
Position lamp not working
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Hyundai ix20 covers about 5,500 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Petrol86.6%
- Diesel13.4%
Most common colours
White, Blue, Grey, Silver, Red
Average engine size: 1.5 litres.
Compare
How the Hyundai ix20 compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| MINI Clubman | 16.1% | 12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Suzuki Ignis | 23.5% | 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Alfa Romeo Mito | 36.9% | 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mitsubishi Colt | 44.8% | 18% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Hyundai Getz | 46.2% | 18% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Hyundai ix20 | 26.9% | 24% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| DS3 | 29.1% | 59% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every small car ranked in the small car reliability index, or all Hyundai models.
Questions
Hyundai ix20 questions, answered
Is the Hyundai ix20 reliable?
On MOT results, the Hyundai ix20 is below average: it fails 26.9% of first MOT tests, 24% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 44 of 63 small car models in our index.
What fails most on a Hyundai ix20 MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Hyundai ix20 are track rod end ball joint excessively worn (4.33% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (3.7% of tests), stop lamp not working (3.51% of tests). By area, lights and electrics fails 11% of its tests.
Which Hyundai ix20 year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2018 cars do best (9% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2013 cars do worst (44% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Hyundai ix20 do a year?
A typical Hyundai ix20 covers about 5,500 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Hyundai ix20 before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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