2020 Hyundai i30 diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Hyundai i30 first registered in 2020 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 469 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 469 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2020 Hyundai i30 diesel?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2020 Hyundai i30 diesel than on all cars registered in 2020.
- Brake discs2× usualHyundai i3014.9% All 2020 cars7.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.4% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.
Common 2020 Hyundai i30 diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2020 Hyundai i30 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres25% 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.
- Brakes20% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors9% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Suspension6% 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.
- Lights and electrics6% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks2% 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.
Known faults on the 2020 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.
- Some cars
Sunroof and tyre pressure recalls
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 2020 Hyundai i30 diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2020 Hyundai i30 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Hyundai i30?
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 i30 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 1,099 | Tyres 22% |
| 2021 | 2,559 | Tyres 25% |
| 2019 | 12,296 | Tyres 28% |
| 2018 | 21,882 | Tyres 32% |
| 2017 | 20,184 | Tyres 31% |
| 2016 | 28,418 | Tyres 32% |
| 2015 | 40,671 | Tyres 33% |
| 2014 | 29,347 | Brakes 34% |
| 2013 | 31,163 | Suspension 38% |
| 2012 | 26,160 | Suspension 44% |
| 2011 | 26,551 | Suspension 43% |
| 2010 | 30,484 | Suspension 52% |
| 2009 | 25,512 | Suspension 54% |
| 2008 | 7,330 | Suspension 60% |
| 2007 | 2,518 | Suspension 59% |
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 i30 cars first registered in 2020. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score