2007 Hyundai i30 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Hyundai i30 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Hyundai i30 diesel than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Anti-roll bar link joints4.1× usual
  Hyundai i30

  17.8% All 2007 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.4%, against 1.6% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Braking performance2.9× usual
  Hyundai i30

  19.1% All 2007 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.6%, against 2.7% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Track rod ends3.2× usual
  Hyundai i30

  17.5% All 2007 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10%, against 2.5% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Ball joint2.8× usual
  Hyundai i30

  17.4% All 2007 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.8%, against 3.1% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Brake pads2× usual
  Hyundai i30

  17.8% All 2007 cars

  8.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 2.2% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

Common 2007 Hyundai i30 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 Hyundai i30 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  64% 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
  52% 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.

• 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.

• Tyres
  35% 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.

• Steering
  13% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Known faults on the 2007 Hyundai i30 diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Faulty tyre pressure sensors

  Cars with tyre sensors

  Tyre pressure sensors can wrongly warn that a tyre is over-inflated.

  At the viewing: Check the tyre pressures yourself if a warning shows.

  Source: What Car?: used Hyundai i30 (2007-2012) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2007 Hyundai i30 diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.1× as often on the 2007 Hyundai i30 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2007 Hyundai i30 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2007 Hyundai i30 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?