2012 Hyundai i20: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Hyundai i20s, from 9,308 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2012 Hyundai i20s than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Rigid brake pipes3.1× usualHyundai i2017.3% All 2012 cars5.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.
- Ball joint dust cover4.4× usualHyundai i2012.7% All 2012 cars2.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 1.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Number plate lights1.6× usualHyundai i2011.6% All 2012 cars7.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 2.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £5–£40 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
- Sidelights1.9× usualHyundai i209.3% All 2012 cars5%
Failed outright at MOT: 9%, against 4.4% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Braking performance1.6× usualHyundai i208% All 2012 cars4.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 3.4% here, against 10.1% of all 2012 cars. Exhaust system: 2% here, against 5.5% of all 2012 cars.
By area
The share of 2012 Hyundai i20 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes39% 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.
- Suspension39% 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.
- Tyres32% 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.
- Lights and electrics32% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors10% 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 leaks7% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 4,409 | Tyres 20% |
| 2021 | 3,794 | Tyres 22% |
| 2020 | 4,034 | Tyres 26% |
| 2019 | 7,397 | Tyres 28% |
| 2018 | 8,678 | Tyres 28% |
| 2017 | 11,709 | Tyres 28% |
| 2016 | 13,780 | Tyres 28% |
| 2015 | 12,739 | Tyres 28% |
| 2014 | 12,870 | Brakes 32% |
| 2013 | 12,239 | Brakes 36% |
| 2011 | 9,062 | Brakes 46% |
| 2010 | 8,820 | Brakes 45% |
| 2009 | 8,391 | Brakes 43% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2012 Hyundai i20s registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score