Used car guide

2008 Hyundai i20: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Hyundai i20 first registered in 2008: we looked at the 270 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 270 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

270MOTs of 2008 cars, done in 2023–2025
62%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)
5,600typical miles a year
41%had lights and electrics flagged

Common 2008 Hyundai i20 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Hyundai i20 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Lights and electrics
    41% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Suspension
    37% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Brakes
    36% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Tyres
    33% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    12% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    6% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Hyundai i20

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Hyundai i20?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Hyundai i20 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
2023203Tyres 14%
20224,593Tyres 20%
20217,566Tyres 19%
202012,036Tyres 18%
201921,932Tyres 25%
201825,722Tyres 27%
201734,821Tyres 28%
201641,071Tyres 28%
201538,149Tyres 28%
201438,819Brakes 30%
201337,204Brakes 34%
201228,676Brakes 37%
201128,625Brakes 44%
201028,485Brakes 44%
200927,469Brakes 42%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Hyundai i20 cars first registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score