Comparison · small hatchbacks

Ford Fiesta vs Hyundai i20: which is more reliable?

The Hyundai i20 does better at the MOT, with a score of 100 against 94 for the Ford Fiesta, comparing each with cars of the same age. Based on 1,485,967 real MOT tests in 2024.

Ford Fiesta

94Below average
MOT tests1,360,577

Hyundai i20

100About average
MOT tests125,390

By age

MOT Rank score for each age group (100 = an average car that age).

Age at testFord FiestaHyundai i20
3–5 years
100About average
101About average
6–9 years
94Below average
105Above average
10–14 years
93Below average
96Below average
15+ years
94Below average
99About average

Year by year

Share that passed first time, same registration year.

YearFord FiestaHyundai i20
202186.6%85.8%
202086.7%89.0%
201985.8%87.8%
201884.1%85.4%
201776.4%83.1%
201668.7%80.7%
201567.3%78.7%
201464.7%69.0%
201361.9%62.0%
201258.8%58.3%
201158.1%59.1%
201055.4%59.3%
200954.0%57.9%

Problem areas

Failure items per 100 tests.

AreaFord FiestaHyundai i20
Lights & electrics22.114.8
Suspension15.37.1
Brakes7.712.0
Tyres9.05.7
Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.27.1
Emissions & leaks5.22.4
Body & chassis3.91.9
Steering3.91.1

Ford Fiesta: top failures

  1. Stop lamp: not working5.8%
  2. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn4.5%
  3. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play2.7%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.2%
  5. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.8%
  6. Position lamp: not working1.8%

Hyundai i20: top failures

  1. Position lamp: not working3.8%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.4%
  3. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.8%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.5%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.4%
  6. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.3%

Questions

Which is more reliable, the Ford Fiesta or the Hyundai i20?

The Hyundai i20 does better at the MOT, with a score of 100 against 94 for the Ford Fiesta, comparing each with cars of the same age.

Which years of the Ford Fiesta and Hyundai i20 can be compared?

Both were tested for 13 registration years (2009–2021). The Ford Fiesta had the higher pass rate in 2 of them and the Hyundai i20 in 11.

What fails most on each?

Ford Fiesta: stop lamp: not working; suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn. Hyundai i20: position lamp: not working; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively.