Hyundai

Hyundai I20 (2018)

8,662 real MOT outcomes analysed • 90.3% first-time pass rate

2018 Hyundai I20

CarHunch analysed 8,662 real MOT records for the 2018 Hyundai I20. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2018 Hyundai i20 is a reliable performer, with a first-time MOT pass rate of 90.3% that sits meaningfully above the UK average of 80%—this is a car that tends to stay in decent working order. The dangerous defect rate of 14.2% is low enough that it shouldn't deter buyers, though it's worth checking the specific failure history of any individual example you're considering.

At a median mileage of 30,045 miles for a six-year-old car, these vehicles have been run relatively gently, which explains the strong pass rates and low failure count of just 0.65 per vehicle. When failures do occur, they're typically minor; the average of 4.3 advisories per test suggests routine wear items like brakes and bulbs rather than structural problems—get a pre-purchase inspection to confirm service history and check for any pattern of electrical gremlins.

The 2018 Hyundai I20 passes its MOT first time more often than most UK vehicles (90.3% vs ~80% average) — and when it does fail, it's usually something minor and cheap to fix.

⚠️ Around 1 in 8 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
90.3%
UK average ~80%
Better than average
Dangerous (ever)
14.2%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.65
Over 5.7 tests on record
Moderate
Typical mileage
30k
Middle half: 21k–41k
For context
Good baseline reliability. A 90.3% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 4.3 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 8,662 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

A solid choice — agree?

What tends to go wrong

Across 8,662 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 36%
Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing · Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 22.8%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 11%
Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt · COVID-19 6 MONTH EXTENSION · Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2018.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 8,662 Hyundai I20 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2018 Hyundai I20

Based on MOT data from 8,662 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 14.2% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (99%) 8,572 90.3% 0.65
Diesel (1%) 88 84.1% 0.85

Colour Breakdown

Based on 134,661 Hyundai I20 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

White 24.2%
32,613
Red 18.4%
24,805
Grey 15%
20,154
Blue 14.6%
19,704
Black 13%
17,483
Silver 12.6%
17,030
Green 1%
1,332
Brown 0.6%
855
Orange 0.5%
675
Gold 0%
10

Mileage Distribution

Most 2018 Hyundai I20 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

30,045
typical
20,628
low mileage
40,867
high mileage

Half of all 2018 Hyundai I20 vehicles fall between 20,628 and 40,867 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 20,628 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
20,628–40,867 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2018 Hyundai I20s sit.
Over 55,170 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2018 Hyundai I20 — Still on the Road

Almost all 2018 Hyundai I20s are still on the road.

Strong survival — 8,428 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 100% of the peak.

8,466 8,428 2021 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2021–2025.

MOT History Averages

5.7
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.65
Avg failures per vehicle
4.3
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Hyundai I20: All I20 years → Which year to buy? →
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2019 2020 2021

Or browse all models: Hyundai →

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Compare with another model

See how the 2018 Hyundai I20 stacks up against a rival.

A solid choice — agree?