2012 Hyundai IX20 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Hyundai IX20 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Hyundai IX20 diesel than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Track rod ends5× usual
  Hyundai IX20

  21.7% All 2012 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 13.8%, against 2.2% of all 2012 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 cover3.8× usual
  Hyundai IX20

  9.2% All 2012 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.1% of all 2012 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 lights2.4× usual
  Hyundai IX20

  8.7% All 2012 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.5%, against 2.9% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Handbrake performance8× usual
  Hyundai IX20

  5.6% All 2012 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 0.7% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull the handbrake on a slope. It should hold the car within a few clicks.

Common 2012 Hyundai IX20 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Hyundai IX20 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  48% 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
  43% 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
  33% 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
  31% 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
  9% 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 2012 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 2012 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 5× as often on the 2012 Hyundai IX20 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 2012 Hyundai IX20 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the brake lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2012 Hyundai IX20 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?