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Hyundai i20 Mk1 (PB) (2009-2013) reliability

At a glance

Hyundai i20 Mk1 (PB) built around 2013: about average at the MOT

Hyundai i20 Mk1 (PB) models built around 2013 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Hyundai i20 Mk1 (PB) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

29% of MOT tests on Hyundai i20 Mk1 (PB) models built around 2013 ended in a fail (retests included), against 28% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Hyundai i20 Mk1 (PB) models built around 2013 involves the brakes.

Hyundai i20 Mk1 (PB)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2009-2013HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 66,108 tests of i20 models registered 2009-2013.

About 1 in 20 i20 Mk1 (PB) MOTs (5.8%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2013 (12 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 15,775 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 20 i20 Mk1 (PB) MOTs (5.1%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2013 (12 years old).

Based on 15,775 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 (PB) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
7,15828.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
15,77529.4%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
12,12130.3%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
11,69429.3%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
13,51130.2%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
5,84930.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 13 years old.

How the i20 Mk1 (PB) compares

At each age below, see how the i20 Mk1 (PB) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 84,693 tests across 9 Hyundai models, built around 2013 (12 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateHyundai average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
7,15828.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
15,77529.4%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
12,12130.3%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
11,69429.3%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
13,51130.2%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
5,84930.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the i20 Mk1 (PB).

  1. 1

    Toyota IQ

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.6%
    Dangerous
    3.6%

    Lower fail rate: 19.1%, against 29.4% for the Hyundai i20 Mk1 (PB), both built around 2013.

    2,112 MOT tests on cars built around 2013

  2. 2

    Volkswagen up!

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96.7%

    Lower fail rate: 19.8%, against 29.4% for the Hyundai i20 Mk1 (PB), both built around 2013.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    23,597 MOT tests on cars built around 2013

  3. 3

    Skoda Citigo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    20%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.9%
    Dangerous
    3.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96.2%

    Lower fail rate: 20.0%, against 29.4% for the Hyundai i20 Mk1 (PB), both built around 2013.

    7,522 MOT tests on cars built around 2013

  4. 4

    SEAT Mii

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.7%
    Dangerous
    4.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.4%

    Lower fail rate: 23.0%, against 29.4% for the Hyundai i20 Mk1 (PB), both built around 2013.

    3,944 MOT tests on cars built around 2013

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

94%of all Hyundai i20 cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

3 recalls in all

No recall notices match this build period.

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How i20 Mk1 (PB) cars have aged

How i20 Mk1 (PB) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%810121416Age at MOTBuilt around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 22.9% (10,505 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.3% (10,551 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 27.4% (10,413 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (9,992 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (9,750 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (7,922 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (7,908 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (7,514 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.8% (7,399 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (6,937 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 25.8% (8,782 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (8,569 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (8,299 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.5% (7,974 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (7,335 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (9,840 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (9,580 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (9,193 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 29.6% (8,496 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (7,635 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.6% (8,079 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.3% (7,591 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (7,136 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (6,476 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (5,849 tests, 2025 data)2009
First registered around 2013First registered around 2012First registered around 2011First registered around 2010
Mk1 (PB) variants compared

i20 Mk1 (PB) variants built around 2013

The fail rate for each i20 Mk1 (PB) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • I2029.3%14,966 tests

Diesel

  • I2031.3%802 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Hyundai i20 models of this age

This list covers every Hyundai i20 built around 2013, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (PB) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    18.1%
    Advisory: 3,882Fail: 261 (6% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    17.4%
    Advisory: 4,560Fail: 548 (11% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    14.6%
    Advisory: 3,066Fail: 320 (9% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    11.2%
    Advisory: 1,569Fail: 647 (29% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    10.1%
    Advisory: 1,730Fail: 263 (13% of the times it was found)

Based on 15,775 tests

Looking at a Hyundai i20 Mk1 (PB) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2013 (12 years old), the Hyundai i20 Mk1 (PB) (2009-2013) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 15,775 12-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 66,108 MOT tests on Hyundai i20 models first registered between 2009-2013. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.