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Hyundai i30 Mk2 (GD) (2012-2016) reliability

At a glance

Hyundai i30 Mk2 (GD) built around 2016: more dangerous faults than average

Testers find a dangerous fault on Hyundai i30 Mk2 (GD) models built around 2016 more often than on similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Looking at a Hyundai i30 Mk2 (GD) right now?

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

Key figure

7% of MOT tests on Hyundai i30 Mk2 (GD) models built around 2016 found a fault the tester marked as dangerous, against 5% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Hyundai i30 Mk2 (GD) models built around 2016 involves the tyres.

Hyundai i30 Mk2 (GD)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2012-2016HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 70,645 tests of i30 models registered 2012-2016.

About 1 in 25 i30 Mk2 (GD) MOTs (4.2%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2016 (9 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 15,656 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 15 i30 Mk2 (GD) MOTs (7.5%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2016 (9 years old).

Based on 15,656 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk2 (GD) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
4,59524.6%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
15,65624.2%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
15,93525.9%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
13,83529.1%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
13,87030.5%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
6,75431.9%

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 i30 Mk2 (GD) compares

At each age below, see how the i30 Mk2 (GD) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 95,771 tests across 10 Hyundai models, built around 2016 (9 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateHyundai average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
4,59524.6%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
15,65624.2%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
15,93525.9%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
13,83529.1%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
13,87030.5%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
6,75431.9%

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.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

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.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

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 i30 Mk2 (GD).

  1. 1

    Suzuki Celerio

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2%
    Dangerous
    3.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.5%

    Lower fail rate: 15.9%, against 24.2% for the Hyundai i30 Mk2 (GD), both built around 2016.

    9,155 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  2. 2

    Toyota Aygo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.9%
    Dangerous
    4.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96%

    Lower fail rate: 15.6%, against 24.2% for the Hyundai i30 Mk2 (GD), both built around 2016.

    27,136 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  3. 3

    Suzuki Swift

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.1%
    Dangerous
    3.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95%

    Lower fail rate: 19.6%, against 24.2% for the Hyundai i30 Mk2 (GD), both built around 2016.

    14,361 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  4. 4

    Peugeot 108

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.5%
    Dangerous
    5.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.5%

    Lower fail rate: 17.3%, against 24.2% for the Hyundai i30 Mk2 (GD), both built around 2016.

    21,687 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

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

90%of all Hyundai i30 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

13 recalls in all

2 of the 13 i30 Mk2 (GD) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 1 more

Top concerns

  • The air bag may deploy prematurely
  • Parking brake may not release fully

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

How i30 Mk2 (GD) cars have aged

How i30 Mk2 (GD) 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%5791113Age at MOTBuilt around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 17.5% (8,215 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 18.1% (7,955 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 20.2% (8,016 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 23.1% (8,044 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 23.6% (7,870 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 18.8% (11,047 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 20.5% (10,865 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 22.4% (10,668 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 23.9% (10,473 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 24.9% (10,190 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 22.5% (7,940 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 25.6% (8,199 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (8,107 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (7,953 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (7,689 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (9,188 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (9,150 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (9,049 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 30.1% (8,906 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (8,432 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (7,733 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 29.6% (7,608 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 30.9% (7,386 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 31.2% (7,057 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (6,754 tests, 2025 data)2012
First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2013
Mk2 (GD) variants compared

i30 Mk2 (GD) variants built around 2016

The fail rate for each i30 Mk2 (GD) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • I3024.9%10,482 tests

Petrol

  • I3022.7%5,168 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Hyundai i30 models of this age

This list covers every Hyundai i30 built around 2016, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 (GD) 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

    22.6%
    Advisory: 4,907Fail: 549 (10% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    12.3%
    Advisory: 2,358Fail: 634 (21% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    11.0%
    Advisory: 2,270Fail: 59 (3% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    10.8%
    Advisory: 1,740Fail: 339 (16% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    10.4%
    Advisory: 2,008Fail: 370 (16% of the times it was found)

Based on 15,656 tests

Looking at a Hyundai i30 Mk2 (GD) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2016 (9 years old), the Hyundai i30 Mk2 (GD) (2012-2016) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 15,656 9-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 70,645 MOT tests on Hyundai i30 models first registered between 2012-2016. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.