2017 Hyundai i30 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Hyundai i30 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2017 Hyundai i30 diesel than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Braking performance2.3× usual
  Hyundai i30

  3.9% All 2017 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.5% of all 2017 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.

• Headlights2× usual
  Hyundai i30

  2.2% All 2017 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

Common 2017 Hyundai i30 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Hyundai i30 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  32% 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.

• Brakes
  26% 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
  9% 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
  8% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  3% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2017 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.

• Sunroof and tyre pressure recalls

  Some cars

  A few cars built Sept to Oct 2018 were recalled for the sunroof anti-trap sensor, and cars built June 2020 to Sept 2021 for tyre pressure monitoring software.

  At the viewing: Ask a Hyundai dealer to confirm any recalls were done.

  Source: Auto Express: used Hyundai i30 (Mk3, 2017 on) review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 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 braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2017 Hyundai i30 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2017 Hyundai i30 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?