2011 Hyundai IX20 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Hyundai IX20 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Hyundai IX20 diesel than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Track rod ends4.5× usual
  Hyundai IX20

  21.1% All 2011 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 13.5%, against 2.4% of all 2011 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 joint dust cover3.4× usual
  Hyundai IX20

  9.3% All 2011 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.2% of all 2011 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.

• Diesel smoke emissions10× usual
  Hyundai IX20

  6% All 2011 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 0.5% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Number plate lights1.8× usual
  Hyundai IX20

  13.2% All 2011 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 2.2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

Common 2011 Hyundai IX20 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Hyundai IX20 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  49% 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
  44% 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
  37% 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
  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
  10% 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
  9% 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 2011 Hyundai IX20 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.

• Handbrake recall (cars to 2012)

  Cars to 2012

  Water could corrode the rear calipers so the handbrake wouldn't hold on a hill. Just under 6,000 cars were recalled in October 2012. Few other faults are reported.

  At the viewing: Test the handbrake on a slope, and ask whether the recall was done.

  Source: CarGurus UK: Hyundai ix20 (2010-2019) review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 Hyundai IX20 diesel

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

1. Has the handbrake recall been done?
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 4.5× as often on the 2011 Hyundai IX20 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2011 Hyundai IX20 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the diesel smoke emissions? (Flagged at MOT 10× as often on the 2011 Hyundai IX20 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?